Marketing and

Regulatory

Programs

Agricultural

Marketing

Service

Fruit and

Vegetable

Program

Specialty 

Crops 

Inspection

Division

Foreign Material Manual

July 2013
Foreign Material Manual

Table of Contents

Introduction..........................................................................................................1

FDA and SCI Division Guidelines.....................................................................................................2

Classification and Segregation........................................................................................................2

SCI Division Guidelines.................................................................................................................3

Methods of Analysis.......................................................................................................................3

Classification ......................................................................................................................................4

Acceptance Criteria.........................................................................................................................6

TABLE I - Acceptance Criteria - Foreign Material (No FDA or SCI Division Guidelines) .............8

TABLE II - Acceptance Criteria (Off Flavor)....................................................................................9

Sampling Rates ...............................................................................................................................9

Segregation - Failing Lots................................................................................................................10

SCI Division Foreign Material Guidelines (for certain products NOT covered by an FDA DAL).12

Processed Raisins .............................................................................................................................13

Recording Results.............................................................................................................................14

Agreement with Food & Drug Administration.................................................................................16

Completion and Maintenance of Forms...........................................................................................17

Drosophila Egg and Larva Determination – Tomato Products........................................................22

Light Filth.........................................................................................................................................27

General Procedures:......................................................................................................................28

Wildman Extraction for Canned and Frozen Berries.......................................................................30

Rapid Jar Method .............................................................................................................................32

Macroscopic Examination................................................................................................................34

Maggots in Canned Mushrooms.......................................................................................................36

Mold Count.......................................................................................................................................39

Howard Mold Counting Method ......................................................................................................43

Sampling/Inspection Procedures......................................................................................................48

Acceptance Criteria.......................................................................................................................50

Certification......................................................................................................................................52

Commodity Specific Procedures......................................................................................................52

Mold Analysis - Canned and Frozen Fruit and Berries....................................................................52

i
Mold Analysis - Fruit Nectars, Purees, and Pastes ..........................................................................55

Mold Analysis - Pineapple and Citrus Products...............................................................................57

Mold Analysis – Canned Tomatoes and Tomato Products..............................................................59

Technical Inspection Procedures for Microanalysis of Processed Raisins......................................61

Attachments .................................................................................................................................66

ii
SCI Division Inspection Series Foreign Material Manual

Effective Date: July 2013 Page 1 of 66

INTRODUCTION

This manual is designed for Specialty Crops Inspection (SCI) Division employees of the U.S. 

Department of Agriculture (USDA). Its purpose is to assist in the uniform evaluation of foreign 

material in processed fruit and vegetable commodities. This involves application of Food and 

Drug (FDA) guidelines and procedures, which form an integral part of Division services. If 

needed, contact your immediate supervisor for any situation not addressed in this manual.

This manual contains links to various internal and external sources of information. For 

inspection personnel without internet or intranet access, please contact your immediate 

supervisor to obtain hard copies of documents as needed.

GUIDE FOR ELECTRONIC USAGE

The Administrative, Inspection, and Management (AIM) System of instructional manuals is 

available electronically in Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF) at the following 

intranet address: http://agnis/sites/FV/PPB/AIM/default.aspx.

When accessed electronically, AIM materials have hyperlinks and hypertext (visible as 

underlined blue text) available to the PDF user. Clicking on a hyperlink takes the reader to a 

web site with information relating to the subject. Hypertext will link the reader to a different 

page within the current manual - or even a different manual - with information relating to the

subject. For example, the hypertext in the Table of Contents allows a reader to go directly to the 

section of interest in the manual by clicking on the section title within the Table of Contents.

PDF offers a variety of tools depending on the Adobe version the reader has. The newer the 

version, the more tools available. To learn about the variety of PDF search options available:

• Click on the “Help” tab on the top of this page,

• Then click on the “Adobe Acrobat Help” bar,

• Type the word “Search” in the “Search” box, and click on the “Search” button,

• A series of options will become available,

• Click on the “Access Search Features” link and follow the instructions for the type of 

search you are interested in.

This document format allows a PDF user to easily search for content within a document, or within 

multiple documents.
SCI Division Inspection Series Foreign Material Manual

Effective Date: July 2013 Page 2 of 66

FDA AND SCI DIVISION GUIDELINES

Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 110.110 which may be found at the following 

internet address: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionCfr.action?collectionCode=CFR

allows the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish maximum levels of natural or 

unavoidable defects in foods for human use that present no inherent hazards to health.

The FDA publication "Defect Levels Handbook – The Food Defect Action Levels," contains the 

action levels for natural or unavoidable defects that may be present in certain processed fruits, 

vegetables, and related products intended for human use. This publication may also be found on 

the FDA website at the following internet address: 

http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/Sanitati

onTransportation/ucm056174.htm

Poor manufacturing practices and/or products that are harmful to consumers may result in 

enforcement or regulatory action without regard to the end product defect level. Likewise, the 

mixing or blending of food with a defect at or above the current defect action level with another 

lot of the same or another food is not permitted. Such a practice would render the final food 

unlawful regardless of the defect level of the finished food.

FDA has set a defect action level (DAL) for certain defects which pose no inherent hazard to 

health. These limits have been established because it is economically impractical to grow, harvest, 

or process raw products that are totally free of non-hazardous, naturally occurring, unavoidable

defects. The action levels are not intended to cover poor manufacturing practices. The DAL

represents a specific number at which FDA will regard the food product as being adulterated and 

subject to enforcement action to ensure that contaminated product does not reach the consumer.

Classification and Segregation

The limits established for foreign material in this guide are based upon the nature of the material, 

the impact upon the consumer, the capability of the industry to remove such material under good 

(acceptable) commercial practices, and the possible harmful effect of such material. The FDA 

recognizes that three factors must be taken into account in evaluating the presence of an adulterant 

in food:

1. Significance to public health;

2. Origin (e.g., field pest vs. stored product pest); and

3. Concentration (how many or how much was found in a known amount of 

food).

Products that are not covered by the FDA DALs that contain foreign material are subject to 

regulatory action if a lot fails the criteria in Table I, and it is not maintained under Agricultural

Marketing Service (AMS) control. For products with foreign material which poses no inherent 

hazard to health, use Classes 1, 2, and 3 in Table I. For products containing harmful material, 

use Class 4 and Grade Not Certified (GNC) in Table I
SCI Division Inspection Series Foreign Material Manual

Effective Date: July 2013 Page 3 of 66

SCI Division Guidelines

Guidelines have been established by SCI for certain defects that are not covered by an FDA 

DAL, and the table is shown on page 12 ((SCI Division Guideline). No U.S. grade will be

assigned to a commodity that fails a SCI guideline. Additionally, all items bearing ”Official 

Marks” as described in the regulations must be examined for wholesomeness according to the

applicable table in this instruction. Honey and maple syrup are exempt from this requirement.

