Revised, October 2004, HU-149-9(a)
Page 8, Topped Carrots, Market Inspection
. Instructions, April 2004

; Poorly Colored carrots are defects of the U.S. Extra No. 1 and the U.S. No. 1
’ grades.

In case carrots show a mottied color, as they sometimes do following heavy
rains, the average color should be considered. Frequently the lower portion of the root
will be poorly colored, while the upper part will be fairly well colored. in cases of this
nature, when the lower portion is decidedly light in color, the carrot must be considered
Poorly colored.

‘Cracks (Qor rey
Growth Cracks (Q)
Deep or rough growth cracks:are considered as damaged but growth cracks,
which are smooth and shallow, shall not be considered as damage if they do not
materially affect the appearance of the carrot. Specimens that have several growth

cracks or very deep and long cracks sufficient to seriously affect the appearance
would be scored against the U.S. No. 2.

Fresh Cracks (C)

“Fresh cracks” are unhealed, narrow, and usually deep; they may occur or
progress in transit, as the result of jarring while the root is cold and brittle.

Score as damage when:
1. The air crack exceeds 1/5 (20%) the length of the carrot; or,
2. The crack is more than 1/8 inch wide; or,
3. The crack is more than 1/4 inch deep.
Score as serious damage when:
1. The air crack exceeds 1/2 (50%) the length of the carrot; or,
2. The crack is more than 1/4 inch wide; or, eee
3. The crack is more than 3/8 inch deep.
Carrots that show a combination of fresh cracks and other defects, neither or

which is sufficiently severe to score without the combination, should be scored against
the condition and reported under the “Condition” heading as fresh cracks.


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Factors noted with (Q) are considered quality only. Factors noted with (C) are
considered condition at market. Factors noted with (Q or C) may be quality or condition
depending on the circumstances. Factors not designated do not pertain to either
category.
a
Table of Contents

REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLING ........--ccsscsseseeesseee snsesseveovensssensanansnsseanensssonssssarens 1

SIZE OF SAMPLE
NUMBER OF SAMPLES..

TOLERANCES AND APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES..
APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES.
NOTESHEET AND CERTIFICATE.

PRobDUCT
NUMBER/TYPE OF CONTAINERS
BRANDS/MARKINGS ..
ORIGIN

CONDITION OF PACK.......cccsssssosssssssscsssncenssssatsnsencentensssents eatneeeaeacsenenenenenencosssenes 4
TEMPERATURE OF PRODUCT........:+::00+ snausuensnaeeneceeaueononsacauenress snesesseosen seen

SIZE... escssssessensenentsneenseeeen svscsensanestonvensevens eucsssnscsscuesaccunvecusoeaneavenessssansucsssasaueonsasones 5

TOLERANCES FOR OFF-SIZE...
CERTIFYING SIZE ONLY
STANDARD SIZING

DEFECTS (QUALITY AND CONDITION) ..

BACTERIAL BLIGHT (Q) ...
CLEANNESS, STAINING OR SMEARING (Q)...

CRACKS (Q OR C)...
GROWTH CRACKS (Q)..
FRESH CRACKS (C).....

DiISCOLORED OR WATER SOAKED ROOTS (C)

FIRMNESS OF RooTs (C)....

For (SHAPE) (Q)..

INSECT INJURY (Q) ...

MECHANICAL DAMAGE (Q) ..

Olt SPRAY (Q).....

PITHINESS (Q)......

SECONDARY NEW ToP GROWTH (C

SEED STEMS (Q)..

SMOOTHNESS (Q)....


Instructions for Scoring Cut or Broken Tips of Carrots

Cut or broken tips of carrots shall be scored on an appearance basis. Broken or
cut tips shall be scored according to the type of carrot and the relationship of the
diameter of the break or cut to the length of the remaining root.

Long and Half Long (Slender) Type Carrots: As a guide allow a fairly smooth cut
or break 1/2 inch in diameter for each 5 inches of root remaining.

Short (Stocky) Type Carrots: As a guide allow a fairly smooth cut or break 5/8
inch in diameter for each 5 inches of root remaining.

Carrots having rough or jagged cuts or broken tips are permitted provided they

do not detract from the appearance of the carrot to a greater extent than the allowance
for fairly smooth broken or cut tips.

14


Appendix | -- U. S. Grade Standards

United States Standards For Grades Of Topped Carrots'
Effective December 20, 1965

Grades

51.2360 U.S. Extra No. 1.

51.2361 U.S. No. 1.

51.2362 U.S. No. 1 Jumbo.

51.2363 U.S. No. 2.

Unclassified

51.2364 Unclassified.

Tolerances

51.2365 Tolerances.

Application of Tolerances

51.2366 Application of tolerances.

Sample for Grade Determination

51.2367 Sample for grade determination.

Standard Sizing

51.2368 Standard sizing.

Definitions

51.2369 Similar varietal characteristics.

51.2370 Well trimmed.

51.2371 Firm.

51.2372 Clean.

51.2373 Fairly well colored.

51.2374 Fairly smooth.

51.2375 Well formed.

51.2376 Secondary new top growth.

51.2377 Damage.

51.2378 Diameter.

51.2379 Length.

51.2380 Fairly clean.

51.2381 Fairly well formed.

51.2382 Excessively rough.

51.2383 Seriously misshapen.

51.2384 Serious damage.

Grades

§51.2360 U.S. Extra No. 1.

