E. Pitting _

More than half the domestic dates sold in consumer
packages are pitted dates. To accomplish this, Ashlock
pitting machines are used exclusively by the industry.
Properly textured dates are dumped or conveyed into one
end of the machine. An endless placement conveyor
places the dates into cups on an endless belt. These
pass under a pitting head that punches the pits out of

8 dates at a time. The dates are then collected and
conveyed to wire mesh trays or plastic lugs to be used
in the packing operation or held in storage until needed.

F. Packing

Properly processed dates on wire mesh trays or in plastic
lugs are brought from the grading, maturation, hydrating,
pitting or storage facilities to the packing operation.
There the dates are dumped on a spreading belt where
usually a final inspection is made to eliminate any
defective or improper units. From this point, depending
upon the plant and operation, the dates can go to & hand
filling, weighing, and sealing operation to a completely
automated weighing, filling and sealing operetion.

1. Containers

Various container sizes and types are used to
package dates. Some of the commonly used containers
ere listed below.

Cartons of fiber or plastic with heat sealed
cello type overwrap in 8, 10, 12, 16, 24 and 32
ounce sizes.

Bags of clear or printed cello type film or pliofilm
in 10, 12, 16, and 24 ounce sizes. Bags may be heat
sealed, have a heat sealed flap label or stapled
flap label. Some bags may be placed in a window
top fiber carton.

Cups of clear or printed plastic with polyethylene
‘Tids in 8, 10, 12, 16, and 24 ounce sizes.

Cases of corrugated fiber, solid fiber or wood in
TS; 15, 25, and 30 pound sizes. These containers
are sealed by gluing, stapling, teping, or nailing.

2. Preservatives

For some export orders a few plants may add a

commercial fungicide or in-package fumigant to

retard fermentation, mold growth, and insect }
infestation. A measured amount of the ingredient 1s ~
automatically added to the package just prior to sealing.

-19-


d

»

The following guide may be used to assign score points
for dates that fall into the (B) Classification:

Percent by Weight

Score Fairly good Semi-dry Dry calyx
Points Character Calyx ends ends
- (maximum)
35 10% including ag and 1%
DATES, not 34 15% no 6% and 1%
“dry for
processing" 33 20% " 8% and 2%
32 25% " 10% and 2%
Score Fairly good
Points character Semi-dry or dry calyx ends
(maximum
35 10% No limit
DATES, 3h 15% No limit
"ary for
processing" 33 20% No limit
32 25% No limit

3. Grade C Classification

Whole or pitted dates that are not “dry dates for
processing" arescored in this classification if
definitely firm though pliable. In addition no
less than 80 percent, by weight, of the dates are
fairly well developed, fairly well fleshed and
fairly well ripened.

If the dates at time of packing are not of this
character, consideration shall be given to their
state of ripeness that will develop into such
"fairly good character" within 15 days.

Dates that are otherwise of "fairly good character"
may possess semi-dry calyx ends and not more than
20 percent dry calyx ends in combination with other
dates that are not of fairly good character.

- ho -


c.

Defects

Although numerous defects are common to dates, only a
few predominate from year to year. As an example,

insect injury or damage by the "red spider mite" may
appear in such prominence ag to ruin the quality of an
entire garden, if poor control of the pest is practiced.
A particularly humid season may result in an excess of
"black nose" or"serious damage by checking"; or an
improperly thinned garden in a windy ares may result

in the fruit being "damaged by scars." Rainy years
usually result in considerable quantities of moldy dates.
Date gardens with excessive decaying dates and organic
material on the soil, and where poor control or improper
timing of insecticide applications are practiced, usually
end up with a serious insect problem.

Each scoreable defect is defined in detail in the USDA
grade-standards and should be followed together with
supervisory instruction that may be necessary for proper
interpretation. As a ready reference and work sheet use
the reverse side of the Score Sheet for Dates, (Form FV-
364-78 Reverse, Exhibit 4b), which contains a summary of
the maximum allowances for defects in the various
categories.

The most time consuming part of the examination for defects
is the determination for wholesomeness. These are the
"Food and Drug Defects "that affect the dates by souring,
mold, dirt, insect infestation, foreign material or decay.
Each date in the sample is examined and opened up for this
determination.

An alternate method for determining the Food and Drug
defects can be found in the "Instructions For Inspection

of Imported Dates," file code 157-0-5. This is a sequential
method of examining 25 dates at a time to determine if the
sample is accepted or rejected. This method can be a time
saver if the lot of dates has very few or very many. Food and
Drug defects.

1. Assigning the Score and Grade

Score for defects may be assigned in accordance with
the groupings on the table, Scoring Defect Factors
for Grades of Dates, and as further outlined in the
USDA grade-standards and these instructions.

These score points depend upon the kind of defects found
and in accordance with the limitations within the total
allowance for each grade classification.

As an explanation of the "Defect Table", score as
27 points when the total of all defects for Grade A

- %-


Points ..... Show average of score points.

(Example: 85)
Grade ....... Enter the appropriate grade statement. fN\
(Examples: B : }
c (Dry)
SsTD)

Remarks..... (1) To be used if the code space is too
small.

(2) To describe special types of packaging.

(3) In cases where lots are regraded or
repacked, record the original certificate
number and pertinent information:

(Example: "Previously certified as F.P.
Certificate No. KE-000)

(4) If inspection occurs at place other
than applicant's plant, record
location under the space for "remarks".

Signature... Sign your official signature exactly as it
appears on your appointment papers.

2. Distribution of Date Inspection Report FV-101

Original to the applicant.

1 copy to Date Administrative Committee.
1 copy with score sheets.

1 copy for Indio Inspection sub-office.
1 copy for special file (Export)

3. Correction of Inspection Reports

If the inspector detects an error in a memorandum report,
or if an error is called to his attention and a review
of inspection records confirms such error, he should
immediately issue a corrected Inspection Report. In

the upper right hand corner of the report write in the
word "CORRECTED CERTIFICATE". Under "Remarks" add a
statement as follow;

"This report supersedes Report. No.
dated which was issued in error.”

Distribute the corrected report in the same manner as
the report that it supersedes.

Cc. Report Ledger

All dates inspected in the production area and certified

on the Date Inspection Report FV-l0l are to be entered in the ‘
Report Ledger for billing purposes. Macerated dates, date A /
pieces or other forms of dates inspected and certified. on :

- 45 -


Side spots are usually circular in outline, rather shallow
in depth, and range in.color from light brown to reddish
brown or brownish black. The consistency of infected

flesh is soft and watery at first but it becomes firm as the
fruit ripens. Side spots usually do not involve the entire
fruit because the disease process is relatively slow and it
is usually interrupted before a large proportion of the date
is affected. The infected tissue is not greatly disorganized
but it undergoes chemical changes resulting in discoloration
and loss of sugar. The flavor of fruits with small side
spots is not noticeably changed and the appearance of such
fruits is only slightly impaired. The principal difficulty
in packing slightly affected fruit is the danger that the
spots will continue to develop after the fruit is removed
from cold storage and placed on a shelf at room temperature.

Harvesting

The stage of maturity at which fruit is picked may vary
considerably depending on local weather conditions, consumer
preference, variety, processing techniques and picking method.
As a rule the date bunches on a palm tree mature at different
times. In addition not all the dates on any one ‘bunch may
ripen at the same time. This requires picking several times
during the season or waiting until all the bunches and dates
have ripened and matured. This period can last from 3 to 4
weeks for early varities and 3 to 5 months for late varities.

Picking dates becomes a problem as the trees become older and
grow higher each year. Aluminum extention ladders are used

by some pickers to get to the crown of the tree. The worker
attaches a saddle to the tree and swings from bunch to bunch.

He strips the dates from the bunches into a bucket which he
lowers to the ground where the dates are placed in flats or lugs,
Some pickers cut the entire bunch from the tree and lower it
to.the ground. The bunch is then placed in a hydraulic vibrator
and the dates are shaken off into lugs or bins. :

Mechanical harvesting has taken over much of the date harvest.
Mobile platforms and truck mounted booms are being used to
place the worker near the date bunch. He cuts the bunch and
drops it into a basket to be lowered to a shaker where the
dates fall into bins. On some machines the bunches are lowered
by ropes or slide down chutes to the shaker.

Wood bins with an 800 to 1,000 pound capacity are used with
most mechanical harvesting operations. Lug boxes are still
being used in hand picking operations and when soft and higher
moisture dates are picked.

-13-



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SECTION 3 REQUIREMENTS FOR DATES REGULATED BY MARKETING ORDER NO. 987, coy
AS AMENDED.

I DATE VARIETIES COVERED UNDER THE MARKETING ORDER

Only Deglet Noor, Zahidi, Khadrawi, and Halawi dates are regulated
under Order No. 987, These dates are divided into two categories,
marketable dates and surplus dates.

A. Marketable Dates

Marketable dates are whole or pitted dates of the
four varieties that are certified as equal to or
higher than the applicable minimum grade provided for
in the order and any additional, applicable require-
ments which may be in effect for any crop year or period.
U. S. Grade C of the U. S. Standards for Grades of
Dates is the minimum grade requirement for marketable
dates now. Exhibit 1 summarizes the current effective
grade and size regulations covering all marketable
dates.under the marketing order. These regulations
may change from season to season and within seasons.