Methods of Analysis

When an FDA DAL or an established SCI Division Guideline exists, review the applicable product 

grading manual or the AIM Inspection Series, Technical Procedures Manual. Some products listed 

in this Foreign Material manual show FDA DALs for analyses not routinely performed by SCI

Division, and not covered in SCI Division grading manuals or the AIM Inspection Series 

instructional manuals. In these instances, inspectors should follow normal SCI Division

procedures unless there is some reason to suspect adulteration. Methods of analysis referenced in 

this manual include methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists International

(AOAC) and the "FDA Technical Bulletin No. 5 - Macroanalytical Procedure Manual (MPM)."

This FDA manual may be found on the FDA internet site at the following address: 

http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm2006953.htm. Inspectors 

should follow the methods referenced in this manual and be guided by FDA DALs when 

adulteration is suspected.

Example: SCI Division does not routinely examine canned apricots for insect filth. 

However, if a visual examination of the apricots during grading shows evidence

of insect contamination, inspectors should carry out analysis as specified in the

MPM, procedure V51 and determine compliance with the FDA DAL for canned 

apricots contained in the FDA Defect Levels Handbook.

Note: Regardless of FDA DAL and SCI guidelines, product found to be unfit as 

food will be assigned GNC in lieu of a U.S. grade.
SCI Division Inspection Series Foreign Material Manual

Effective Date: July 2013 Page 4 of 66

Classification

Foreign material is not limited to the examples shown below for each class, nor are the examples 

necessarily limited to that class. Classify foreign material according to the description of each

class.

A. Foreign Material

For ease of reference, foreign material is classified according to the following five 

categories:

Class 1: Not readily discernible in the product, visually or organoleptically, 

and generally requires microscopic examination for detection.

Examples: Fly eggs, maggots, worms, larvae, insects and insect 

fragments, or other material 2 mm or less in length; 

mold, hairs (any), feather barbules, and barbs.

Class 2: Generally discernible without microscopic examination, but 

requires careful organoleptic examination of the product for 

detection.

Examples: Maggots, larvae, worms, insects, or other material 

more than 2 mm, but less than 7 mm in length.

Class 3: Readily discernible and/or highly objectionable from an aesthetic 

standpoint.

Examples: Larvae, worms and large insects 7 mm and larger in 

length, paper, excessive or coarse sand that

seriously affects the eating quality.

Class 4: Readily discernible, highly objectionable, and potentially harmful.

Examples: Machine (non-petroleum based) grease, stones, 

metal machine parts (nuts, bolts), belting material, 

paint chips, rubber gloves, or any other protective 

equipment.

GNC: Readily discernible, highly objectionable, harmful, unfit for 

consumption, and/or exceeds tolerances in Table I.

Examples: Matter contributed by insects, rodents, and birds.

Animal excreta, animal parts, or whole animals 

such as, but not limited to mice, snakes, houseflies,
SCI Division Inspection Series Foreign Material Manual

Effective Date: July 2013 Page 5 of 66

cockroaches, frogs, or parts thereof. Sharp objects 

that are potentially harmful or may cause injury. 

Nails, glass, sharp metal slivers or filings, hard or 

sharp plastic, wood splinters, thorns, burrs, puncture 

vines, and barley barbs. Petroleum based products 

such as diesel fuel, gasoline, or motor oil.

B. Other Unsatisfactory Conditions

Poor handling and various other conditions occur that result in products being 

GNC but for which no DAL or SCI Division Guideline exists. The following

are two examples:

1. Visible Mold

Example: An appreciable growth of mold on the surface of a 

processed product, such as berries, is indicative of 

the product being out of condition. Occasional 

moldy units are not considered in this category.

2. Live Infestation

Example: Presence of insects, worms, or larvae in dried fruit 

not covered by other instructions. Contact your 

supervisor when conditions such as these are found. 

FDA may not allow reconditioning of the product.

C. Off Flavor (See Table II)

Products found to contain an off flavor should be certified as follows:

1. Substandard

The product contains a definite off flavor, but is deemed fit for human 

consumption.

Example: Fermented (winey), or musty.

2. GNC

The product is considered to be "out of condition" or otherwise deemed 

unfit for human consumption.

Example: Putrid or flat sour.
SCI Division Inspection Series Foreign Material Manual

Effective Date: July 2013 Page 6 of 66

Acceptance Criteria

A "sample unit” is defined as either a container and its entire contents; a portion of the contents 

of one or more containers; or a composite mixture of a product. A “sample” is defined as the 

total number of sample units drawn from a lot.

A. Foreign Material

1. If an FDA DALor SCI Division Guideline exists for the product and

type of foreign material found:

Base acceptance according to the DALs or SCI Division Guidelines based

on the average of all sample units examined, or a predetermined amount 

of sample. The DAL represents limits at which FDA will regard the food 

product as "adulterated" and subject to enforcement action under the Food, 

Drug, and Cosmetics Act. When the initial sample units examined for 

foreign material exceed the DAL or the SCI Division Guideline, the lot is 

considered adulterated, and fails.

2. Samples not Officially drawn by USDA:

Any FDA DALor SCI Division Guideline applicable to officially drawn 

sample units shall also be applied to sample units submitted by an 

applicant. Since sample units submitted by an applicant do not

officially represent any lot, lot acceptance criteria based on officially

drawn samples shall not apply. If foreign material is found in sample

units not officially drawn by USDA, the sample units fail.

Notify the applicant of the finding of foreign material. The applicant has 

an obligation to report the incident through the FDA Reportable Food 

Registry when there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure 

to, an article of food will cause serious adverse health consequences or 

death to humans or animals. Notify the FDA district office where the 

product is located. Request guidance from your supervisor whenever this 

occurs.

3. If no FDA DALor SCI Division Guideline exists for the product and

type of foreign material found, use Table I.

A lot in which foreign material is found during examination of the product 

is considered failing until all sample units are examined for foreign 

material. To qualify for a grade, the lot must be examined for the different 

classes of foreign material in accordance with criteria in Table I. Failure

to meet these criteria will result in the product being GNC, and no U.S.

grade can be assigned to the lot.
SCI Division Inspection Series Foreign Material Manual

Effective Date: July 2013 Page 7 of 66

For example, the acceptance criteria for class 3 foreign material is 1 in 21 

samples/42 lbs. If two class 3 worms were found in a 21 sample lot, the

lot would fail on foreign material.

If different classes of foreign material are found in a sample unit, they are 

classified as separate deviants. When additional samples are examined in 

accordance with Table I and no additional foreign material is found, the 

deviant in the less severe class is generally cleared if the deviant in the 

more severe class is cleared.

For example, in a 13 sample lot, you find one 8 mm worm (class 3), and 

one machine bolt (class 4). Additional samples are pulled to meet the 

most severe deviant involved - in this case, the class 4 deviant (1 in 150 

samples/300 lbs.).

In these additional samples, two class 3 and zero class 4 deviants are

found, bringing the lot total to 3 class 3 and 1 class 4 deviants. The class 4 

deviant meets the 1 out of 150 samples/300 lbs. rate shown in Table I.

The class 3 acceptance rate is expressed as 1 out of 21 samples/42 lbs. 