"U.S. Extra No. 1" consists of carrots of similar varietal characteristics which are well trimmed, firm, clean,
fairly well colored, fairly smooth, well formed; which are free from secondary new top growth and soft rot,
and free from damage caused by freezing, growth cracks, sunburn, pithiness, woodiness, internal
discoloration, oil spray, dry rot, other disease, insects or other means. (See §51.2365.)

(a) Size. The diameter of each carrot is not less than 3/4 inch or more than 1-1/2 inches, and the length
is not less than 5 inches. (See §51.2365.)

‘Compliance with the provision 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 regulations.

18


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Excessively Rough means that the carrot is rough or ridged to the extent that

the appearance is seriously affected. “Excessively rough” carrots are scored against all
grades.

Sunburn (Q)

Sunburn, which causes a loss of more than 5%, shall be considered as
damaged, except that superficial light green color at the stem end, which does not
materially affect the appearance of the root, shall be permitted. The superficial green or
purple color at the crown, which does not penetrate into the carrot sufficiently to cause
internal greening, should not be counted in determining waste or damage.

In determining waste, the top of the carrot should be cut off as in the ordinary
preparation for use, after which any additional cutting necessary to remove the green
discolored area should be considered in determining the percentage of waste. Only that
portion of the carrot in which the green predominates over the orange or yellow color
should be considered as discoloration in determining waste. Inspectors should cut

suspicious appearing carrots to determine if greening extending into the core causes
more waste than permitted by the grade.

Ordinarily a cut a half inch below the top of the crown will constitute from 3 to 5%
waste, depending on the length and diameter of the carrot. On a long type carrot the
1/2 inch will be about 3%, and on the shorter type, the 1/2 inch will be about 5%. If the

discoloration is confined to one side, the equivalent of 1/2 inch on both sides should be
permitted.

Trimming (Q)

All grades require the carrots to be well trimmed. “Well trimmed” means that the
tops are cut back to not more than 1 inch in length, except that new leaves developing
within the original central cluster of leaf stems, or occasional uncut leaves or leaf stems,
exceeding this length which do not materially affect the appearance of the individual
carrot shall be permitted. Carrots may have tips of roots cut or broken off; provided,
that these cuts or breaks are small and fairly smooth and do not materially affect the
appearance of the individual carrot. Refer to the guide illustrating broken tips.

Trimming is concerned with the deliberate cutting of the carrot, so that the tops
are not more than 1 inch in length. Also, tips of the carrots may be cut or broken in
order to cut carrots to a certain length or cut away a defect. Oftentimes carrots may be
broken or cut due to rough handling (see mechanical damage). Since it is often difficult
to determine whether a carrot was cut due to trimming or mechanical damage, unless

the inspector is certain that the defect was caused due to trimming score as mechanical
damage.

12


Number/Type of Containers

The number of containers shall always be reported. In the market and at
shipping point locations for stationary lot certification, the inspector shall always verify
the container count provided by the applicant for each lot and report it as the
“inspector's count.” If the number of containers available for inspection does not match
the application it is the inspector's responsibility to confirm that the amount presented
for inspection constitutes the lot. If an accurate count cannot be determined the
inspector may report the count at someone else’s authority. However, the reason for

doing so must be reported on the notesheet (e.g., numerous pallets with mixed
product.)

Topped carrots are usually packed and shipped in 50 pound cartons, 25 and 50
pound film bags, and 1, 2 and 5 pound consumer bags in master cartons or film bags.

When consumer units are packed in master containers, it is necessary to give a
brief description of both the consumer unit (film or mesh) and the master container.

Brands/Markings

The brand, variety, size, count, grade, weight, point of origin and other important
information appearing on the container should be reported on the notesheet in the
“Brands/Markings” section. Only the brand name and other key markings necessary to
properly identify the lot for certification should appear in this section on the certificate.

Origin

The inspector should not make a positive statement on their own authority, but
when container markings list the state or country of origin, it should be quoted in the
appropriate space on the notesheet and the certificate. If origin is not marked, it is the
inspectors responsibility to make an effort to obtain this information from the applicant.
This policy is necessary because some firms may use one mark on the same product
packed in several states. The inspector can certify only to the marks and has no means
of verifying what state or country the carrots are grown.

|

CONDITION OF PACK

When the carrots are packed loose in cartons, boxes, baskets, etc., use the
terms “well filled,” “fairly well filled” or “slack” as defined in the General Market
Inspection Instructions. If these packs are faced this fact should be mentioned.