A new summary will be issued when ever major changes
occur. Notification will be made whenever any other
changes or requirements occur.

There arc several designations under the marketable
date category.

1. Free Dates

These are dates which are free to be handled
pursuant to any free percentages established
by the Secretary of Agriculture in accordance
with the provisions of the order. Such dates
are packed and utilized for general consumer
consumption and not for manufacturing or by
product use.

Dates of this classification are designated as
"Dac" dates on the reporting certificate.

Such shipping container shall be marked to
indicate the lot number, designation and handler
or distributor. In addition the container shall
be marked with the letters "DAC", the date of
inspection and “U., S. Department of Agriculture."
One of our modified shielded stamps is usually
used for this purpose.

2. Further Processing Dates

These are cleaned and graded dry dates. Dates of i
this classification are inspected and must meet
the same grade and size requirements és free dates

- 23 -


The character of "dry dates for processing" in this

classification permits them to be definitely firm f
and dry instead of pliable. ‘The development and !
fleshiness of the dates, disregarding the lack of

moisture, shall be fairly well developed, feirly

well fleshed and fairly well ripened. There is

no limit on semi-dry calyx ends or dry calyx ends

for “dry dates for processing."

The following guide may be used to assign score
points for dates that fall into the (C) classifieation:

Percent by Weight

Fails to meet

Score Fairly good Semi-dry fairly good character
Points character calyx ends including "dry calyx ends"
(maximum) (maximum)
31 95% to 100% 25% 5%
WHOLE or PITTED 30 90% to 95% 50% 10%
DATES not "dry
dates for 29 85% to 90% 5h 15%
processing"
28 80% to 85% 100% 20%
WHOLE DATES Score as above, disregarding factors associated with
“dry dates moisture and without regard to semi-dry calyx ends or
for processing" dry calyx ends.

4. Substandard Classification

Dates scored less than 27 points are those which
definitely do not meet the foregoing requirements;
and include but are not necessarily limited to dates
vhat are immature, fleshless, deeply wrinkled and
rubbery.

e hi -


SECTION 3 REQUIREMENTS FOR DATES REGULATED BY MARKETING
ORDER NO. 987, AS AMENDED.

1. DATE VARIETIES COVERED
A. Marketable Dates
B. Surplus Dates
II OTHER SERVICES UNDER THE MARKETING ORDER
A. Notification of Failing Lot
B. Surveillance of Failing Int
C. Disposition of Failing Lot
D. Violations of Marketing Order

III APPEAL INSPECTION

PAGE

23

23

23, 2h, 25
25, 26

26

26

26

27

27

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36

Some plants are fumigating the finished date packages
in their fiber shipping containers with methyl bromide
to insure against spoilage by microorganism and
insect infestation.

Casing

Cartons, bags, and cups are placed in corrugated
fiber cases by hand and sealed by hand or machine
with glue, staples or tape. The cases are then
coded manually or automatically and placed on
pallets for shipment or storage.


2. Cull Dates

These are dates which fail to meet the require-
ments (with respect to freedom from defects)
prescribed in section 798 of the Agricultural Code
of California for dates for use in products or
by-products other than alcohol, brandy and
products not intended for human consumption and
any dates residual from field or packing house
grading operations. Cull dates generally are
dates affected by food and drug defects such

as but not limited to:

Insect infestation or excrets, decay,
mold, fermentation or souring, dirt

or other foreign material. Also
included are. dates damaged by black
scald, side spot and improper ripening.

Under the Marketing Order all accounting and
disposition of cull dates are handled by the
Date Administrative Committee.

II OTHER SERVICES UNDER THE MARKETING ORDER

A. Notification of Failing Lot

Whenever a lot of dates fails to meet the requirements
under the Marketing Order a serially numbered Notification
of Failing Lot is issued to the packer. All the
pertinent information regarding the lot is to be filled
in on the form. The packer's part of the form is to be
attached to the lot. The part of the form that notifies
the Date Committee of the failing lot is usually sent to
the Date Committee with the certificate covering the lot.

B. Surveillance and Reconditioning of Failing Lot

The inspector shall make and maintain surveillance of the
rejected lot to the fullest extent practical. The
handler may desire to recondition or segregate some of
the rejected lot in order to bring the entire lot, or
portion thereof, up to minimum grade and condition
requirements.

-
When a lot that has been previously failed is recon-
ditioned, or when any portion of a failed lot has been
reconditioned to bring it up to minimum grade and
condition requirements, such reconditioned lot, or
portion thereof, shall be considered a new lot.


_ D. If the inspection service has been notified by State
or Federal Regulatory Authorities that the lot being
tendered for inspection was prepared, stored, or handled
under unsanitary conditions, rendering such lot in
violation of State or Federal laws and regulations.

E. For non-payment of inspection fees.

F. When the product is not properly identifiable by code
or other marks.

G. Inspection may be declined for any other reason cited
in the "Regulations Governing Inspection and Certification
of Processed Fruits and Vegetables and Related Products",
as a basis for rejecting an application for inspection.

IV FOOD AND DRUG REQUIREMENTS

No specific standards or identity of quality have been established
by the Food and Drug Administration for dates. Date products,
however, are subject to the same general requirements for all
foodstuffs: namely, they must be packed under sanitary
conditions, must not be adulterated, must not be contaminated
with decay, insects, filth or any deleterious substance; and

they must be truthfully labeled.

- 22 -


Uniformity of Size

Only "whole" and "pitted" styles of dates are scored
as to uniformity of size. For other styles, follow
the USDA grade-standards in the application of this
factor with respect to other scoring factors.

1.

3.

Grade A Classification ~ Score 9 or 10 points

Score as 10 points when practically all of the dates
appear visually to be of the same size even though
some may be slightly larger or smaller than the
average size.

Score as 9 points when by visual examination
approximately 10 percent of the dates appear to
be conspicuously larger or smaller than the
average size. If the proportion seems noticeable,
or border-line, ascertain the percentage by
weight those dates that are definitely and
conspicuously not of average size.

Grade B Classification - Score 8 points

When by visual examination approximately 10 to 15
percent of the dates are definitely and conspicuously
not of average size, score as 8 points. When the
sample appears to be borderline, ascertain the
percentages by weight since a score of 8 points
limits the sample to Grade B, regardless of the

total score.

Grade C Classification - Score 7 points

Score as 7 points when 15 to 20 percent by weight

of the dates visually vary definitely and conspic-
uously from the average date size. Date samples

that score 7 points are limited to Grade C, regardless
of total score.

SSTD Classification - Score 0 to 6 points

Before scoring the size of dates in this range,
ascertain from an adequate sample the percentage by
weight of those that are definitely and conspieuously
smaller or largerthan the average size. If the
proportion of not-average size dates approaches 50
percent score as O to 1; approx imately 45 percent as
2 or 3; approximately 40 percent as 4k or 5; and
approximately 30 percent as 6 points.

- 3h



De

These include dates that may be poorly developed by
some defect or injury. Dates in this group are
used in date by-products or disposed of through
cull channels if date supplies exceed the demand.

6. Cull Dates

Dates in this classification are dates that are so
poorly developed or ripened that they are worthless
for human consumption or are dates that have been
damaged, contaminated or affected by foreign
material, rodents, insects, mold or bacteria

which would render them unfit for human consumption.
Dates in this group are used in animal feed, the
manufacture of alcohol and inedible syrup and any
other outlets not intended for human consumption.

In most grading operations the grading belt or table is

divided into 3 to 5 lanes and the graders separate the dates
into the different classifications or combinations of classi-
fications. Additional classifications may be picked out and

deposited in containers or chutes leading to other collection
belts.

After being graded the various date classifications are
collected by different methods depending on what is to be
done with the dates. Some natural dates are packed from the
grading lines in 15 pound wood or fiber cases. Other natural
dates are placed on wire mesh trays or in wood or plastic lugs
to be further ripened while others are collected in lug

boxes and held in storage until needed.

Waxy and number 1 dry dates are either spread on wire mesh
trays or in plastic lugs for processing or collected in lug
boxes or bins and held in storage until needed.

Number 2 dry and utility dates are collected in lug boxes or
bins to be held in storage or transported to the processing
and by-product operations.

Non-marketable and cull dates are also collected and held in
lug boxes and bins until disposed of.

Processing

1. Maturation or Curing

Green, slightly imature and high moisture natural
dates should be cured and/or dehydrated before being
packed. Keeping quality, texture and date quality
are improved by the process.

Small handlers place these dates on wire mesh trays
or in shallow lugs and place them in a storage area
where air can circulate around the containers.
Several days to several weeks may be required to
cure or dehydrate the dates depending on temperature,
humidity and air circulation.

-17-



Date Propagation

Date palms may be grown either from seeds or from suckers that
grow out from the roots. Most date palms are propagated by
root suckers instead of by seed because offshoots (or root
suckers) always produce true to the parent type. Plants from
seeds are seldom alike and relatively few produce fruit of
good quality.

All varieties of dates are dioecious, that is, the male
(staminate) and female (pistillate) flowers are produced in
cluster on separate palms. Palms with the male flowers
produce the pollen, palms with the female flowers produce
the fruit.