Considerably more product than this was actually examined, so the 

allowable deviant number is adjusted accordingly. To do so, divide the 

number of samples and pounds examined by the corresponding numbers 

shown in Table I. In this case:

150 samples or 300 lbs.

21 samples 42 lbs.

= 7.14 (round to 7)

So when examined at the class 4 rate of 150 samples/300 lbs., up to seven 

class 3 deviants would be allowable. In this case, a total of 3 class 3 

deviants and 1 class 4 deviant were found in the lot, therefore it MEETS 

criteria for both class 3 and class 4 foreign material.
SCI Division Inspection Series Foreign Material Manual

Effective Date: July 2013 Page 8 of 66

TABLE I - Acceptance Criteria - Foreign Material (No FDA or SCI Division Guidelines)

CLASS Acceptance Criteria Deviants

Allowed

Minimum # 

Sample Units

Minimum 

lbs. (net wt.)

1 No FDA-DAL or

SCI Division Guideline

See below 6 N/A

2 No FDA-DAL or

SCI Division Guideline 1 13 26 lbs.

3 No FDA-DAL or

SCI Division Guideline

1 21 42 lbs.

4 N/A 1 150 300 lbs.

GNC None – no deviants or acceptance criteria 0 N/A N/A

For Class 1, examine a minimum of 6 sample units and apply the following limits. If you 

have questions about tolerances for Class I foreign material, consult your supervisor.

Fly eggs, maggots, worms, larvae, insects and insect fragments 2 mm or less:

In readily separable products, the lot fails if the average is greater than 25.0 units in 100 

grams (an average of 25.1 in 100 grams would FAIL).

In comminuted, fluid, or homogeneous product, the lot fails if the average is greater than

5.0 units in 250 ml, or if one individual subsample exceeds 5.0 in 250 ml.

Hairs and/or feather barbules/barbs:

Less than 7 mm, product fails if 4 or more are found in 2 or more samples, or if the 

average number of hairs found in 6 samples is greater than 2.0 in 100 grams.

7 mm or longer, product fails if any are found in 2 of 6 subsamples

Other foreign material 2 mm or less, or mold:

Use deviant and acceptance criteria for Class 2

Note: The sample size for examination must meet the minimum number of sample 

units and minimum poundage shown in Table I to accept the lot. For 

example, in class 2, if the sample size is 13, and the container net weight is 12 

ounces, additional samples must be drawn to meet the minimum of 26 lbs. This 

example would require that a total of 35 containers be examined for class 2 

material.

26 lbs. = 416 oz; 1 sample unit = 12 oz. 416 ÷ 12 = 34.67 or 35 containers
SCI Division Inspection Series Foreign Material Manual

Effective Date: July 2013 Page 9 of 66

B. Off Flavor - Table II

The deviant rate for Substandard and GNC products account off flavor shall be in 

accordance with Table II.

TABLE II - Acceptance Criteria (Off Flavor)

Grade Deviants Allowed Minimum No. Sample Units

When Substandard Flavor is 

found, and Flavor is a 

Scoreable Factor:

Refer to acceptance number 

in the AIM Inspection 

Series, Sampling Manual, 

and the Regulations

See applicable sampling 

plan in AIM Inspection 

Series, Sampling Manual.

When Substandard Flavor is 

found, and Flavor is a Nonscoreable or a Prerequisite 

Factor:

1 21

When Objectionable Flavor is 

found that would render the 

product Grade Not Certified:

1 48

Sampling Rates

The sample size for examination for foreign material is based on the applicable lot or on-line 

sampling rate indicated in the Regulations, and the AIM Inspection Series, Sampling Manual. 

The sampling rates are only minimum rates; additional sample units may be examined.

Under in-plant inspection, a minimum of one analysis must be run on each lot, unless more than 

one lot can be examined at a common source. Instructions may contain specific sampling rates. 

See the applicable instructions listed in the AIM Inspection Series, Sampling Manual.

A. Foreign Material - Classes 1 and 2

For products listed in the SCI Division Guideline or FDA DAL, examine for class

1 and 2 material according to Table III.

If the product does not have a SCI Division Guideline or Food Defect

Action Levels, visually examine every sample unit for class 1 and 2 material.
SCI Division Inspection Series Foreign Material Manual

Effective Date: July 2013 Page 10 of 66

B. Foreign Material - Classes 3 and 4

Visually examine every sample unit. For bulk containers exceeding ten (10) 

pounds net weight, examine sub-samples of approximately two pounds of 

product. On smaller containers, examine the entire contents.

TABLE III – Lot Inspection Sampling Rates

Number of 

quality samples

Number of samples 

examined for Classes 1 & 2*

Number of samples visually 

examined for Classes 3 & 4

3

6

13

21

29

38

1

2

3

4

5

6

3

6

13

21

29

38

* Visually examine all samples for Class 1 and 2 foreign material if there is no 

established FDA DAL or SCI Division Guideline for the product

C. Meeting Minimum Sample Unit and Poundage Criteria

If a lot fails inspection due to the presence of foreign material, and the product 

and defect is not covered by FDA DALs or SCI Division Guidelines, 

additional sample units may have to be examined to determine if the lot can be

accepted.

The FV-16 "Hold for Re-examination" form is issued if/when a lot FAILS the 

minimum sample unit and minimum poundage acceptance criteria of Table I or 

Table II, as applicable.

Segregation - Failing Lots

Inspectors should use good judgment in permitting segregation by sub code in a lot containing 

foreign material which exceeds original inspection guidelines. Segregation can only be made on a

lot that is separately identifiable. The low acceptance levels and limited number of sample units 

examined will not normally permit acceptance of remaining portions of a lot without reinspection.
SCI Division Inspection Series Foreign Material Manual

Effective Date: July 2013 Page 11 of 66

Lot segregation procedures for:

A. Class 1 and 2 Foreign Material

Examine additional sample units from the offending portion of the lot to raise the 

total sample units drawn from the offending portion to the number of sample units 

required by the single sampling plan, and minimum poundage if applicable; and

Examine additional sample units from the remaining portion of the lot to raise the 

total sample units drawn from the remaining portion to the number of sample

units required by the single sampling plan, and minimum poundage if applicable.

B. Class 3 Foreign Material

Examine additional sample units from the offending portion of the lot to raise the 

total sample units drawn from the offending portion to the number of sample units 

required by the single sampling plan (not less than 21 sample units and minimum 

poundage from Table 1); and

Examine additional sample units from the remaining portion of the lot to raise the 

total sample units drawn from the remaining portion to the number of sample

units required by the single sampling plan (not less than 13 sample units and 

minimum poundage from Table 1).

C. Class 4 Foreign Material

Examine additional sample units from the offending portion of the lot to raise the 

total number of sample units to 150 and minimum poundage from Table 1; and

Examine additional sample units from the remaining portion of the lot to raise the 

total number of sample units to not less than 48.

D. Off Flavor

Examine additional sample units from both offending and remaining portions to 

meet the total number of sample units required in Table II.
SCI Division Inspection Series Foreign Material Manual

Effective Date: July 2013 Page 12 of 66

Established SCI Division Guidelines

The charts below summarize SCI Division Guidelines for Canned and Frozen Green and Wax

Beans, Canned and Frozen Blueberries, Imported Olives and Processed Raisins.