When the product is in sacks or film bags (including consumer size film bags

packed in any type of master container) this heading on the notesheet should be
deleted.


§51.2382 Excessively rough.

“Excessively rough" means that the individual carrot is rough or ridged to the extent that the appearance
is seriously affected.

§51.2383 Seriously misshapen. .

“Seriously misshapen" means that the individual carrot is forked or misshapen to the extent that the
appearance is seriously affected.

§51.2384 Serious damage.

"Serious damage" means any defect, or any combination of defects, which seriously detracts from the
appearance, or the edible or shipping quality of the individual carrot or the appearance of the sample as a

whole, or which cannot be removed without a loss of more than 20 percent, by weight, in the ordinary
preparation for use.

Conversion Table :
Inches Millimeters (mm) | Inches Millimeters (mm)
180 = 3.2 1 = 25.4
Wo = 6.4 1-1/4 = 31.8 |
38 = 9.5 1-1/2 = 38.1
W205 12.7 1-3/4 = 444
58 = 15.9 2 = 50.8
340 = 19.0 3 = 76.2
78 = 22.2 4 = . 101.6

21


REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLING

The importance of obtaining representative samples cannot be over emphasized.
Accurate certification is possible only if the samples examined are truly representative
of the entire lot or accessible portion. All portions of a lot or load should receive the
same attention in sampling regardless of the difficulty involved in reaching all layers or
parts of a lot or load. Anytime the entire lot requested is not accessible for sampling,
the inspection and certificate must be restricted to the accessible portion.

Size of Sample

The tolerances in the U.S. Standards for Grades of Topped Carrots are
determined on the basis of count.

Each sample shall consist of 50 carrots, regardless of the size of the package.

When individual packages contain at least 50 carrots, the 50-carrot sample is
drawn from one package. When individual packages contain less than 50 carrots (such
as 1 to 3 lb. consumer packages), a sufficient number of adjoining packages are
opened to form the 50-carrot sample. For example, it may be necessary in the case of
4-Ib. packages packed in master containers to open as many as 5 or 6 of the 1-Ib. units
within the master container to obtain the 50-carrot sample. If five 1-Ib. units are opened
and found to contain only 47 carrots, then 3 carrots will be taken out of the sixth. Follow
the same procedure (obtaining each sample from a different master container) until a
sufficient number of samples are examined.

Number of Samples

As a general rule a minimum of 1% of the lot must be examined. For lots of less
than 300 packages a minimum of 3 samples must be examined. It is the inspector's
responsibility to examine additional representative samples when the quality, condition,
or size in samples is decidedly different to ensure an accurate description of the lot.

TOLERANCES AND APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES
§51.2365 Tolerances.

In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and
handling in each of the foregoing grades, the following tolerances,
by count, are provided as specified:


SUNBURN (Q)...
TRIMMING (Q) ..
Wooniness (Q)
Decay (C)....

DEcay AFFI a

DEcay AFFECTING LEAF STEMS. 13
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SCORING CUT OR BROKEN TIPS OF CARROTS......14
APPENDIX | - U. S. GRADE STANDARDG.........sss0s008 sasssasensones 18

UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR GRADES OF TOPPED CARROTS .


Woodiness (Q)

Carrots that have been growing for a long time often develop woody cores.
Carrots that are planted in the fall and harvested in the spring are more apt to show this
condition. Woody cores are very tough and fibrous. A test for determining woody cores
is to cut the carrot at right angles to the longitudinal axis with a sharp knife. If the core
is woody to the extent that the knife will require appreciably more force to cut it than is
required to cut the surrounding layer of flesh it is usually woody enough to score. If any
tissues are woody enough to score as damage they usually will be sufficiently woody to
score as serious damage.

Decay (C)

Decay Affecting Roots
Decay affecting roots is to be separated into two classes: dry rot and soft rot.

Dry Rot:

Dry rots such as Fusarium Rot or Black Rot must not be reported with soft rot.
They should be scored on the basis of appearance and waste under the general

definitions of damage or serious damage and scored against the tolerances for general
defects.

Soft Rot:

Soft rot must be reported separately from other defects as the grades provide
that carrots must be free from soft rot. If no soft rot is found the certificate should state
“No soft rot.” The tolerance for soft rot affecting roots is 1% for U.S. Extra No. 1, and
2% for all other grades.

Decay Affecting Leaf Stems

Although the U.S. Standards do not specifically provide for this, it has been
administratively ruled that decay affecting leaf stems shall be scored against the 5%

restricted tolerance for serious damage in the U.S. Extra No. 1 and U.S. No. 1 grades.
In no case can the combined total of decay affecting leaf stems and soft rot affecting
roots exceed 5%. For example, if the lot showed 4% decay affecting leaf stems and
2% soft rot affecting roots, the lot could not grade U.S. No. 1.

13


carrot affected by soft rot is found in each of two of these bags (or 4 percent for the
sample). This lot could average within tolerance.