One male tree is usually sufficient to pollinate about 50
female trees provided nature is assisted in distributing the
pollen. In commercial production of dates the female flowers
are pollenated by hand or mechanical dusters. The hand
method requires that a worker climb a ladder to or be placed
in the crown of the tree by a mechanical boom or crane. There
the worker places a sprig of open male flowers or a ball of
cotton that has been dusted with pollen into the cluster of
female flowers. The ends of the flower strands are tied with
string and if the weather is cool or windy a paper bag is
placed over the cluster to help raise the temperature of the
cluster and keep the pollen from being blown away. Pollination
with a modified insecticide duster has been used with good
results the last few years. It is generally used to supplement
hand pollination. During cool weather the workers are able
to keep up with the few female clusters of flowers the palm
tree produces. However during & warm or hot period the palm
tree produces more bunches than they can pollinate by hand.
The bloom duster can then be used to advantage by blowing
pollen into the clusters of female flowers while traveling
between the rows of palm trees. This procedure is repeated
twice a week because the flowers have to be pollinated within
2 to 3 days after they emerge from their protective spathe.

Each female palm produces about 10 to 20 bunches with each
bunch thinned to about 35 strands. The dates are attached

to the strand and are usually thinned 20 to 35 dates per
strand. Each bunch produces 15 to 25 pounds of dates depending
upon the variety and vigor of the tree and bunch.

Growth and Ripening

“The Arabs as well as date growers in the United States

distinguish four stages in the growth and ripening of the
fruit. These stages are:

ist - Kimri - Turgid and green.

2nd - Khalal - Turgid and red.

3rd - Rutab - Partially softened to completely
softened and reddish to brownish.

lth - Tamar - Softened, brownish, and cured to
point where the fruit will keep.

-9-



SECTION 5 DETERMINATION OF GRADE AND CONDITION

I

II

GENERAL

Each inspector is furnished with the latest United States
Standards for Grades of Dates and the Regulations Governing
Inspection and Certification of Processed Fruits and Vegetables
and Related Products. The Lot Certification Tolerance

statement in the August 26, 1955 issue of the grade-standards
for dates is amended by the current "Regulations".

SCORING FACTORS

The United States Standards for Grades of Dates describe
and establish requirements for the quality factors on a
scoring basis. In order to apply the grade-standards as
uniformly as. possible, it is necessary for each inspector
to gain experience under supervision of those familiar with
the inspection of dates.

Inspectors should be guided by their supervisors when there

is any doubt as to the correct interpretation of any require-
ment of the standards. This is particularly important whenever
unusual conditions are encountered or when an error in the
interpretation of a requirement will change the product from
one grade to another. Quality requirements which involve
judgment as to the extent to which the appearance and eating
quality is affected should always be checked with the
supervisor unless there is reasonable assurance that the
proper interpretation is being applied.

A. Color

Detailed procedure for scoring the factor of color

is outlined herein; however, when the sample very
definitely falls within any given grade classification,
score points may be assigned without making the
detailed separation. If in doubt with respect to the
score for color, always make the detailed separation
for determining the score.

1. Grade A Color

The basic requirement of the Date sample for the score
in the Grade A Classification is that it possess 4
"good color". This color may be any shade of amber
that is typical of the variety, and if this color is
practically uniform, not only between dates, but over
the surface of the sample, a score in the Grade A.
range may be given.


A. Score Sheets

The purpose of the score sheet ig to record all
necessary data derived from examination of the date
samples. All the information on the score sheet
should be complete so & person with the inspectors
power-of-attorney could write the inspection
certificate from the score sheet. Exhibit 3a,
score sheet for dates (Form FV-364-78 can be used
to record inspection data,

Score sheets may be specially designed to accomodate
different plant and inspection situations. Space
and headings should be provided for all necessary
data. Any other information pertinent may be
recorded in any suitable place on the score sheet.

B. Form Letters

Special form letters may be necessary to coordinate
and expedite inspection and certification of dates
where large volumes or many items are handled. Exhibit
2, Daily Certification Request, is one type of form.

Cc. Certification Forms

Forms of an.official nature, such as for certification,
shall be those that are officially approved for such
use. The certification forms used in the inspection
of dates are;

1. Those forms normally used for the certification
of all processed fruits and vegetables, as
explained in file code 165-A-1, Instructions
for Certification of Processed Products, and
include the current Form FV-146, Form Fv-149,
Form FV-66, and letter reports.

2. Special certificate forms, such as Form FV-101
for specific use under the Date Marketing Order
No. 987, as amended.

IV IDENTIFICATION OF LOT

Each lot of dates offered for inspection must be identified
in order that it may be properly inspected and certified.

A. Definition of Lot

"Lot" for the purpose of inspection and certification
other than under the Date Marketing Order shall be
defined in the "Regulations Governing the Inspection
and Certification of Processed Fruits and Vegetables
and Related Products". \ )

= 29 -


SECTION 5 DETERMINATION OF GRADE AND CONDITION

I GENERAL

II SCORING FACTORS

A.

Color

1. Grade A Color
2. Grade B Color
3. Grade C Color
4. Assigning the Score and Grade
UNIFORMITY OF SIZE
1. Grade A

2. Grade B

3. Grade C

4, Substandard
DEFECTS

1. Chart for scoring defect factors for Grades
of Dates.

2. Assigning the Score and Grade
PIT DETERMINATION

CHARACTER

1. Grade A

2. Grade B

3. Grade C

4, Substandard

PAGE

33
33
33
34
34
34
34
34
36
35

36, 37
37
37, 38
38
39
ho, 41
41


PAGE

SECTION 4 INSPECTION PROCEDURE 28 C )
I GENERAL 28
II INSPECTION EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS 28
III CERTIFICATES, RECORDS, AND REPORT FORMS 29
A. Score Sheets . 29
B. Form Letters 29
C. Certificate Forms 29
TV IDENTIFICATION OF LOT 29, 30

A. Definition of Lot 30
B. Recording Identification of lot 30
V COUNT AND NET WEIGHT 30
VI SAMPLING 30

A. Size of Sample 30 ,

VII MOISTURE DETERMINATION : 31 A
VIII VERIFICATION OF VARIETAL TYPES 31
IX VERIFICATION OF "DRY" DATES 31


In larger plants the dates are spread on trays and
then stacks of trays are placed in a-tunnel or room.
Atmospheric conditions in the tunnel or room are
controlled to imitate desert ripening conditions.
A&r temperature of 100° to 110° Fahrenheit and a low
relative humidity are maintained. Dates are held
from several hours to a few days in this type of
system. The time depending upon how much moisture
reduction and curing the dates required. :

Some plants prefer to hold dates that need maturation
or dehydration in well-ventilated cold storage rooms
for several weeks. Storage in this manner slowly
cures and dehydrates the dates into an excellent
natural date.

Hydrating

Dates that require the addition of moisture to
soften and help ripen them are spread on wire mesh
trays or in plastic lugs and placed in a steam room.
Steam is admitted into the room through perforated
pipes along the floor. A temperature of around
140° Fahrenheit is maintained during the process.
Some plants utilize blowers and fine water sprays
to maintain a uniform temperature and humidity in
the rooms. .

Hydration time can vary from 1 to 18 hours depending
upon how much softening and ripening the dates will
need before packing or further processing. However,
most date hydration can be accomplished in 2 to 6
hours.

Another hydration system, called Rickerts' Process is
used to some extent by the industry. In this method
dates are conveyed into a tank of water and siphoned
from this tank to another tank. During the siphon
stage a vacuum removes air from the pit cavity and
air spaces between tissue layers. Water enters into
these spaces when the vacuum diminishes and the dates
flow into the second tank. From here they are con-
veyed and spread on wire mesh trays or in plastic
lugs and then held in warm rooms or steam hydration
rooms to complete the softening and ripening process.
Dates gain about 7 percent by weight of moisture
through the process. This reduces hydration time
measurably because it gets moisture into the date
immediately instead of slowly working in through

the date skin and tissue. This method is very
effective on dry woody type dates that are hard to
hydrate with just steam hydration.

-18 ~-


SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION

I PRODUCTION
A. Origin

The date is one of the oldest cultivated tree crops. Earliest
known records in Iraq (mesopotamia) show that its culture
was probably already established as early as 3,000 B.C. The
date palm has also been in Egypt since prehistoric times,
however, its culture did not become important there until some
what later than in Iraq. Dates have long been a staple food
for the native populations from western Iran across Arabia and
North Africa.

Successful date culture requires moderate winter temperatures,
long hot summers to develop and mature the fruit. Little
rainfall and low atmospheric humidity are required during
late summer and fall to ripen the fruit and minimize harvest
losses. Thus hot dry desert climates produce most of the
world date supply.

The date palm was introduced into the Western Hemisphere by

the early Spanish missionaries, who planted date seeds around
many of their missions. A few of these original palms or their
offshcot survivors, dating from plantings in the late 18th or
19th century, are still found in southern California and
below the Mexican border.

Domestic Areas of Production

Because of the favorable climatic conditions almost all the
comercial dates produced in this country are grown in the
Coachella Valley of California. There are some commercial
plantings in Death Valley and Imperial Valley. California.
In addition there are other commert¢ial plantings in the
Colorado River Valley in California and Arizona and some in
the Salt River Valley in Arizona.

Importance

Date production in this country has increased from 1 million
pounds in 1926 to an average annual production of over 40
million pounds. Value of the date crop is now placed at
over 15 million dollars. Domestic date production is still
below date consumption. An average of over 34 million pounds
of dates have been imported during the last several years.