SPECIALTY CROPS INSPECTION DIVISION FOREIGN MATERIAL GUIDELINES 

(for certain products NOT covered by an FDA DAL)

PRODUCT ANALYSIS DEFECT SCI DIVISION 

GUIDELINE 

Beans, Green and

Wax:

Canned and Frozen

Visual Worms Loose Worms (less than 20 mm in

length):

More than 1 worm per 180 ounces 

drained weight.

More than 2 worms per container 

or two pound sub-sample.

Embedded Worms (less than 20 mm

in length):

More than 2 worms per 180 

ounces drained weight.

More than 3 worms per container 

or two pound sub-sample.

Combination - Loose and Embedded: 

More than 3 worms per 180

ounces drained weight, of which 

no more than 2 may be loose 

worms per container or two pound 

sub-sample.

Blueberries;

Canned and Frozen

Visual and 

Sedimentation 

(Black pan)

Maggots Maggots (less than 7 mm): 

Average 4 per 20 ounces.

Olives;

Imported Green and

Imported Black

(see Defect Level 

Handbook for other 

types of Olives)

Visual Insect 

Damage 

(Maggots)

Whole Style:

An average of 5% or more by 

count with prominent tunneling, 

including 1% with maggots.

All Other Styles:

2 per 300 grams, average of 1 per

300 grams.
SCI Division Inspection Series Foreign Material Manual

Effective Date: July 2013 Page 13 of 66

PROCESSED RAISINS

Type of

Foreign Material

Column 1

Guide

Accept

Column 2

Guide

Reject

Column 3

Guide

Average

Column 1:

If the first aliquot from the 

composite does not exceed 

guides in Column 1, the 

sample unit MEETS 

established guides.

Column 2:

If any aliquot equals or 

exceeds guides in Column

2, the composite FAILS

established guides.

Column 3:

The average of all three 

aliquots from the

composite must not exceed

Column 3.

* 1. Striated Hairs

2. Drosophila 

(Adult, Pupae 

and Larvae) 2/3/

3. Insect Eggs 2/3/

* 4. Feather Barbules 

and Barbs 

Provided not 

more than:

Barbs 1/

* 5. Insect Fragments

* 6. Total Other 

Insects 

Provided not 

more than: 

Saw Tooth 

Beetles 1/

Dried Fruit

Beetles 1/

Any other single

insect species 1/

7. Sand and Grit 2/

8. Mold 2/

0

5

35

5

5

15

5

2

3

5

Avg. of 10 

subsamples 

is 5 % or 

more by 

count

4

16

75

16

50

16

1.0

10.0

50.0

10.0

25.0

10.0

Avg. of 40 

mg or more 

per 100 g

* Specialty Crops Inspection Division Guidelines

1/ Maximum per aliquot. If acceptance number is exceeded, sample fails.

2/ If sample unit exceeds FDA Defect Action Level, the inspection lot fails.

3/ Golden Raisins.

Each Composite Sample Unit must stand on its own results. One to three aliquots of eight ounces each 

are analyzed from each composite sample unit. A raisin gross composite sample unit is made up of equal 

amounts of raisins from different shipping cases. Several sample units may therefore make up a total 

sample (one or more composite samples) representing one lot. Results of two or more sample units may 

not be averaged, and if one sample unit fails, the lot is reported as failing.
SCI Division Inspection Series Foreign Material Manual

Effective Date: July 2013 Page 14 of 66

RECORDING RESULTS

Record all types of infestation and contamination by size and number on Form FV-140, which may be found on the AMS Forms 

Catalog at the following intranet address: http://agnis/AMSFormsCatalog/Forms/AllItems.aspx. Complete the fields as applicable for

the product being inspected. Examples of completed forms are shown below and on the following page.
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SCI Division Inspection Series Foreign Material Manual

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AGREEMENT WITH FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION

The Memorandum of Understanding between AMS and FDA requires that AMS report to FDA 

any product found to be adulterated by foreign material that is not under control of AMS. See the

Memorandum Agreement between AMS and FDA, MOU 225-72-2009 at the following internet 

address: 

http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/PartnershipsCollaborations/MemorandaofUnderstandingMOUs/

DomesticMOUs).

Additional information on handling and control procedures is available on the AIM Management 

site on AGNIS under Regulations/MOU.

Control

A. Under AMS Control

Product is considered "under AMS control" when the SCI Division inspector has 

specific knowledge that the HOLD lot is intact, can confirm the location of the

HOLD lot, and is able to locate and identify the HOLD lot in storage.

Under in-plant and lot situations, SCI inspectors must maintain some form of 

surveillance of any HOLD lot until such product is reconditioned to comply with 

FDA requirements, and/or is acceptable for grade assignment, or is segregated 

and disposed of for nonfood use.

Note: When the lot remains under AMS control, FDA is not notified.

1. Procedure

When foreign material or GNC flavor is in excess of SCI Division 

Guidelines or at or above FDA DALs is found in the original sample, the

SCI inspector will notify the applicant verbally, and place the lot on 

HOLD. The inspector will make arrangements with the applicant for reexamination, if desired, and complete the top part of Form FV-16, (which 

may be found

on the AMS Forms Catalog at the following intranet address:

http://agnis/AMSFormsCatalog/Forms/AllItems.aspx.

Each HOLD lot must be conspicuously marked and distinguished from 

other lots by code mark(s) and location when recording information on 

inspection documents so that the lot may be easily found and identified. 

At this stage the lot is considered GNC.

When the applicant disposes of such GNC product immediately, 

Form FV-16 is not issued, and inspection records are marked accordingly.
SCI Division Inspection Series Foreign Material Manual

Effective Date: July 2013 Page 17 of 66

2. Re-examination of Hold Lots Under AMS Control

Applicants have a number of options available, such as segregation, 

reworking, destruction, or disposal for non-food use under AMS 

supervision. The option taken should be reported to the SCI Division 

inspector within two weeks from the date shown on the FV-16 adjacent 

to the inspector's signature.

When the applicant elects to have a re-examination after reworking or 

segregation, sample the lot in accordance with Division instructions, 

including this manual, re-inspect the product, and proceed as follows:

a. If the product on HOLD meets, complete the "USDA Report Of 

Re-Examination" portion of the FV-16 to indicate the product 

meets the applicable SCI Division Guideline or FDA defect action 

level, date and sign. The lot is released from its "Hold" status and 

can be certified.

b. If the product on HOLD fails, complete the bottom portion of the 

FV-16, informing the applicant of the options available. Lots that 

fail are normally destroyed or diverted to non-food use.

B. Not under AMS Control

When it has been confirmed that a HOLD lot is no longer under AMS control, the 

supervisor or inspector shall notify the applicant verbally of SCI Division’s 

reporting responsibilities and issue applicable documents.

Procedure: Issue a GNC certificate and attach a letter similar to the one shown

here informing the applicant that the GNC lot will be reported to the FDA. 