However, if these two carrots were found in the same consumer unit the lot
would not grade U.S. No. 1, regardless of the average for the lot. In the example
above, the lot tolerance was not exceeded, but the package tolerance was exceeded.

NOTESHEET AND CERTIFICATE

Entries on the notesheet and certificate must be kept in a legible and accurate
manner. It is mandatory that all information which appears on the certificate be
supported by information on the notesheet. It is the responsibility of the inspector to
ensure that all information is properly recorded. Notations shall be recorded so that
anyone familiar with inspection procedures can interpret them and write a certificate.
Also remember that notesheets and certificates are prima facie evidence and must be
able to withstand legal scrutiny.

Detailed instructions pertaining to date, inspection point, place of inspection, type
of carrier, lading, etc., which are not covered by these instructions may be found in the
General Inspection Instructions. Additional information and instructions may be given
by your supervisor.

Product

The common name Topped Carrots, shall be used to describe this commodity in
the product heading. Type may be reported in the “Lot ID” section on the market
notesheet and certificate.

It is permissible (only at applicant's request) to show the carrots, as being of a
certain type if the inspector is sure that such a statement is true.

Long type. The principal difficulty in determining type is distinguishing between
the long type represented by the Imperator variety and the half long type, such as
Chantenay and Danvers Half Long. Whenever the lot as a whole is found to be
distinctly long or distinctly half long, it will be satisfactory to report as “Long type” or
“Half-long type” in accordance with the facts. In many lots the roots may not be
distinctly of one type or the other but range from long to haff long with all intermediate
degrees. Such variation is not unusual, and no attempt should be made to describe
type in such a situation though the variation in shape may be described if specifically
requested by the applicant.

Short type carrots such as the Oxheart variety can usually be distinguished, as
they are distinctly shorter and broader than the long or half long types.


Figure C

CARROTS

Rough or Jagged Broken Tips

17


USDA Denrien Topped Carrots

Agricultural
Marketing

Service Market Inspection Instructions
Fruit and
Vegetable
Programs

Fresh Products
Branch

April 2004

Previously
April 1966



Tolerances For Off-Size

The tolerance of carrots larger than specified maximum diameter is 5 percent.
The tolerance for carrots shorter than the specified minimum length or smaller than the
specified minimum diameter is 10 percent (the full tolerance may be applied to

undersize length or undersize diameter, provided the combined total does not exceed
10 percent). .

Certifying Size Only

Since size is a grade requirement of the topped carrot standards, it is permissible
to certify “Size Only” on the certificate when specifically requested to do so.

Standard Sizing

Standard sizing may be specified in connection with the grade when the product
is in packages weighing approximately 2 pounds or less. The carrots in individual
packages may not vary more than 3/8 inch in diameter or 2-1/2 inches in length. Not

more than 10 percent of the packages may fail to meet the requirements for standard
sizing.

DEFECTS (QUALITY AND CONDITION)

Statements pertaining to freshness, maturity, shape, color, the amount and type
of defects, and the amount of decay are shown under the appropriate headings.

Factors noted with (Q) are considered as QUALITY only (Quality, sometimes
referred to as “permanent” defects), means defects. which do not change during
storage or shipment (shape, scars, etc.).

Factors noted with (C) shall be reported as CONDITION on market certificates.
(Condition defects are defects which are subject to change during shipment or
storage, including but not limited to bruising, discoloration, shriveling and decay.)

Those factors noted with (Q or C) may be considered as QUALITY or
CONDITION, depending on the circumstances.

Bacterial Blight (Q)

Bacterial Blight affects roots, leaves, flower stalks and flower heads of carrots in
the field. On the leaves, it will appear as irregular necrotic spots and on the stems and
petioles as brownish streaks. On the roots it appears as constrictions where the
infection has been earlier. Again, it may appear as narrow bands of brown or black, .
later to become raised or scabby and then coalesce. These types are scored on the

basis of appearance and waste, but chiefly on appearance, under the definition of
damage. Describe as “blight scars.”


TEMPERATURE OF PRODUCT

Inspectors would not normally determine or report temperatures at shipping
point. However, due to the importance of the pulp temperature of fresh fruits and
vegetables when in transit or at destination, it is essential that the inspector accurately
determine and report the temperature or range in temperatures on each lot. Pulp
temperature should be reported regardless of the location of the product, whether in the
carrier, warehouse, or stacked on the platform. Remember to pre-cool the thermometer
in order to obtain true readings. Report all temperatures to the nearest whole degree.

A minimum of three temperatures for each lot must be taken and recorded on the
notesheet. More temperatures must be taken if the lot is abnormally cold, heated, or
there is a specific request for temperature, and these must be reported in greater detail
specifying location in lot or load.