Utilization of Date Crop

Although the greatest portion of the date crop is marketed

in comsumer packages in the whole or pitted form a considerable
amount is being converted into forms such as rings, chunks,
pieces, butter, etc. that can be utilized in the retail trade
or directly in commercial bakery products. Most surplus dates
are used in the manufacture of inedible sirups. alcohol, and
in stock feed mixes. ~8-


except for the character factor associated with
moisture. Further processing dates are usually
sold by one handler to another who will process
and package the dates for shipment and sale.

FP dates, as they are commonly called, are held

in fiber cases, lugs or bins. Each container shall
be marked to indicate the lot number, designation
and handler. If the dates are stored at the place
of inspection the lot is usually marked with a

card to show that the dates meet the FP requirements.
If the dates are to be moved each container shall

be marked with the letters "FP", the date of
inspection and "U. S. Department of Agriculture".

Again one of our shielded stamps is used for this
purpose. The dates are designated as "FP dates
on the reporting certificate.

After the FP dates are processed and packed they
are inspected to insure that they have been
properly processed and meet the requirements for
free dates. Thus they are handled, inspected,
and reported in the same manner as free dates.

Restricted Dates

Restricted dates are dates that are withheld from
normal free date marketing channels by handlers.
These dates must be utilized in markets that
don't compete with free dates or be marketed as

@ by-product or an approved form that doesn't
directly compete. with free dates.

The percent or amount of restricted dates withheld
is determined each crop year. Generally it is
based on whether the demand for dates is adequate
to utilize the supply of dates. Any excess of
supply is restricted or withheld from the free
date markets. Sales of dates in all the date
categories has approached or exceeded the supply
of dates during the past several years and no
restricted percentages have been imposed by the
marketing order.

Restricted dates are inspected and identified as
"EXPORT", "PRODUCTS" or "FIELD-RUN" dates.

ort dates are dates packed and shipped to
countries other than the United States and Canada.
These dates are designated as "EXPORT" dates on
the reporting certificate. Each shipping container
shall be marked to indicate the lot number,
designation and handler. The containers shall also

- ah -


GRADING MANUAL

Dates
and
Date Products

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FOOD SAFETY AND QUALITY SERVICE
PRUIT AND VEGETABLE QUALITY DIVISION
PROCESSED PRODUCTS BRANCH


Exhibit 1

DAC Date Grade, Size and Container Regulations

The effective grade, size and container regulations covering the date varieties
under Federal Marketing Order No. 987, as Amended, are as follows:

FREE DATES - Whole or pitted dates packed for domestic handling and shipping
. (DAC Dates). Cases stamped with "DAC" stamp. Designate as
"DAG on report. Dates shipped to Canada are FREE DATES and
are not designated in"EXPORT" category.

MINIMUM DATE GRADE Deglet Noor Zahidi Khadrawi Halawi

Color 16 16" 16 16
Size 8 8 8 8
Defects ak _ ah ah 2h
Character / 32 32 32 32
Total Score 80 80 80 80
Grade B or B(Dry) B or B(Dry) B or B(Dry) B or B (Dry)

/1 May include not more than 25 percent, by weight, of the dates that
posses semi-dry calyx ends: provided that not more than 5 percent,
by weight, of the dates may posses dry calyx ends.

MINIMUM DATE SIZE | Deglet Noor Zahidi Khadrawi Halawi
Natural and Hydrated ~
Whole 6.5 grams (| MINIMUM DATE SIZE)
Pitted - none ¢ NOT APPLICABLE )

Size tolerance: 10 percent, by weight, of the dates may weigh less
than specified weight.

FP DATES - Whole or pitted dates for further processing (graded dates - dry
dates), Cases, lugs or bins stamped with "FP'stamp. Designate
as "FP" on report.

MINIMUM DATE GRADE Deglet Noor Zahidi Khadrawi Halawi

Color 16 16 16 16
Size 8 8 8 8
Defects 2k ak 2k a
Character 32 32 32 32
Total Score 80 80 80 80
Grade B or B(Dry) B or B(Bry) B or B(Dry) B or B(Dry)
MINIMUM DATE SIZE Deglet Noor Zahidi Khadrawi Ilelawi
Natural and Hydrated
Whole 6.5 grams (| MINIMUM DATE SIZE)
Pitted none ( NOT APPLICABLE )

Size Tolerance: 10 percent, by weight, of the date may weigh
less than specified weight.

-&T -


Packing-house experience shows that Deglet Noor dates _
(a cane sugar type) ripening at the beginning of the season f »
are likely to be inferior in quality as compared with dates :
from, the same garden ripening later in the season. Early

ripening dates tend to darken more quickly and to spoil from

molding and fermentation more readily than those dates that

ripen later in the season. This fact suggests that the high

moisture content of the khalal dates immediately before they

ripen may predispose them to these forms of deterioration.

Date Fruit Spoilage

Date fruit spoilage refers to any condition which may result
in undesirable changes in appearance, taste and food value
of the fruit. There are many kinds of fruit spoilage, but.
they can be classified under two headings.

lst Class - Caused by unfavorable environmental
conditions. It includes water injury.
(checking and tearing), blacknose, sun-
purn, shrivelling and mechanical injury
and injuries due to insects, birds and
other animals (field mice).

2nd Class - Brought about by souring, decay and spots,
caused by fungi and becteria.

ri

Water injury is the first type of spoilage to appear during
the growing season. Tiny checks or cracks develop in the
skin of the date during midsummer while the dates are still
green and growing rapidly. Where checking is severe, the
underlying flesh will darken and shrivel to produce
blacknose.

A more serious kind of water injury may also occur after the
fruit has reached the'red or Khalal stage of maturity. This
injury,. called tearing, occurs during rainstorms when the
fruit is wet. The skin is broken and the sugar filled tissues
within the date are exposed. Water injury may be reduced by
keeping the fruit dry and well acrated, and also by certain
methods of fruit thinning. Paper tubes tied about the fruit
stalks in late July serve as rain protectors but they also

tend to hold moist air about the dates unless some means of
ventilation are provided. Wire rings are sometimes used to
hold the fruit strands apart and an opening can also be made

at the top of the “umbrealla" to permit greater circulation of |
air through the fruit bunch. Dates that are free from checking
are also free from blacknose. Dates that are free from tearing
are less apt to sour and to become infested with insects.
Control of water injury is therefore of great primary
importance.

-ll-


In the kimri stage the fruit makes its most rapid growth in
size and is distinguished by its green color.

Fruit enters the khalal stage when it has almost reached its
maximum size. The green color is then replaced by a shade

of red, yellow, or a combination of the two colors characteristic
of the particular variety at this time.

Fruit enters the rutab stage when the tip begins to soften or
lose its khalal color. The date is in the tamar stage when
it is fully ripened and dried and will keep without spoiling.

Dates are usually classified into two groups as to the type
of sugars present:

lst - Dates that contain sucrose or cane sugar at maturity.
end - Dates that contain reducing or invert sugars at maturity.

G. L. Rygg of the Bureau of Plant Industry and Soils of the
United States Department of Agriculture indicates that
previous to the beginning of ripening, the proportion of
reducing sugars to total sugars is about the same in the two
groups or close to 20 percent. Upon completion of ripening,
reducing sugars increase to about 35 percent of the total
sugars in the average cane sugar dates, whereas in the invert
sugar type, they increase to about 100 percent. Generally,
“as soon as ripening begins, part of the sucrose is inverted,
the amount undergoing this change depends upon the variety,
the environmental condition, and internal variations in the
fruit.

During the ripening process of the date, C. W. Coggins, Jr.
of the University of California concludes that much cell wall
disolution occurs. As the process progresses intercellular
and intracellular membrane systems disintegrate permitting
enzymes and substrate molecules to react. At the same time
the vascular tissue is still functioning bringing in more
sugar to permeate the tissue and be subjected to some degree
of inversion.

The rate at which water is lost by dates before and during
ripening is an important factor in the quality of the final
product. If water is lost too rapidly before the chemical
and physical changes accompanying ripening have taken place,
the processes will be slowed down or stopped and a poor
product will result. Too rapid dehydration in dates that have
already softened completely also gives an inferior product.
Conversely, too slow a dehydration and excessive darkening
may cause fermentation, molding and a loss of flavor.

-1l0o-


All entries shall be typewritten or printed with a ball- :
point pen. All headings shall be completed except where H
an entry is not applicable, in which case a dash should a7
be entered in lieu of information data. An example of ‘ }
this would be when the lot consists of 30 pound wood .
lugs no net weight range would be shown.

When completing Form FV-101, insert the certificate
number in the space provided on the corresponding work
or score sheet(s).

*
Fill in the appropriate information as indicated for
the applicable headings of this report form as follows:

No..ecoeeees The certificate number must be inserted
on each formas it is used. A 2 letter
handler code is followed by the number
in numerical sequence. (Example: KE-297)
KE stands for Alamo Ranch Company and
297 is the 297th certificate used for
the Alamo Ranch Company. Your supervisor
will inform you of handler prefixes or
code and correct numbers.

Date....e... The date of the day inspection was
completed. (Example 9-1-76 or
Sept. 1, 1976.)

Applicant... The name of the packer or processor
requesting the inspection as the exact
operating name.

(Example: Alamo Ranch Co.)

Address..... The main office address of the applicant
(packer or processor requesting the in-
spection). Some packers or processors
have more than one plant location: be
sure to report that of their main office.