Complete form FV-16-2, Notification to Food and Drug Administration. After 

the FV-16-2 has been dated and signed by the supervisor, prepare copies and 

distribute in accordance with instructions.

All imports (including 8e) which fail the tolerances in Table I, SCI Division 

Guidelines, or FDA defect action level are considered as Not under AMS

Control. Do not complete and distribute form FV-16 or FV-16-2. Forward a

copy of the failing certificate directly to the local FDA district office.

COMPLETION AND MAINTENANCE OF FORMS

A numerical filing system will be maintained for all FV-16 and FV-16-2 forms. Documents that 

relate to the same lot and hold numbers will be filed together. This shall include any documents 

concerning product disposed of for non-food use, or which is lawfully exported.
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Distribution of Forms

A. FV-16, Notice for Hold for Re-Examination 

When product is placed on HOLD, the SCI Division inspector will complete

the top portion of the form, date, and sign. Prepare copies and distribute as 

follows:

1. Original and one copy to the applicant. When signed and dated by the 

applicant, the original is returned to the inspector;

2. One copy for the area field office, and if applicable, a copy for the 

inspector's in-plant file;

3. One copy to the Regional office; and

4. One copy to the National office.

After re-examination of the product, the SCI Division inspector will complete the

portion below the statement "USDA Report of Re-Examination" on the

applicant's signed and dated FV-16. Prepare copies and distribute as follows:

1. Copy to the applicant;

1. One copy for the area field office, and if applicable, a copy for the 

inspector's in-plant file;

2. One copy to the Regional office; and

4. One copy to the National office.

B. FV-16-2, Notification to Food and Drug Administration

The SCI Division inspector will complete and forward the form to his/her

supervisor for signature. After the form is signed and dated, the SCI Division 

inspector will prepare sufficient copies and distribute as follows:

1. Original to the FDA district office;

2. One copy to the applicant;

3. One copy for the area field office, and if applicable, a copy for the 

inspector's in-plant file;

4. One copy to the Regional office; and

5. One copy to the National office.
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Sample Letter informing Applicant of FDA notification after lot failure

USE CURRENT LETTERHEAD LOGO AND FORMAT

Mr. James Smith

Plant Manager

Roger’s Canning Company

417 East Main Street

Charles, Iowa 56001

Dear Mr. Smith:

Attached is Certificate No. Y-XXXXXX that covers 400 cases 6/No 10 cans of 

whole kernel corn that was graded Grade Not Certified on January 31, 2011, 

account presence of worms. This lot is designated as Hold Number RIP-002-11, 

on form FV-16, Notice for Hold for Re-examination. Under the Memorandum

of Agreement with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Specialty 

Crops Inspection Division is required to report to the local FDA field office any

GNC lot which is no longer under control of the inspection service. Since the

subject lot has been shipped, the FDA will be notified.

We are preparing the form for notifying FDA. We will provide you with a copy 

when it is completed. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please 

contact the area Officer-in-Charge.

Sincerely,

Zachery Conner, Inspector 

Specialty Crops Inspection 

Division Fruit and Vegetable

Program

CC: Officer-in-Charge

Regional Director
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DROSOPHILA EGG AND LARVA DETERMINATION – TOMATO PRODUCTS

Canned tomatoes and tomato products are susceptible to contamination by eggs and maggots of 

the Drosophila fly (fruit fly). The extraction method described in these instructions is used to 

determine the extent of fly egg and larvae infestation in these products.

Counting and Recording Infestation

The extraction method results in a clear separation of the tomato component on top, and any fly 

eggs and larvae present on the bottom. These are then drained into a beaker. This material is 

filtered, and the filter papers examined for the presence of eggs and maggots using a 20x to 30x 

wide-field microscope. An optional 60x lens should be available for verification. Inspectors 

must use a teasing needle to probe any large pieces of product that may conceal eggs or larvae.

Use Form FV-140 to record results. The form may be found on the AMS Forms Catalog at the 

following intranet address: http://agnis/AMSFormsCatalog/Forms/AllItems.aspx

Sampling Rate/Frequency

A. Lot inspection

1. Domestic - Examine at the rate of one analysis per inspection lot.

If any eggs or larva are found, examine the lot at the rate indicated in

Table III of this Manual

2. Imported - Examine at the rate indicated in Table III of this Manual

B. On Line Inspection

Examine at the rate of one analysis every 24 hours, for each product. A common 

source beyond which no further product contamination can occur may be used.

If any eggs or larva are found, examine at the rate of one analysis every 8 hours, 

with a minimum of one analysis for each shift or period, on each lot.

Return to the lower rate when no eggs or larva have been found for the past

24 hours of production.

If any other foreign material is found, consult your supervisor. 

C. Special Agreement Lot Inspection

With the approval of the regional director, the on-line sampling rate may be used 

for egg and larva determination of products covered by Special Agreement Lot
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Inspection Service. These types of agreements provide for inspection of all 

products of a single type or can size. The applicant establishes a history of 

production reliability through a series of continuous inspection lots. This history 

forms a basis for granting the on-line rate.

Sample Size

Use the amount of sample for drosophila egg and larva counting as shown in the following table.

Product 4/ Canned 

Tomatoes, any 

style

Tomato

Juice

Conc. Tomato

Juice

Tomato

Sauce

Sample Size 500 g 1/ 100 g 2/

Product 4/ Tomato

Puree

Tomato

Paste

Tomato

Catsup 3/

Chili

Sauce

Pizza

Sauce

Sample Size 100 g 2/

1/ Multiples of 100 g may be used. From cumulative results, determine the average 

number of eggs and larva for each 500 g increment.

2/ If the filtered trapping contains excessive pulp the amount of product may be 

reduced to 75 g, or 25 g. Calculate and record the equivalent number of eggs and 

larva per 100 g of product.

3/ Egg and larva determination are not routinely performed on Tomato Catsup, 

unless requested by the applicant.

4/ See additional special procedures in this manual as applicable.

At the discretion of the inspector in an in-plant inspection situation, the point of sampling for egg 

and larva may be a common source (single product or multiple products), or warehouse sample 

(tomatoes and "associated" drained packing medium from individual containers). If a common 

source sample exceeds the defect action level, all affected products must be held until the extent 

of contamination is determined by individually sampling the finished products.
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A. Preparation

1. Canned Tomatoes (any packing medium), Stewed Tomatoes, Tomatoes 

and Okra, and Other Similar Products:

Use 500 g. Multiples of 100 g may be used. From cumulative results, 

determine the average number of eggs and larva for each 500 g increment.

a. Place a large funnel into a large container, such as an empty No. 10 

can. Rest an 8-mesh sieve inside the cone of the funnel.

b. Place the 500 g aliquot (tomatoes and "associated" packing 

medium) on the sieve.

c. Rinse the container that was used to transfer the aliquot to the 

funnel. Add the rinse water to the funnel.

d. Wash the tomatoes with a fine spray of warm water (approximately

125 degrees F). Use as little water as possible.

e. Repeat and completely wash all material on the screen.

Use the procedure outlined under "Method of Extraction" on the following 

page.