SIZE

U.S. Extra No. 1 Size Requirements:

This grade requires the diameter of each carrot to be not less than 3/4 inch or
more than 1-1/2 inches, and the length to be not less than 5 inches. It is permissible to
specify diameters within the 3/4 to 1-1/2 inch range, and lengths of more than 5 inches.
For example: “U.S. Extra No. 1, 7/8 inch minimum diameter, 1-1/4 inches maximum
diameter” or “U.S. Extra No. 1, 7/8 inch minimum diameter, 6-1/2 inches minimum
length.” Diameters outside of the 3/4 inch to 1-1/2 inch range, and lengths less than 5
inches may not be specified.

U.S. No. 1 Size Requirements:

The sizes for this grade are the same as the U.S. Extra No. 1 except that any
other size may be specified. It is permissible to specify sizes both within and outside of
the 3/4 inch to 1-1/2 inch range, and lengths either longer or shorter than 5 inches.

U.S. No. 1 Jumbo Size Requirements:

The minimum and maximum diameter requirements for this grade are 1 and 2-
1/2 inches, respectively; the minimum length is 5 inches. It is permissible to specify
diameters within the 1 to 2-1/2 inch range, such as “U.S. No. 1 Jumbo, 1-1/4 inches
minimum diameter, 2 inches maximum diameter,” and lengths of more than 5 inches
such as “U.S. No. 1 Jumbo, 7 inches minimum length.” Diameters outside of the 1 to 2-
1/2 inch range, and lengths less than 5 inches may not be specified.

U.S. No. 2 Size Requirements:

In this grade the minimum and maximum diameter requirements are 1 and 3
inches, respectively; the minimum length is 3 inches. Any of these sizes may be
otherwise specified.


(a) Defects - (1) U.S. Extra No. 1 grade. Ten percent for carrots in
any lot which fail to meet the requirements of this grade: Provided,
That not more than one-half of this amount, or 5 percent, shall be
allowed for defects causing serious damage, including therein not
more than 1 percent for carrots affected by soft rot.

(2) U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. 1 Jumbo grades. Ten percent for carrots
in any lot which fail to meet the requirements of the grade: Provided,
That not more than one-half of this amount, or 5 percent, shall be
allowed for defects causing serious damage, including therein not
more than 2 percent for carrots affected by soft rot.

(3) U.S. No. 2 grade. Ten percent for carrots which fail to meet the
requirements of this grade, including therein not more than 2 percent
for carrots affected by soft rot.

(b) Off-size. (1) Five percent for carrots in any lot which are larger
than the specified maximum diameter; and

(2) Ten percent for carrots in any lot, which are smaller than the

specified minimum diameter or shorter than the specified minimum
length.

Application of Tolerances

§51.2366 Application of tolerances. Individual samples shall not
have more than double the tolerance specified: Provided, That not
more than one carrot which is frozen or affected by soft rot may be
Permitted in any package weighing approximately 3 pounds or less:
And provided further, That the averages for the entire lot are within
the tolerances specified for the grade.

Thus, for consumer units of 3 Ibs. or less, there are restrictions on both the
sample and the package when soft rot or freezing is a factor. Since not more than one
carrot affected by soft rot or freezing is allowed in any package, it will be necessary to

examine the contents of consumer units individually before making up the 50-carrot
sample.

The tolerance for soft rot in the U.S. No. 1 grade is 2 percent. Individual
samples (50 carrots) may not contain more than 4 percent soft rot (or 2 carrots). For
example, let us say that it takes five 1-Ib. bags to make up the 50-carrot sample. One




§51.2361 U.S. No. 1.

"U.S. No. 1" consists of carrots of similar varietal characteristics which are well trimmed, firm, fairly clean,
fairly well colored, fairly smooth, fairly well formed; which are free from soft rot, and free from damage
caused by freezing, growth cracks, sunburn, pithiness, woodiness, internal discoloration, oil spray, dry rot,
other disease, insects or other means. (See §51.2365.)

(a) Size. Unless otherwise specified, the diameter of each carrot is not less than 3/4 inch or more than 1-
1/2 inches, and the length is not less than 5 inches. (See §51.2365.)

§51.2362 U.S. No. 1 Jumbo.

"U.S. No. 1 Jumbo" consists of carrots which meet all requirements of the U.S. No. 1 grade except for
size. (See §51.2365.)

(a) Size. The diameter of each carrot is not less than 1 inch or more than 2-1/2 inches, and the length is
not less than 5 inches. (See §51.2365.)

§51.2363 U.S. No. 2.

"U.S. No. 2" consists of carrots of similar varietal characteristics which are well trimmed, firm, not
excessively rough, not seriously misshapen; which are free from soft rot, and free from serious damage
caused by dirt, freezing, growth cracks, sunburn, pithiness, woodiness, internal discoloration, oil spray,
dry rot, other disease, insects or other means. (See §51.2365.)

(a) Size. Unless otherwise specified, the diameter of each carrot is not less than 1 inch or more than 3
inches, and the length is not less than 3 inches. (See §51.2365.)

Unclassified

§51.2364 Unclassified.

“Unclassified” consists of carrots which have not been classified in accordance with any of the foregoing
grades. The term "unclassified" is not a grade within the meaning of these standards, but is provided as
a designation to show that no grade has been applied to the lot.