Item No..... A particular certification lot as it
appears on the report so it can be
identified on the report.

Variety..... Enter whichever applies:
Examples: "Deglet Noor" or under remarks
"Applicant states: Zahidi

Style..ecee. Enter whichever style applies:
(Examples: Whole
Pitted
Pieces or Macerated)

Market Order
Designation.. Enter applicable term;
Examples: DAC FP yo
EXPORT PRODUCTS ),
- FIELD-RUN

- 43 -


Vit

VIII

MOISTURE DETERMINATION

Although moisture testing is not yet used universally in the
date industry it is apparent that optimum moisture content
has a direct bearing on quality, consumer acceptance and the
shelf life of the product. As a result the industry is using
the moisture content of dates to determine picking, grading,
storage, processing and packing operations.

Two types of moisture testing machines are used. One is
the Dried Fruit Association Moisture Tester which has been
used for many years in the dried fruit industry. The other
is an electronic type put out by the Moisture Register
Company, Alhambra, California.

Other methods for determining the moisture content of dates
are the vacuum oven and refractometer.

VERIFICATION OF VARIETAL TYPES

The varietal date type shall be recorded on the work sheet.
If in doubt, the inspector shall ascertain the type from the
applicant and qualify as “Applicant states:
variety."

Under the Date Marketing Order, only those varietal types of
dates regulated under the order are to be inspected.

VERIFICATION OF "Dry" DATES

Since the United States Standards for Grades of Dates include
separate grades of "U. S. GRADE B (Dry) or U. S. CHOICE (Dry)
and U. S. GRADE C (Dry) or U. S. STANDARD (Dry)," inspectors
in the producing and processing arees shall become familiar
with the characteristics of dry dates for processing to which
these grades apply.

In areas other than the producing and processing areas, the
dates shall be inspected on the basis of criteria applicable
to the other grades in the standards.



Exhibit la

RASTRICTED DATES - Whole or pitted dates for Restricted Credit. Dates for
by-product use. Designate as "PRODUCTS" on report.

MINIMUM DATE GRADE Deglet Noor Zahidi Khadrawi Halawi
Color pay i 1h pr
Size T T T T
Defects /1 a1 a1 a1 a1
Character 28 28 28 28
Total Score 70 70 TO 70
Grade C or C(Dry) C or C(Dry) ¢ or C(Dry) ¢ or C(Dry)

/. Dates damaged by broken skin, mashing, and
mechanical injury (not affecting eating quality)
shall not be considered when determing the
defect factor.

MINIMUM DATE SIZE Deglet Noor Zahidi Khadrawi Halawi

NO MINIMUM DATE SIZE

EXPORT DATES - Whole or pitted dates packed and exported for
Restricted Credit - EXPORT. Cases or lugs stamped
"EXPORT". Designate as "EXPORT" on report. Dates
packed and certified DAC may be shipped export,
except to Mexico, without restamping. Copy of
FV-146, FV-149, or notification certificate covering
lot required by DAC. Dates shipped to Mexico must
be marked "EXPORT MEXICO" and stamped with "EXPORT"
stamp.

MINIMUM DATE GRADE FOR ALL COUNTRIES EXCEPT CANADA AND MEXICO
Deglet Noor Zahidi Khadrawi Halawi

Color aan pa iw Th
Size T T T T
Defects an /1 a1 a1 a1
Character 31 28 28 28
Total Score 16 70 TO 7O
Grade Cc Cc c c

/1 May include not more than 40 percent, by weight, of the
dates that are dmaged by broken skins.

MINIMUM DATE SIZE FOR ALL COUNTRIES EXCEPT CANADA AND MEXICO

Deglet Noor Zahidi Khadrawi Halawi

NO MINIMUM DATE SIZE

- 48 -


"Lot" for the purpose of Inspection and certification
under the Date Marketing Order means dates of the same
variety, style, type and grade, in any number of like
containers.

B. Recording Identification of Lot

The following information shall be recorded on the
worksheets or score sheets covering all lots of dates
inspected; ~

Name and address of handler or distributor.

Label or brand name.

Declared net weight.

Code’ marks -- required on all shipping containers
under the Date Marketing Order.

Variety, if shown.

Type

Style.

Pertinent markings on shipping containers.

V Count and Net Weight

The inspector should record the count and net weight as declared
by the applicant. If the lot appears to contain more or less

than declared by the applicant or if the fill of container

appears to contain less than the declared net weight the inspector
should make a physical count of the number of containers in the
lot and a sufficient number of containers should be weighed to
determine the accuracy of the net weight declaration.

VI Sampling

Samples shall be drawn in accordance with the effective
"Regulations Governing Inspection and Certification of
Processed Fruits and Vegetables and Related Products."
Exhibit 4, Sampling Plans For Dates is drawn from the
"Regulations" and shows single sampling plans for various
container and lot sizes.

A. Size of Sample

Samples consist of 25 ounce sample units, each of which
may be a composite of dates from a sufficient number of
individual containers from 1 case to make up the weight.
When previous inspection results from a particular
source so indicate, 1 composite sample of 25 ounces of
dates may be formed from the 3 sample units in the
smallest sample size and 2 composite samples of 25 ounces
each may be formed from the 6 sample units in the next
to smallest sample size.

Whenever composite sample units are utilized to determine

So grade and condition no deviants can be allowed. Therefore
the acceptance number in the sampling plans can only be
used with individual sample units.

a0 -



SECTION 6 PREPARATION OF RECORDS AND REPORTS
I WORK SHEETS
II INSPECTION CERTIFICATES
A. Not Under Marketing Order
1. Distribution
B. Under Marketing Order
1. Completion of Date Inspection Report FV-101
2. Distribution of Date Inspection Report FV-101
3. Correction of Inspection Reports
Cc. Report Ledger
1. Completion of Report Ledger

2. Distribution of Report Ledger

EXHIBITS 1 to Ic

DAC DATE GRADE, SIZE AND CONTAINER
REGULATIONS

2 - DAILY CERTIFICATION REQUEST
3 to 3a - SCORE SHEETS FOR DATES
4 - SAMPLING PLANS FOR DATES

5 - DATE INSPECTION RE. PORT

PAGE

2 =
4a

4a

ke

42

ke, 43, 4h, 45
45

45

45

45, 46

46

46

47, 48, 49, 50
51

52, 53

5k

55


SECTION 2 APPLICATION
I SCOPE —-)
These instructions shall be used in the following cases:

A. Inspection of dates regulated by the Order in the
California county of Riverside to determine compliance
with Date Marketing Order No. 987, as amended.
Inspection of dates regulated by the Order anywhere
else within the continental United States to determine
compliance with the Date Marketing Order No. 987, as
amended.

B. Inspection of dates not regulated under the Date
Marketing Order.

C. Inspection of dates at receiving markets or wherever
an inspector or licensed sampler is available and the
facilities and conditions are satisfactory for the
conduct of such service.

Instmuctions for inspection of imported dates can be found
in File Code 157-0-5.

II WHERE INSPECTION IS TO BE MADE.

A. Under Date Marketing Order

Inspections under the Date Marketing Order shall be msde
at established handler's processing, warehouse or
storage facilities. Where facilities for making a
complete inspection are not available, samples shall be
drawn and inspection completed in a laboratory where
necessary facilities for making proper inspection

are available.

B. Other Than Under Marketing Order

Inspection Service may be furnished wherever any oy
inspector or licensed sampler is available and the
facilities and conditions are satisfactory for the

conduct of such service.

III WHEN INSPECTION MAY BE DECLINED
A. If the product 1s not accessible to permit proper sampling.

B. If abuse, intimidation, or threats of bodily harm are
made against the inspector.

C. If undue interference is made with the inspection
operation.


(

_ : “Ripeness" is the degree by which the cell wall structure
of the date flesh has been broken down. A completely
ripened date is translucent, pliable and has no woodyness
to the flesh. In the final stage of ripeness the date
is "cured" by partial drying and will not ferment or sour.
If the drying process proceeds toofar the texture of the
date will be too firm and will require some hydration to
increase its moisture and soften the texture.

Texture, firmness or dryness of the date is generally
referred to as semi-dry or dry end. A semi-dry end date
means that the flesh at the stem end of a date, con-
-stituting not less than one-eighth and not more than
one-fourth of the date is noticeably firm and materially
more dry than the balance of the date. A dry end date
means that the flesh at the stem end of a date, consti-
tuting more than one-fourth of the date is hard and
materially more dry than the balance of the date.

When grading dry dates for processing, the moisture

and texture factors are disregarded and a "dry" grade
is assigned based on the other factors prescribed. Dry
classifications are usually utillized only in production
and processing areas between packers, processors and
manufacturers.

1. Grade A Classification

In this classification are score WHOLE OR PITTED dates
which possess "good character" and are not "dry dates
‘for processing". To score 36 to 40 points not less
than 75 percent, by weight, of the dates are well-
developed and plump with fleshy portions of good
cellular structure and of a softness characteristic
for well-ripened, properly matured dates of the
variety. In this grouping the dates may have semi-
dry varietal characteristics if they are otherwise of
“good character."

If the dates at time of packing are not of a "“well-
ripened" stage, consideration shall be given to their
state of ripeness that will develop into such "good
character" within 15 days.