If the volume of washings and juice is 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 the volume of a No. 10 can,

one separatory funnel is probably sufficient to make a good, clean 

separation of pulpy material in the juice. If the washing and juice volume 

exceeds this amount, or if multiples of 500 g aliquots are used, more than 

one separatory funnel may be needed.

Note: Select the 500 g aliquot and add washings to it. Do not select the 500 g 

aliquot from diluted packing medium.

2. All Products Other Than Canned Tomatoes and Other Similar Products.

Use 100 g of product without dilution. If the filtered trapping contains 

excessive pulp, the amount of product may be reduced to 75 g, or 25 g. 

Calculate and record the equivalent number of eggs and larva per 100 g of 

product.

For pizza sauce and chili sauce, wash the aliquot with warm water 

(approximately 125 degrees F) through a 10-mesh sieve, using the funnel 

and large container as above. Transfer the residue left on the screen to a 

black bottom pan and examine for the presence of larva. See the 

Macroscopic Examination section of this manual for guidance on this
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procedure. The drained portion is transferred to a separatory funnel for 

extraction.

Note: Unless requested by the applicant, egg and larva determination are not 

routinely performed on Tomato Catsup.

Preparation of Pectolytic Enzyme Solution

1. Prepare the solution fresh daily.

2. Add 1 level teaspoon of pectolytic enzyme (Pectinol AC) for every 300 ml 

of warm water (approximately 125 degrees F). Stir well for 2 minutes.

3. Let settle. Pour off the clear solution and discard the sediment.

4. Optionally, use 0.5 g of potassium oxalate in the above solution to break 

up gelation of material in the separatory funnel.

Method of Extraction

1. Wash the sample into the separatory funnel. Rinse the transfer container.

2. Add about 15 ml of pectolytic enzyme solution, shake, and let stand 15 

minutes or longer.

3. Add about 30 ml of white gasoline. Stopper, invert with the stem up (and 

not pointing at anyone), and immediately open the stopcock to release 

excess pressure. Close the stopcock and briefly shake the separatory 

funnel. Invert the funnel and release excess pressure through the stopcock 

again. Repeat until only a small amount of pressure is released when 

vented. Hold the funnel horizontally (stopcock closed) and shake 

vigorously for one minute. Invert and open the stopper to release pressure 

as necessary; be sure to close the stopper before resuming shaking.

CAUTION: White gasoline should be stored in a safety can, and appropriate safe 

handling measures should be observed.

4. Add warm water (125 degrees F) and bring the level of the contents to the 

wide portion of the funnel. Swirl and invert the funnel several times.

5. Let stand 15 minutes or longer, and drain about 20 ml into a 400 ml 

beaker.

6. Filter the trapped liquid in the 400 ml beaker through black 10XX bolting 

cloth (or alternate filter cloth that provides equivalent results) or ruled (if
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available) black filter paper with vacuum (aspirator or vacuum pump).

7. Examine the bolting cloth or filter paper under 20X magnification.

8. If no eggs or larva are found at this point, the sample is considered 

negative and can be discarded.

9. If one or more egg or larva are found, repeat swirling, standing for 15 

minutes, and draining 2 more times. The last time, remove about 200 ml 

of the bottom liquid for a total of approximately 240 ml).

10. Filter and examine, compare results with the tolerance in this Manual.
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LIGHT FILTH

The term "light filth" refers to materials such as insects, insect fragments, and rodent hairs in 

processed fruit and vegetables. The two general methods of extraction described in these 

instructions are for determining the extent of aphid, thrip and similar insect infestation or other 

light filth that can be recovered in the upper layer or kerosene fraction of the Wildman trap flask.

Supervisors will guide inspectors in determining the method of analysis used for the particular 

type and style of product. Generally, the Wildman Method is the most effective on products that 

disintegrate on agitation or under strong spray, or products that are finely chopped. The Rapid 

Jar Method is effective on coarsely chopped products that do not tend to disintegrate upon

agitation. To guide inspectors, supervisors will use specific commodity instructions to determine 

the sample rate for these extractions as well as the extent of permissible infestation.

Counting and Recording Infestation

Use Form FV-140 for recording results obtained from light filth examinations. This form may 

be found in the AMS Forms Catalog at the following intranet address: 

http://agnis/AMSFormsCatalog/Forms/AllItems.aspx. Record all types of infestation and 

contamination by size as well as by count.

A 20x to 30x wide-field microscope should be used to examine filter paper. An optional 60x lens 

should be available for verification. Inspectors must use a teasing needle to probe any large 

pieces of product that may conceal insect fragments or other filth.

Wildman Extraction Method

Equipment:

Wildman trap flask (2000 ml.) and plunger

50 and 100 ml. graduated cylinders

Buchner funnel (8 cm inside diameter) and screen

Filtering flask, heavy walled 

Filter pump or vacuum pump 

Ruled filter paper, 9 cm diameter

Reagents:

Lead acetate solution – Dissolve 350 g Lead Acetate in 

approximately 850 ml. boiling water. Add Glacial 

Acetate Acid slowly until mixture becomes clear and 

stays clear; then add 5 additional ml.

Glacial Acetic Acid. Dilute w/water to 1 liter mark.

Petri dish 

Stirring rods 

Wash bottles 

Sharp probe 

Gram scale

20x-30x Wide-field microscope

250 and 400 ml beakers

Kerosene, refined if available; if not use 

commercial Heptane

Deaerated water

Glycerin Solution (1⁄2 glycerin and 1⁄2 water) 

Mineral Oil (for tomato products)
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General Procedures:

A. Preparation of Sample

1. Thawed Frozen Products:

Boil 200 g (7 oz) of proportional amounts of product and packing media 

for 30 minutes with 20 ml of lead acetate solution. Boil in a 1000 ml 

beaker or a 2000 ml Erlenmeyer flask with the plunger held up by a 

clothespin or similar clasp. To control foaming during heating of the 

sample, add a small amount of anti-foam agent.

2. Canned Products:

As above, except boil for only 10 minutes.

Add additional water periodically while boiling to maintain a consistent level in 

the flask. Units of product may be chopped up or mashed while boiling or prior 

to this step.

Determine proportional amounts of products and packing media as follows: 

Weight of product ingredient = Drained Weight x 200 g

Net Weight

Example: Net weight of sample - 106 ozs.

Drained weight of sample - 70 ozs.

Required weight of material

Product = dr. wt. (oz)

- 200 g

x (200)

net wt. (oz)

70 x (200)

106

= 132.08 g

Therefore, a 200 gram proportionate subsample will require 132 g of product and

68 g of packing media.

B. Extraction of Prepared Sample

1. If an Erlenmeyer flask was not used for initial cooking, transfer cooled 

solution of product and water to a 2000 ml Erlenmeyer flask. Be careful 

to remove all product and packing media by thoroughly rinsing during the 

transfer. Add 5-10 drops of wetting agent.
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2. Add 35 ml kerosene (or light mineral oil for tomato products). Tilt the 

flask at a 45 degree angle and move the plunger disc below the surface of 

the liquid. Mix with a plunger for two or three minutes, using short up 

and down strokes to drive the oil or kerosene down into the sample. 