Tolerances

§51.2365 Tolerances.

In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling in each of the foregoing grades, the
following tolerances, by count, are provided as specified:

(a) Defects -- (1) U.S. Extra No. 1 grade. Ten percent for carrots in any lot which fail to meet the
requirements of this grade: Provided, That not more than one-half of this amount, or 5 percent, shall be
allowed for defects causing serious damage, including therein not more than 1 percent for carrots
affected by soft rot.

(2) U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. 1 Jumbo grades. Ten percent for carrots in any lot which fail to meet the
requirements of the grade: Provided, That not more than one-half of this amount, or 5 percent, shall be
allowed for defects causing serious damage, including therein not more than 2 percent for carrots
affected by soft rot.

(3) U.S. No. 2 grade. Ten percent for carrots which fail to meet the requirements of this grade, including
therein not more than 2 percent for carrots affected by soft rot.

(b) Off-size. (1) Five percent for carrots in any lot which are larger than the specified maximum diameter;
and

(2) Ten percent for carrots in any lot, which are smaller than the specified minimum diameter or shorter
than the specified. minimum length.

Application of Tolerances

§51.2366 Application of tolerances.

Individual samples shall not have more than double the tolerance specified: Provided, That not more
than one carrot which is frozen or affected by soft rot may be permitted in any package weighing
approximately 3 pounds or less: And provided further, That the averages for the entire lot are within the
tolerances specified for the grade.

Sample for Grade Determination

§51.2367 Sample for grade determination.

Each sample shall consist of 50 carrots. When individual packages contain at least 50 carrots, the
sample is drawn from one package; when individual packages contain less than 50 carrots, a sufficient
number of adjoining packages are opened to form a 50 carrot sample.

19




Discolored Or Water Soaked Roots (C)

Black discoloration affecting thread-like terminal roots of carrots should never be
scored as damage. However, discoloration occurring on other portions of the carrot
should be scored on the basis of appearance. Score more severely if areas are slick or
sticky. Do not report discolored, water soaked, slick or sticky areas as soft rot.

Firmness Of Roots (C)

The carrot grades all specify the roots shall be “firm” which is defined as
meaning “that the carrots are not soft, flabby or shriveled.” Firmness should be
described by the following terms:

Firm means that the carrots are not soft, flabby or shriveled.

Fairly Firm means that the carrots are slightly wilted, soft or flabby. (Fails to
meet requirements of all grades.)

Flabby and Wilted means that the carrots are badly wilted, flabby, soft, limp or
rubbery.

The range and average percentage of flabby and wilted roots and fairly firm roots
should be reported. The location in the container and in the car should be shown, as
this has an important bearing on indicating whether wilting occurred prior to packing or
during the transit period due to lack of adequate refrigeration.

Form (Shape) (Q)

Use the following terms to describe shape: well formed; fairly well formed,
misshapen and seriously misshapen.

Well Formed means that the carrot is not forked, or misshapen to the extent that
its appearance is more than slightly affected. Well formed is a requirement of the U.S.
Extra No. 1 Grade.

Fairly Well Formed means that the carrot is not forked, or misshapen to the
extent that its appearance is materially affected. Fairly well formed is the minimum
shape requirement for the U.S. No. 1 Grades.

Misshapen means that the carrot is forked, or twisted, curved or, otherwise ill-
formed to the extent that the appearance is materially affected. Such carrots are
passable only as U.S. No. 2.

Seriously Misshapen means that the carrot is misshapen to the extent that the
appearance is seriously affected. Such carrots are scored against all grades.

Refer to the official photographs for guidance in determining shape (Topped
Carrot, C-1, Shape and Smoothness). Waste is not a factor in scoring shape.
Describe the shape of the lot as completely as possible. For example, when certifying


cross section may be viewed, as well as observing the crispness of the carrot while
cutting or breaking. Roots that are definitely spongy and porous should be scored as
damage.

Secondary New Top Growth (C)

The U.S. Extra No. 1 Grade requires that the carrots be free from secondary
new top growth. Therefore any evidence of new top growth is scorable against the U.S.
Extra No. 1 Grade, regardless of the length of the growth. Secondary new top growth is
defined as new leaves or clusters of leaves, which have developed outside the original
cluster of leaf stems. This condition may be encountered near the end of the storage
season. In the U.S. No. 1 Grades new top growth is scored on an appearance basis.
When in excess of 1 inch in length the appearance of the individual carrot is materially
affected and must be scored as damage.

Seed Stems (Q)

Seed stems in carrots may be the result of volunteer growth from the previous
crop or develop late in the season when tops are inclined to make rank growth. Seed
stem growth materially affects the flavor and eating quality of the carrots and when
readily noticeable, the root should be scored as damage. Any carrot showing that the
seed stem has been removed should be scored, for the seed stem has affected its
“edible quality.” Seed stems may also cause serious damage to the carrots.