Assignment of the score points in the (A) classification
shall depend on the remainder of the sample which may
not be of good character and the moisture or texture
factors. The following guide may be used to assign
score points for dates that fall into the (A)
Classification:

- 38 -


PERCENT BY WEIGHT

Score Reasonably good Semi-dry Dry calyx
Points Character Calyx ends ends
(Maximum )
ho 10% None None
39 10% including 1% None
38 15% " 2% None
37 20% " 2% None
36 25% " 2h None

Grade B. Classification

In this classification, WHOLE or PITTED dates are
scored on the basis of whether they are dry or
whether they are not dry dates for processing.

Those dates which are not “dry dates for processing"
are ecorable as 32 to 35 points if practically all
the dates are pliable. This means that the texture
may be approaching dryness but the fleshy portion of
the dates are generally pliable even though some dates
may possess @ slight firmness in a portion of the
date. In addition, no less than 75 percent, by weight,
of the dates are reasonably well-developed and
reasonably well-fleshed with a degree of plumpness
and cell wall breakdownof reasonably well-ripened
dates for the variety.

If the dates at time of packing are not of this stage
of being “reasonably well-ripened", consideration shall
be given to their state of ripeness that will develop
into such "reasonably good character" within 15 days.

The assignment of score is further based on the
presence of dates which do not meet such "reasonably
good character" including dates with semi-dry and dry
calyx ends.

The character of "dry dates for processing" in this
classification permits them to be definitely firm

and dry instead of pliable. Disregarding the moisture
content, no less than 75 percent, by weight, shall
otherwise possess a “reasonably good character" with
respect to development and ripeness for the variety.
There is no limit for dates with semi-dry or dry calyx
ends in "dry dates for processing.”

= 39 -

aS

Ne


Porm FVe364- 78 (REVERSE)

DEFECT ALLOWANCES -AND LIMITATIONS FOR DATES (Effective August 26, 1955)
(WHOLE AND PITTED DATES AND HOLE DRY DATES FOR PROCESSING)

MAXIMUM ALLOWANCES IN PERCENT BY WEIGHT

Damage By discoloration, broken skin, checking, deformity, puffineni
hydrating, mashing, mechanical injury, lack of pollination, blacknos:

scars, sunbura, insect injury, improper
rious damage by checking or puffinens.

alto Damage By side spot or black scald.
6 Damage By improper ripening, other defecta.
y [Affected By souring, mold, dirt, insect infestation, foreign miterial,
| | Affected By decay.
Damage By deformity, puffiness, scars, sunburn, insect injury, improper hydrating, mashing , mechanical injury.
Serious Dumage by puffiness. :
Damage By lack of pollination, blacknose, side spot, black scald.
15 10 Damage Ry improper ripening, other defects.
B 5 [Affected By souring, mold, dirt, insect infestation, foreign material.
I | Affected By decay.

{5 | Serious Damage By checking.

20 | Damage By broken skin

Damage By deformity, scars, sunburn, insect injury, improper hydrating, mashing, mechanical injury.
Serious Damage by puffiness.

20 Damage By lack of pollination, blacknose, side spot, black scald, improper ripening, other defects.

10 Affected By:souring, mold, dirt, insect infestation, foreign material,

- | | affected By decay.

WORK SHEET

EXHLGLF Sa



C. Disposition of Failing Lot

When a failing lot has been reconditioned or disposed
of in appropriate channels the packer completes the
disposition portion of the Notification of Feiling Lot.
The inspeector then completes the verification section
of the form and returns the completed form to the

Date Committee to verify compliance with the Marketing
Order.

D. Violations of the Marketing Order

Any violations of the Marketing Order of which the
inspector may be aware or has observed relative to
non-compliance of minimum grade and condition require-
ments or disposition of failed lots shall be reported
to his supervisor.

III APPEAL INSPECTIONS UNDER THE MARKETING ORDER

If an‘appeal inspection is requested under the Date Marketing
Order, the request for such appeal shall be referred to the
supervisor immediately upon receipt of application. The
inspector handling the appeal shall draw a duplicate check
sample that shall be retained for further review as may be
warranted.

- 27 -



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SECTION 2
I SCOPE
II WHERE INSPECTION IS TO BE MADE
A. Under Date Marketing Order
B. Other than under Marketing Order
III WHEN INSPECTION MAY BE DECLINED

IV FOOD AND DRUG REQUIREMENTS

PAGE
21
al
al
21
21
21, 22

22



FV-149 and FV-146 certificates shall also be entered on the
Report Ledger. Each handler shall have a separate ledger
for any poundage reported during each accounting period.

1. Completion of Report Ledger

Plant ..e++e.+ Name of handler and plant
(Example Calif. Date Growers Ass'n, Plant 2)

*

Page cosceeee Page number in ledger in numerical sequence.

Number ...... Certificate number for which entry is to be
made,

(Example: KE-297
FV-146 = K 10000)

Date used.... Date the certificate was actually written.
(Example: 6-16-69)

Pounds....... Enter total number of pounds covered by
the certificate.
(Example: 11,500)

Designation.. Enter appropriate Date Committee designation
‘or other indication of date inspection.
(Examples: DAC, FP, PRODUCTS, Macerate,
Miscelaneous )
Inspector..... Enter inspectors initials.

At end of period total all poundage and report for the
period.

2. Distribution of Report Ledger

Original stays in ledger for inspectors file.

1 copy for Indio sub-office.

1 copy to Los Angeles Area Field Office through Indio
sub -office,


Handler's
. count ove

Size and

type of
containers ..

Net weight ..

Label
(if any) ee.

Code ‘or
other

identi-
fication ....

TYPe coecveos

Net weight
TANGE weeeeee

Count per
pound yereree

Check the count of containers (or cases)
if practical. Make the entry clear and
legible, and use numbers only, separating
counts over 100 by @ comma.
(Examples: 300

3,000)

Record accurately as to size and types.
(Examples: 24/8 oz. ctns.
24/250 g plastic cups
12/2hoz. film bags
12 lb. fiber cases
15 lb. wood flats
30 lb. L.A. lugs)

Record the total net weight (of product)
of the lot(s). Double check
multiplication, and show the total
figure (of lbs.) clearly.

Enter only the principle title of the
label, such as the brand name:

(Examples: Desert Sweets
Desert Dates
Redi -Date)
If not labeled, enter the word "UNLABELED".

Record exactly as it appears on the
container. If more than one code is
covered on one lot insert "See remarks"
and record under remarks.

If natural or dry, enter the letter "N".
If hydrated, enter the letter "H".

If net weights of the individual packages
meets applicable net weight criteria
enter the word "Meets". Otherwise show
net weight range. (Example: 11 - 12.5)

Show the range of counts per pound.
(Example: 45 to 51)

= bh -


After being picked the dates are trnsported to the packing
House. Here the dates are placed in air tight rooms or
stacked in blocks and covered with polyethylene tarps.

Then the dates are fumigated with Methyl Bromide to kill
any insect forms present.

II DESCRIPTION OF DATE VARIETIES

A.

Barhee

A soft date from Iraq, which has been increasing in popularity
in recent years, through commercial plantings in Coachella
Valley, California. Fruit has been moderately damaged by rain
and high humidity. Fruit small to medium; ovate to nearly
round; yellow, ripening to amber, curing to a deep golden
vrown; has relatively little astringency in the khalal stage
as compared with other varieties: late ripening. Heavy yields,
frequently over 300 pounds per palm, are characteristic.

Deglet Noor i

A semi-dry date from Algeria; the leading commercial variety

in the United States, grown chiefly in the Coachella Valley,
California, where it accounts for about 85 percent of the total
date acreage. In most parts of Arizona it has failed, largely
because of the susceptibility of the fruit to damage from rain
and high humidity. The Deglet Noor is apparently not adapted to
‘the heavier soils on which it has been planted. Fruit medium to
rather large; ovate-oblong; coral red, ripening to amber, curing
to a deeper brown; late ripening. Yields of 200 to 300 pounds
per palm under favorable conditions.

Halewy

A soft date from Iraq; grown in all the date-producing dis-
tricts, it has been relatively little damaged by occasional
rains and high humidity. Its principal disadvantage is a
tendency to shrivel during ripening, although this objection
is not usually serious on the heavier soils with adequate
irrigation. Fruit small to medium; narrowly oblong: yellow,
ripening to light amber, curing to translucent golden brown;
early ripening. Yields 150 to 200 pounds per palm.

Khadrawy

A soft date from Iraq; grown in commercial plenting in
California and Arizona; more well adapted to a rather wide

range of conditions. Palm smaller than any other commercial
variety. Fruit small to medium; oblong, with broadly rounded
apex; light yellow, ripening to greenish amber, curing to reddish
brown: early ripening. Yields light, seldom more than 100 to
150 pounds per palm.

-a-


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Sizing

After the cleaning process some plants employ mechanical sizers
to help facilitate their grading operation. This step is
especially helpful when the plant is grading fruit that has been
picked mechanically. This method of picking brings in many
small deformed and worthless dates. ‘These dates can be
eliminated from the grading process very readily with sizers.

Sorting and Grading

After being cleaned and in some cases sized, the dates are
separated into several texture, moisture and appearance
categories. These separations are classed as follows:

1. Natuarl dates

Natural dates are generally soft and pliable and
require no addition of moisture to pack and market.
These dates may require some maturation and
dehydration to properly prepare them for packing.