Avoid beating in any air or churning the mixture. If this occurs, the 

emulsified oil and entrapped air can prevent a good oil/water separation,

and cause vegetable material to rise to the oil level with the potential to be 

trapped off in the fraction for filtering. This would materially increase the 

time and effort required for filtering and searching the filter paper.

3. Add sufficient deaereated water to bring the solution level up to the neck 

of the flask. Water can be siphoned from a source into the flask through a 

tube introduced below the level of liquid in the flask, which will not 

introduce air bubbles into the flask.

4. Allow to stand for about 30 minutes.

5. Prior to trapping off the kerosene fraction, rotate the plunger slightly to 

produce a "swishing" action to clear any vegetative debris that may be 

floating at the interface of water and kerosene layers. This technique 

helps to disperse the concentration of material which tends to accumulate

there. Without this step, the material may be trapped off in the fraction for 

filtering, and interfere with observing and identifying insect specimens.

6. After gently swishing away vegetative material, raise the plunger disc 

slowly into position below the oil level and pull it up tight. Wash the oil 

off the plunger rod into the flask with hot water from the wash bottle.

7. Decant the trapped oil layer into a beaker. Wash out the neck of the flask 

with hot water while the flask is held at a reclined angle over the beaker.

8. Return the flask to the upright position. Gently work the plunger disc 

loose with a stirring rod and lower into the flask.

9. Add 20 ml of kerosene and mix with plunger as above. Add enough water 

to bring the level up to the neck of the flask. Let stand 10 minutes.

Decant again into the same beaker.

10. Filter the trapped off oil-water solution using a Buchner funnel lined with 

ruled filter paper. If the solution contains too much material to produce 

fairly clean filter papers, re-extract as above with a clean Wildman Trap 

Flask.

11. Place filter paper in Petri dish and add several drops of glycerin to prevent 

dehydration. Additional drops may be placed on filter paper as needed.
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12. Using 20x to 30x wide-field scope and adequate light, search paper and 

count insects and other filth. Use a teasing needle to separate any large 

pieces of material on the filter paper for positive identification.

13. Verify suspect particles by 60x or higher magnification. This step may be 

particularly necessary to identify nymph thrips, which are practically 

transparent except for dark or red eyes.

As needed, consult entomological references such as the FDA Training Manual

for Analytical Entomology in the Food Industry, and Microscopic-Analytical

Methods in Food and Drug Control to assist in identifying small insects and other 

infestations. Record all types of infestation and contamination by size as well as 

by number on Form FV-140, found on the AMS Forms Catalog at the following 

intranet address: http://agnis/AMSFormsCatalog/Forms/AllItems.aspx).

Wildman Extraction for Canned and Frozen Berries

Cane berries (raspberries, blackberries, loganberries, boysenberries, etc.), are subject to various 

types of infestation, including thrip, ants, stink bugs, mites, larvae of various types, orange tortrix 

and raspberry worm. Some types of infestation are of such size and character as to be readily 

observed by visual examination of the product. However, infestations such as thrip are too small 

to be identified and counted by macroscopic (visual) examination, and insects may be imbedded in 

the drupelets of the berry. Insects must therefore be extracted and examined by

microanalytical methods (Wildman Extraction) to estimate any light filth present.

Procedure for Canned and Frozen Berries

Proceed with Wildman Extraction Method, Preparation of Sample and Extraction of Prepared

Sample as above, EXCEPT add an additional extraction step after Step 9 as follows.

Gently work the plunger disc loose with a stirring rod and lower into the flask. Stir vigorously for

approximately 30 seconds, and allow to stand 10 minutes with an occasional gentle stir. Trap off

any additional kerosene which may have risen, and decant to the same 250 ml beaker, washing

neck of flask thoroughly. Follow with extraction Steps 10-13 as referenced above.

Do not rush the process. The times shown in all of the steps are the minimum needed for good 

results. Small drupelet berries such as loganberries can take a few minutes less boiling time than 

large drupelet berries, such as boysenberries. However it is unwise to reduce the boiling time 

since this is the step that releases the insects from the berries, allowing for adequate separation.
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Rapid Jar Method

Step 1

Steps in Wildman Trap

Extraction Step 3

Kerosene 

fraction

Step 1 - mix kerosene with sample:

Using short strokes, thoroughly 

mix kerosene with sample. Avoid

a “churning” or “thrashing”

action that will emulsify the 

mixture or incorporate air with 

the sample

Air vent

Step 3 - eliminate excess extraneous matter in

trapping off kerosene fraction:

Gradually raise plunger to neck of flask. As

rubber stopper on plunger approaches 

kerosene fraction, carefully rotate plunger to 

make a circular “swishing” action that will 

clear debris without agitating kerosene layer.

Step 2

Clamp

Deaerated water

Glass tubing

Step 2 – add deaereated water up to the neck of flask

One method to add water without adding air bubbles: insert a siphon tube to bottom of flask 

and allow water to flow into sample. Be sure the tube is underneath the surface of the liquid. 

As water level approaches neck of flask, stop the flow of water and withdraw the tube. Wash 

sides of tube into flask with wash bottle. Allow a few additional drops of water to flow through 

the tube to remove any remaining oil. Bring water level in flask to trapping position in neck.
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RAPID JAR METHOD

The Wildman Method is used on products that disintegrate on agitation or under strong spray, or 

products that are finely chopped. The Rapid Jar Method is used on coarsely chopped products 

that do not tend to disintegrate upon agitation. This method is described below.

Equipment:

• Large wide mouth glass or plastic jar with smooth inside wall (2 qt capacity is adequate, 

except for spinach use a 1 gal. container with 3 1⁄4" minimum opening is recommended).

• Two caps with seals to fit above jar. One cap should have center portion removed with 

an approximately 12-mesh screen soldered into the opening.

• Liquid detergent.

• 2000 ml beaker or a large container.

• Gram scale.

• 250 ml beaker for weighing sample.

• Wash bottle.

• Filtering equipment - same as for Wildman extraction method.

A. Preparation of Sample

1. On gram scale, weigh 200 g of product to be checked for infestation

(except weigh 100 g for spinach).

2. Cut product into very coarse pieces (approximately 2" squares for spinach)

and place into jar.

3. Add tap water to contents of jar. Use about 500 ml for most products in

2 quart jar, and 2000 ml for spinach in 1 gallon jar. Add 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon 

of liquid detergent to water and product in jar.

4. Place solid cap on jar and shake vigorously for one minute. Remove cap, 

and wash any material or insects adhering to cap into jar using wash 

bottle. Place screened cap on jar and quickly pour liquid contents into 

large container. After pouring liquid, remove cap and wash any adhering 

insects into the container with spray from wash bottle.

5. Add the same amount of tap water (without detergent) to contents in the

jar and shake vigorously for one minute, preferably with the addition of an 

anti-foaming agent. Drain liquid into large container as above.
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6. Repeat step 5 again, making a total of three washings.