Smoothness (Q)

All grades except U.S. No. 2 require the carrots to be fairly smooth. In
determining smoothness, the roughness of the surface as well as the presence of any
secondary rootlets should be considered. The official photographs (Topped Carrot
folder C-1) illustrate degrees of smoothness without the presence of secondary rootlets.
Therefore, if secondary rootlets are present, a stricter interpretation of surface
roughness than that shown in the photographs is necessary. Use the following terms to
describe smoothness:

Smooth means that the carrot has a fairly even surface, not ridged, grooved,
lumpy, and is practically free from secondary rootlets.

Fairly Smooth means that the carrot is not rough, ridged, or covered with
secondary rootlets to the extent that the appearance is materially affected. “Fairly
Smooth” is the minimum requirement of U.S. Extra No. 1, U.S. No. 1, and U.S. No.
1 Jumbo Grades.

Rough means that the carrot is ridged, grooved, lumpy or covered with
secondary rootlets to an extent that the appearance is materially affected. Such carrots
are U.S. No. 2.

11


Market Inspection Instructions
For Topped Carrots

These inspection instructions are specifically developed by the Fresh Products
Branch to assist officially licensed inspectors in the interpretation and application of the
U.S. Standards for Grades of Topped Carrots, Section 51.2360.

These instructions do not establish any substantial rule not legally authorized by
the official grade standards. This publication supersedes any previously issued
inspection instructions.

Refer to the General Inspection Instructions for additional information pertaining
to date, inspection point, carrier, condition of carrier, lading, etc. that is not covered in
this handbook. Reference to “General Inspection Instructions” in all Fresh Products
Branch publications refers to any one or all of the following - General Shipping Point
Inspection Instructions, General Market Inspection Instructions, or Fresh Fruit and
Vegetable Certificate Writing Handbooks.

Any portion of these instructions beginning with the section number §51.--- and
followed by bold print are sections or portions of sections copied directly from U.S.
standards. The U.S. Standards for Grades of Topped Carrots are printed in the
appendix of this handbook. All U.S. standards are available on the Internet under the
USDA homepage.

April 2004

REPRINTED JANUARY 2007

This publication may be duplicated without authorization from USDA.

This replaces Market Inspection Instructions for Topped Carrots dated March 1956.
Reformatted October 2002, previously April 1966.






Standard Sizing

§51.2368 Standard sizing.

(a) Packages of carrots containing 2 pounds or less may be certified as “standard sizing,” provided the
variation in diameter of the carrots in any individual package is not more than three-eighths inch and the
variation in length is not more than 2-1/2 inches.

(b) Not more than 10 percent of the packages in any lot may fail to meet the requirements for "standard
sizing."

Definitions

§51.2369 Similar varietal characteristics.

"Similar varietal characteristics" means that the carrots in any lot are of the same general type. For
example, carrots with a short, but blunt growth like the Oxheart variety, shail not be mixed with long or
half-long carrots like the Imperator or Danvers varieties.

§51.2370 Well trimmed.

“Well trimmed" means that the tops are cut back to not more than 1 inch in length, except that new leaves
developing within the original central cluster of leafstems, or occasional uncut leaves or leafstems,
exceeding this length which do not materially affect the appearance of the individual carrot shall be
permitted. Carrots may have tips of roots cut or broken off: Provided, That these cuts or breaks are
small and fairly smooth and do not materially affect the appearance of the individual carrot.

§51.2371 Firm.

"Firm" means that the carrot is not soft, flabby, or shriveled.

§51.2372 Clean.

"Clean" means that the individual carrot is practically free from dirt and other foreign matter.

§51.2373 Fairly well colored.

“Fairly well colored" means that the carrot has an orange, orange red, or orange scarlet color, but not a
pale orange or distinct yellow color.

§51.2374 Fairly smooth.

"Fairly smooth" means that the individual carrot is not rough, ridged, or covered with secondary rootlets to
the extent that the appearance is materially affected.

§51.2375 Well formed.

"Well formed” means that the individual carrot is not forked, or misshapen to the extent that the
appearance is more than slightly affected.

§51.2376 Secondary new top growth.

"Secondary new top growth” means new leaves or clusters of leaves which have developed outside the
original central cluster of leafstems.

§51.2377 Damage.

"Damage" means any specific defect described in this section; or an 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 shipping quality of the individual carrot or the appearance of the sample as a
whole, or which cannot be removed without a loss of more than 5 percent, by weight, in the ordinary
preparation for use. The following specific defects shall be considered as damage:

(a) Growth cracks which are not shallow or not smooth, or which materially detract from the appearance
of the individual carrot;

(b) Sunburn which causes a loss of more than 5 percent, by weight, in the ordinary preparation for use,
except that superficial light green color at the stem end which does not materially detract from the
appearance of the carrot shall be permitted.

§51.2378 Diameter.

"Diameter" means the greatest dimension of the carrot measured at right angles to the longitudinal axis.
§51.2379 Length.