2. Waxy Dates

Waxy dates are generally firm but slightly pliable,
translucent and cured at least one-half the length
of the date and have smooth or panelled surfaces.
Waxy dates usually require some hydration before
packing.

3. Number 1 Dry Dates

Dry dates in this class are usually firm, translucent
and cured less than one-half the length of the date
and have at least a reasonably smooth or panelled
surfaces and/or may be slightly wrinkled. Proper
hydration is required to prepare these dates for
packing.

4, Number 2 Dry Dates

Dry dates in this class are firm, not translucent

or cured and may be wrinkled. Rubbery textured dates
are also included in this class. Dry dates in this
group usually require a great deal or hydration to
prepare them for packing or for use in by-products.

5. Utility Dates (Substandard )
Dates in this class are dates that do not meet the

criteria for the above classifications but are
edible and can be used for human consumption. These

-16 -


INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSPECTION
_ . OF DATES AND DATE PRODUCTS June LOTT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE
SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION 8
I PRODUCTION
A. Origin 8
B. Domestic Areas of Production 8
C. Importance 8
D. Utilization of Date Crop 8
E. Date Propagation 9
F. Growth and Ripening 9, 10, 11
G. Date Fruit Spoilage ll, 12, 13
H. Harvesting . 13, 14
II DESCRIPTION OF DATE VARIETIES , 14
A. Barhee : 14
B. Deglet Noor 14
C. Halawi 14
D. Khadrawi 14
E. Medjool 15
F. Zahid 15
III DATE PACKING OPERATIONS 15
A. Cleaning 15
B. Sizing . 16
C. Sorting and Grading 16, 17
D. Processing 17, 18
E. Pitting 19
~ F. Packing 19, 20


is 10 percent, i including not more than 6 percent side
spot or black scald, of the 6 percent not more than

, percent can be souring, mold, insect infestation,
dirt, foreign material or improper ripening and of the
4 percent not more than 1 percent can be decay.

Score corresponding points whenever the total percent
of applicable defects indicates a particular score and
the limitations of the more serious defects are
within the allowances.

Whenever a date sample is scored into a lower grade
because of defects the sample may not be graded
above that grade regardless of the total score.

Pit Determination

Whole pitted dates, date pieces and macerated dates must
meet the criteria for absence of pits or pit pieces. The
tollerance is two pit fragments, (2 mm or longer,

measured in the longest dimension) or one whole pit per

25 ounces of dates or date material on a sample average
basis. This determination can usually be accomplished
while cutting the 25 ounce sample for Food and Drug defects.

Character

The character of dates depends on several factors which
are inter-related. The main points to consider are the
degree of development, fleshiness, softness, ripeness,
dryness and the presence of semi-dry and dry calyx ends.
Character, therefore, does not refer only to maturity or
ripeness, as such, but to a combination of characteristics
that establishes the degree of the dates excellence by
eating. It is important that the varying degree of these
individual features be considered in relation to the
maturity and ripeness for the variety inspected.
"Development" relates to the stage of growth in fruit size
and maturity.

"Fleshiness" refers to the thickness of the date material,
in relation to the size.of the date.

"Softness" refers to the lack of firmness in the texture

of the date flesh and is generally reflected by the moisture
content, whether natural or induced through a hydration
process. Softness is also associated with the breakdown

of the cell wall structure of the date flesh permitting

the date to ripen completely.

73%

i



be marked with the letters "EXPORT", the date of
inspection and "U. S. Department of Agriculture".
In addition, containers exported to Mexico must be
marked "EXPORT MEXICO".

Product dates are dates packed for manufacturing or
by-product use. These dates are designated as
"PRODUCT" dates on the reporting certificate.

Product dates are usually packed in fiber cases,
lugs or bins. Each container shall be marked to
indicate the lot number, designation and handler
unless inspection is concurrent with conversion
into an approved product. Each lot shall be tagged
with a Date Administrative Committee Restricted
card showing the lot number, number of containers,
date of inspection and the inspéctors name,

Field-run restricted dates are field-run dates set
aside in lugs or bins. for disposition under the
supervision of the Date Administrative Committee
through approved manufacturers or feeders.
Inspection is made of the lot to determine the
amount of dates it contains that would meet the
effective minimum requirements for restricted dates
if properly cleaned. These dates are designated as
"FIELD-RUN" dates on the reporting certificate.
Each lot shall be tagged with a Date administrative
Committee Restricted Card showing the lot number,
number of containers, date of inspection and the
inspector's name.

Surplus Dates

Surplus dates are dates that fail to meet the require-
ments of Marketable dates. These dates can be divided
into two classifications.

1. Utility Dates (Substandard)

These are dates which fail to meet the requirements
for marketable dates but are not cull dates.
Utility dates may be utilized in certain
products for human consumption that the Date
Administrative Committee and the Secretary of
Agriculture approve. These dates are
designated as “UTILITY” on the reporting
certificate. Each lot shall be tagged with a
Date Administrative Committee Restricted card
showing the lot number, number of containers,
date of inspection and the inspectors name.

- 25 -



em

PREFACE oN

———$ $$

These instructions are designed primarily for Processed Fruit

and Vegetable Inspectors of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

They are not intended to be a comprehensive treatise on the

subject but give background information and guidelines to

assist in the uniform application and interpretation of USDA .
grade standards and other sinilar specifications.

These instructions are revised as necessary without public
notice and no miling list is maintained as public advisory
of such changes.

The citation of any data, criteria, techniques, illustrations,
copyrighted material, or pictorial representation accredited
to private authorship is used with the permission of the
individuals or sources cited. Unless a specific accreditation
ds referenced, the information herein has been compiled and/or
developed from sources available to the public as well as from
technical knowledge of personnel in the Department.

Compliance with the suggested guidelines and other pertinent
information herein does not excuse any one from failure to
comply with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or any
other applicable Federal or State laws and/or regulations.

Except for official USDA inspection aids or devices and color
guides (or standards) produced under license of the Department,
the. mention of any supplier, patented device, product, brand=
name, or equipment does not imply endorsement by the Department
over any other similar, or equally effective, material.
Infomation contained in this instruction is available to the
public. Inquiries as to availability of portions of this
instruction and copying or reproduction privileges should be
addressed to:

Chief

Processed Products Branch

Fruit and Vegeteble Quality Division, FQS
U. §. Denartment of Agriculture
Washington, DC 20260


Exhibit 1b

MINIMUM DATE GRADE AND SIZE FOR CANADA
Dates shipped to Canada have same requirements as "FREE DATES".
MINIMUM DATE GRADE AND SIZE FOR MEXICO

Dates shipped to Mexico have same requirements as “RESTRICTED DATES"
and/or "UTILITY DATES".
EXPORT DATES - Program covering dates exported to France, Belgium, Spain,
Netherlands, West Germany, Italy, Greece, Morocco, Algeria,
Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and Sudan for processing and
packaging operations. .

EXPORT FP - Cleaned graded dates for further processing operations.
Containers stamped "EXPORT", designate as "EXPORT FP".
MINIMUM DATE GRADE Deglet Noor Zahidi Khadrawi Halawi
Color 1 pany par pay
Size T 7 T T
Defects /1 au /e al al al
Character 31 28 28 28
Total Score 76 70

70 70
Grade c or C(Dry) C or C(Dry) ¢ or C(Dry) c or C(Dry)
/L Dates with defects that can be removed by washing shall not
be considered when determining the defect factor.
fz May also include not more than 4o percent, by weight, of
the dates that are damaged by broken skins.
Zahidi Khadrawi Helewi

MINIMUM DATE SIZE Deglet Noor

NO MINIMUM DATE SIZE

UTILITY DATES - Dates for By-Product use or Export to Mexico that fail

requirements of other categories for reasons other
than F and D defects. Designate as "UTILITY".

LIMITATIONS Deglet Noor Zahidi Khadrawi Halawi

Utility dates may not contain more than a total of 10% of
dates affected by side spot, black scald, improper ripening
(shrivel) fermentation or souring, mold, insect infesta-
tion, dirt or other foreign material and decay. Of the
total not more than 5% can be affected by fermentation or
souring, mold, insect infestation, dirt or other foreign
material and decay. Of the 5% F and D defects not more
than 2% can be decay.

Zahidi Khadrawi Halawi \

MINIMUM DATE SIZE © Deglet Noor

NO MINIMUM DATE SIZE

- kg -


2. Grade: B or B (Dry) Color

If the basic color of the date sample is a reasonable , \
uniform, typical amber but some of the whole or ,
pitted dates are quite variable, lighter or darker

amber, than the overall appearance of the sample, a

score in the grade B range may be assigned.

If date samples score in the (B) classification of
16 or 17 points, they may not be graded above Grade
B, regardless of the total score.

3. Grade C or C(D: Color

The basic criteria for this grade is that the date
sample be a fairly uniform, typical amber in respect
to whole and pitted dates and the highest color
assigned date pieces or macerated dates.

Dates that have been burned to a cherry-red color
through over-hydration, should not be down graded
under the factor of color but rather, under defects.
This also, applies to damaging by sunburn, and
damaging by discoloration as defined in the U. S.
Standards for Grades of Dates.

If date samples score in the (C) classification of
14 or 15 points, they may not be graded above Grade Cy
regardless of the total score.

4. Assigning the Score and Grade

In addition to the foregoing color requiremnets for
each scoring classification, the following table
may be used as a guide in assigning the score.

Classification Score Points Marked Variation (By Count)
A 20 Over 0% to 1% Variation
Over 1% to 3% "

Over 2

* Ldmiting rule.

- 33 -


SECTION 6 PREPARATION OF RECORDS AND REPORTS
I WORK SHEETS

The inspector will be furnished with appropriate work sheets
for recording all pertinent information relative to the
inspection including the detailed inspection results. The
inspector shall record-in this work sheet such information
indicated by the specific headings as may be applicable toethe
inspection involved. He shall also record any other in-
formation that may be pertinent and useful for issuing
inspection reports.

Work sheets shall be attached to the inspector's file copy
of inspection report as soon as issued and maintained in an
appropriate file for reference.

The inspector shall manually sign the work sheets.
II INSPECTION CERTIFICATES
A. Not Under Order

These forms should be used for certification of lots of
dates not regulated under the Marketing Order, for
export. shipment, for delivery to Government procurement
agencies (Federal, State, or city), or any other
instance in which the applicant needs a regular
inspection certificate.

These certificates should be prepared in accordance with
existing instructions furnished all processed fruit and
vegetable inspectors.

1. Distribution
These forms shall be distributed in accordance
with existing instructions furnished all processed
fruit and vegetable inspectors.

B. Inspection Reports Under Marketing Order (Form FV-101)
The inspector shall issue a Date Inspection Report,
FV-101 (Exhibit 5) covering the daily inspection of lots
of dates for each handler.

1. Completion of Form FV-101

In order to assure a uniform method of reporting
results of inspection under the Marketing Order, the
following instructions and entries should be followed:

- ho -


SECTION 4 INSPECTION PROCEDURE

I

II

III

GENERAL

The inspector shall use equipment, methods of tests, and
reporting forms as directed by his supervisor and which are
adequate for determining the grade and condition of the
dates and for reporting the grade and condition thereof.

Special forms and reports as specifically mentioned
in these instructions for use under the Date Marketing
Order would not be used in the inspection of dates in
areas not covered by these programs.

Inspection will be accomplished in one of the following
ways:

1. On unofficially submitted samples.
é. On officially drawn samples from lots in which
the packing operations have not been observed.

3. By in-plant inspection during the process of
preparation and packing and on the packed
product.

INSPECTION EQUIPMENT OR MATERIALS

The following basic equipments and materials are required for
the inspection of dates.

Seale measuring in one~tenth ounce gradation.
Gram scale.
Short-bladded cutting knife.
U. S. Standards for Grades of Dates,

Federal Specification
Dates and Instmuctions for Inspection of Dates.
Score sheets, certificates or report forms.
Inspection identifying stamps.

Additional equipment may be necessary: to perform special
analysis and shall be available to the inspector or
suitable arrangements shall be made to have such analysis
made in a Processed Products laboratory.

CERTIFICATES, RECORDS, AND REPORT FORMS
Sce separate section of these instructions

on "Preparation of Certificates, Records,
and Reports".

- 28 -


Souring, rot and spots may be caused in dates by a large number
of fungus and bacterial species. These fungi and bacteria are
found in the soil and all are spread by wind. The air contains
millions of fungus spores and bacteria which are deposited with
dust, on exposed surfaces. During the growing season the
surfaces of the young dates are covered with these microscopic
spores which lie dormant until they are awaxened by contact
with moisture. Spore germination is very rapid when the air is
warm. Within a few hours, the date may be covered with many
tiny fungus plants seeking entrance through the skin to the
sugary flesh beneath. Dates are very resistant to infection
when green, but when in the red or khalal stage, they become
increasingly susceptible. Only after dates have become fully
mature and réasonably dry (19 percent moisture) do they

again become resistant to fungus development.

Three types of fungus fruit spoilage may be mentioned. The
first type is known as souring. It is caused mostly by

wild yeasts and bacteria which gain entrance to the date
through breaks in the skin during and after rainstorms or else
they find their way into the open end of the date after it is
picked. The souring process includes both the alcoholic
fermentation of sugar and the fermentation of acetic acid

from the alcohol. It does not rot the flesh, but it causes
undesirable odors and flavors which, in the later stages, spoil
the fruit for human consumption.

The second and third types of fungus spoilage may also follow
water injury, but they commonly originate in unwounded dates.
Calyx-end rot, the second type, is caused by the black mold,
aspergillus niger, and several of its relatives. These molds
find entrance to the date by growing through the tender,
uncutinized skin beneath the calyx. They cause a soft,

watery rot of the flesh which develops very rapidly. The date
loosens from the fruit stalk and often becomes infested with
insects. Black, green, or yellow masses of mold spores develop
in the seed cavity or between layers of the flesh. Infested
fruits are definitely spoiled in appearance and taste.

The third type of fungus spoilage is the side spot (alternaria)
which is quite prevalent some years. It is caused by Alternaria
citri and several related species. These fungi are able to
penetrate directly through the unbroken skin of the date at

any point on the surface when the date is at a certain stage

of maturity. During the rutab stage of maturity when the flesh
is softening, the mycelial threads developed from the fungus
spores during germination, grow directly into the skin through
the waxy cuticle. A tiny fungus colony, originating at each
point of entry, produces a side spot which is microscopic at
first but continues to enlarge until the fruit is fully mature
and dehydrated.



Exhibit lc

CONTAINERS
ALL REGULATED VARIETIES
EXPORT DATES - No container regulation.
FREE DATES - Dates packed for domestic use.

Whole dates - Plastic containers, other than bags limited
to; 8 ozs., 12 ozs., 24 ozs., or in
excess of 32 ozs.

Pitted dates - Plastic containers, other than bags limited
to; 10 ozs., 16 ozs., 24 ozs., or in
excess of 32 ozs.

Whole or pitted dates packed in other than

plastic containers may be handled without
regard to the net weight content.

- 50 -


€ ORM FVe364o 78(REVERSE } .

DEFECT ALLOWANCES AND LIMITATIONS FOR DATES (Effective August 26, 1955
(WHOLE AND PITTED DATES AND WHOLE DRY DATES FOR PROCESSING)

MAXILMUM.ALLOWANCES IN PERCENT BY WEIGHT

Damage By discoloration, broken skin, checking, deformity, puffiness, scars, sunburn, insect injury, improper
hydrating, mashing, mechanical injury, lack of pollination, blacknose, serious damage by checking or puffiness.

Damage By side spot or black scald.

6 Damage By improper ripening, other defects.
-y, [Affected By souring, mold, dirt, insect infestation, foreign miterial.

1 | af¥ected ay decay.

Damage Ry deformity, puffiness, scars, sunburn, insect injury, improper hydrating, mashing , mechanical injury.
Serious Dumage by puffiness.

Damage By lack of pollination, blacknose, side spot, black scald.

10 Damage By improper ripening, other defects.
B 5 [Affected By souring, mold, dirt, insect infestation, foreign material.

| | Affected ny decay.

15 | Serious Damage By checking.

20 | Damage By broken skin

Dagage By deformity, scars, sunburn, insect injury, improper hydrating, mashing, mechanical injury.
Serious Damage by puffiness.

20 Damage By lack of pollination, blacknose, side spot, black scald, improper ripening, other defects.

10 Affected By ‘souring, mold;-dirt, insect-infestation, foreign material.

| | attected By decay.

WORK SHEET



Med jool

A soft date from Morocco; grown in a few plantings in the
Coachella and Imperial Valleys and Bard, California. The more
or less translucent, reddish brown fruit is very large;
broadly oblong-oval to somewhat ovate; early ripening.

Light yields, seldom more than 100 to 150 pounds per palm.

Zahidi

A semi-dry date from Iraq: planted to some extent in ali
date-producing districts in California and Arizona. Growers
of this variety claim its fruit can be handled more economically
than that of most of the other varieties, although it is
generally regarded as somewhat lacking in quality. Fruit is
a little less tolerant to rain or high humidity than Halawy
and Khadrawy. Fruit small to medium; obovate; yellow,
ripening to amber, curing to deep brown, except for dull-
yellow or straw-colored areas of dry flesh retained at the
vase of many fruits: mid-season in ripening. Yields 200 to
300 pounds per paln.

III DATE PACKING OPERATIONS

A.

Cleaning

Fumigated field-run dates are cleaned by a number of different
methods or by & combination of methods. The dates first pass
over a shaker, slotted slide, special slotted rollers or an
open mesh belt to remove loose debris and dirt. From this
point the dates can be cleaned by different ways.

The oldest method used and found in some small packing plants

or used to clean soft, high moisture dates is the shaker belt.
Dates are dropped on a sloping mechanical shaker that is

lined and covered with damp toweling. The date shakes between
the towel layers and is cleaned as it travels to the end of the
shaker. This method has limited use because of the small

volume cleaned and inefficiency in removing residual insecticides
and dusts now being used by the industry.

Another cleaning method is a series of rotating nylon brushes
that brush and polish the dates as it moves them from one end
40 the other. Dust and debris are drawn off with a vacuum
system as the brushing action loosens the material.

Date washers are also used and are equipped with water sprays
using chlorinated water or a germicidal detergent. Some
washers utilize revolving brushes to further clean the dates.
Clear water sprays rinse the dates and then excess water is
removed from the dates by an airstream.

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