"Length" means the greatest dimension of the carrot measured from the crown to the lowest point which
is not less than one-fourth inch in diameter.

§51.2380 Fairly clean.

"Fairly clean" means that the individual carrot is reasonably free from dirt and other foreign matter.
§51.2381 Fairly well formed.

"Fairly well formed" means that the individual carrot is not forked, or misshapen to the extent that the
appearance is materially affected.

20


ne
Cleanness, Staining or Smearing (Q)
The following terms are to be used to describe cleanness:

Clean means that the individual carrot is practically free from dirt and other
foreign matter. Carrots that can be classed as clean practically always have been
washed. However, the fact that a carrot has been washed does not necessarily mean
that it is clean. Only a slight amount of dirt is permitted on the individual carrot.
“Clean” is a requirement of the U.S. Extra No. 1 Grade.

Fairly Clean means that the individual carrot is reasonably free from dirt and
other foreign matter. The maximum aggregate area of caked dirt allowed for “fairly
clean” is 11/16 of an inch (the size of a dime) on a carrot 1 inch in diameter and 6
inches in length. Allow lesser or greater amounts on smaller or larger carrots. “Fairly
clean” is the minimum requirement of the U.S. No. 1 Grades.

Dirty is not defined in the carrot standards but may be used to describe carrots
that are not “fairly clean” but are not so dirty that they are “seriously damaged” by dirt.
Carrots described as “dirty” or “damaged by dirt” are passable as U.S. No. 2.

Serious Damage by Dirt applies to carrots whose appearance is seriously
affected by dirt. Individual carrots with more than 1/2 of their surface caked with mud
or dirt (lesser amounts when the dirt is thick or dark) are seriously damaged by dirt,
and fail to meet the requirements of any U.S. Grade.

Staining Or Smearing:

Staining or smearing normally is scored on the basis of appearance of the
individual carrot. Allow a slightly greater area than that permitted for caked dirt.
However, there may be lots containing an appreciable percentage of smeared or
stained carrots and, although not scorable individually, their presence would affect the
general appearance of the sample. Use general terms to describe such lots. For
example: “Most samples dirty, many fairly clean” (not U.S. No. 1), or “Most samples
seriously damaged by dirt (or staining), many samples dirty, few samples fairly clean”
(not U.S. No. 2).

‘Color (Q)
Use the following terms to describe color:

Well Colored is not defined in the standards but may be used to describe
carrots which are well above the minimum requirements for “fairly well colored.” Use
this term (when applicable) to provide a better description of the lot.

Fairly Well Colored means that the carrot has an orange, orange red, or
orange scarlet color, but not a pale orange or distinct yellow color. All grades except
U.S. No. 2 require carrots to be at least fairly well colored. Although the U.S. No.
2 grade has no color requirements, it may be reported if specifically requested.



on the basis of U.S. No. 1 which requires “fairly well formed,” it would not be correct to
show the lot as only “fairly well formed” when there is an appreciable percentage of
“well formed” carrots in the lot. “Mostly well, some fairly well formed” (or any applicable
general quantity term) gives a much better description of the lot.

Insect Injury (Q)

Wireworm and nematode are the most common insects affecting carrots.
Nematodes may cause the root to be rough, or cause enlarged tips of carrots or the
secondary rootlets to have enlarged nodules resulting in a rough appearance sufficient
to score against grade. Since such roughness may be due to other causes, such
carrots should be scored as rough. See paragraphs concerming “Smoothness.”

The extent of the injury caused by wireworm is difficult to determine. Although
the standards permit 5% waste before scoring as damage, this defect normally will be
scored on an appearance basis, because the appearance ordinarily will be materially
affected without causing 5% waste. The same applies for serious damage.

Mechanical Damage (Q)

Mechanical damage includes stock, which is bruised, cut or broken, caused by
rough handling. If only a small portion of the tip is cut off, broken or bruised or a small
portion of the crown cut off on topped carrots and not sufficient to materially affect the
appearance of the carrot, it should not be scored as damaged. However, if any
material portion is bruised, broken or cut off sufficiently to damage the appearance, it
must be scored. While the term “mechanical damage’ is not fully descriptive, it can be
used in cases where there are small percentages of cuts, bruises and broken carrots
which can be grouped under this term without giving the longer description that would

be necessary if each type of defect were enumerated. Refer to the guide illustrating
broken tips.

Oil Spray (Q)

Oil spray damage may occur when fields are sprayed with an oil spray for weed
control. If the application of oil spray is made while the carrots are very young, no
damage will result. To determine oil damage, observe the carrot(s) for signs of oil
residue. If the oil residue is readily noticeable, the carrot(s) should be scored against all

grades. Make no attempt to certify such a lot until advice has been received from your
supervisor.

Pithiness (Q)

Pithiness is probably the result of unfavorable growing conditions or frost injury
resulting in the texture of the roots being fibrous and spongy. In order to determine
pithiness the roots that show indications of sponginess should be cut or broken so a

10