7. Carefully filter the drained water collected in steps 4, 5, and 6 through 

bolting cloth or ruled filter paper using the same equipment as for the 

Wildman extraction method. Use the wash bottle to rinse beaker 

thoroughly to remove any adhering insects.

8. Place filter paper under 20x to 30x wide field microscope and count any 

aphids, thrips, and mites that are present. Normally cast skins or insect 

parts that do not have the heads attached are not counted. However, 

instructions for certain products may specifically require that they be part 

of the count. Consult your supervisor as needed.

Record all types of infestation and contamination by size and number on Form

FV-140, which may be found on the AMS Forms Catalog at the following intranet 

address: http://agnis/AMSFormsCatalog/Forms/AllItems.aspx).
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MACROSCOPIC EXAMINATION

Macroscopic examination refers to a visual examination of product without the aid of a 

microscope. It includes certain sedimentation procedures, such as maggot recovery in 

blueberries and cherries, and also flotation procedures without the use of a Wildman trap flask. 

There are distinct advantages in using macroscopic procedures. A large quantity of product can 

be examined in a relatively short time, and the larger, more objectionable types of foreign 

material can be readily seen and evaluated in relation to the entire sample. Various techniques 

are employed in macroscopic procedures.

A. Procedure

Products such as cane berries can be mashed by hand and submerged in water in a 

deep enameled tray. With the addition of a little mineral oil stirred into the 

solution, light filth will separate out on top of the water in the oil layer where it 

can be easily seen and counted. This is a rapid method which can be run on many 

samples as a guide to the overall infestation throughout the lot. This procedure 

will supplement (but is not intended to replace) the Wildman extraction procedure 

as outlined in this instruction.

Maggots are checked in blueberries and cherries according to the following 

procedures:

1. Select a representative 20 ounce sample, add approximately 100 ml of 

water, and boil 5 minutes.

2. Transfer prepared aliquot to a No. 6 sieve immersed in a pan of water.

4. Mash fruit carefully under water, rubbing the material through sieve.

5. Rinse and discard any pulp and seeds.

6. Repeat process with another portion of fruit.

7. After all fruit has been screened, transfer water, pulp, and maggots to a 

black-bottomed pan.

8. Slowly decant water and pulp from pan.

9. Add more water and repeat decantation.

10. Maggots will be evident on bottom of black pan. By swirling the water, 

maggots and heavy material will collect near the center of the pan.
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11. Record the number and size of any maggots recovered by size as well as 

by number on Form FV-140, which may be found on the AMS Forms 

Catalog at the following intranet address: 

http://agnis/AMSFormsCatalog/Forms/AllItems.aspx).

For products such as fruit butters, preserves (jams) and cranberry sauce, 

macroscopic examinations are made with the aid of a light box. This piece of 

equipment should be available wherever these products are graded. A suitable 

light box can be made by simply putting a piece of frosted glass measuring 

approximately 12 by 12 inches on top of a wooden box, and installing a strong 

light inside. The product should be spread evenly on the glass in a layer thin 

enough that the light will readily penetrate the product and permit the grader to 

observe any foreign material in the product.

Some berries, Directorly strawberries, are especially susceptible to embedded 

sand and grit and occasionally may contain rather large pebbles or mud balls. 

This can be attributed in part to inadequate washing procedures, and in some

instances to abnormal contours of the berries, i.e., "monkey faces," etc. If there is 

reason to suspect the presence of larva, the tips of the berries should be cut and 

examined for them.

Occasionally lots have had objectionable amounts of sand, grit and pebbles found 

at the bottom of bulk containers of frozen strawberries. The inspector should be 

alert during all phases of inspection for material of this nature. When the berries 

are washed for light filth, the bottom of the pan should be examined for heavy 

material. Normally, sand and grit would be noted in organoleptic checks for 

flavor, but this method cannot be relied upon because of its limitations in sample 

size.
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MAGGOTS IN CANNED MUSHROOMS

Maggots may be present in canned mushrooms under certain conditions. They are more likely to 

be found in stems and pieces style, and in product having a poor appearance such as external or 

internal dark brown or black spots, or pathological injury.

A. Sampling Rates

All lots of mushrooms offered for inspection should be examined for maggots. 

The number of samples checked for maggots should be as follows:

Drawn for Quality Examine for Maggots

3 1

6 1

13 and up same as the deviant number

If appropriate for the history established by an individual plant, the frequency of 

maggot determination may be reduced. For example, if 10 consecutive lots are 

free of maggots, the frequency of analysis may be reduced to one lot in each four 

lots examined.

Method

A. Reagents and Apparatus

1. Crystal Violet -- saturated aqueous solution or crystal

2. Sodium Hypochlorite solution (NaOC1), commercial 5.25 percent bleach 

product in wash bottle

3. Wash bottle with tap water

4. High-speed blender

5. Buchner funnel

6. Vacuum source

7. Ruled filter paper

8. 20, 40, and 140 mesh sieves

9. 600 ml beaker
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B. Sample Preparation

The standard analytical sample is 100 g of drained product, plus 100 g of the 

packing media. For container sizes smaller than 4 oz. mushroom can, combine 

the contents of enough cans to make 100 g. The entire drained contents of a 4 oz 

can should be taken for the sample.

Designate samples for microanalysis, saving a portion of the packing liquid from 

the designated samples. Weigh 100 g drained mushrooms into large beaker and 

add packing liquid up to 200 g net weight. Pour the product and drained liquid 

onto an 8 mesh screen. The drained liquid and any material passing through the 

screen should be dyed, filtered, and examined separately. Any maggots or mites 

found in this examination should be included in the total count.

C. Extraction and Examination

1. Place 100 g drained mushrooms into high speed blender cup.

2. Add 300 ml H2O and blend contents briefly to obtain mushroom 

fragments no larger than 3-5 mm long. Avoid over-pulping the product.

If this occurs, excessive plant material will accumulate on the filter papers 

making it difficult to observe any maggots. Some mushrooms,

particularly soft broken pieces, require a minimum of blending while 

larger, firm, whole units may require longer. Through experience, the 

analyst will learn when the blending step is complete.

3. Pour mixture into a 600 ml beaker and add 15 ml saturated aqueous crystal 

violet or approximately 100 mg of powdered crystal violet, stir and heat to 

boiling.

4. Pour stained mixture into a nested set of 8 inch Nos. 20, 40, and 140 

sieves, with the 140 sieve on the bottom and the No. 20 on the top.

5. Rinse tissue 2-3 minutes with spray of tap water, and discard material on 

the No. 20 sieve.

6. Wash material on the No. 40 and 140 sieves to edge of sieve and remove 

excess stain with tap water.

7. Using wash bottle containing NaOC1 solution and a gentle spray of tap 

water, alternately spray tissue with water and NaOC1 solution until stain 

has been removed from mushroom tissue.

8. Rest the 40 sieve in a forward-tilted position on the beaker. Wash the 

material into the beaker by directing a spray of water through the back 

side of the sieve. Avoid spilling any material in the transfer.
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9. Repeat Step 8 with the 140 mesh sieve. Several small washings are 

desirable, resulting in a total accumulation of about 300 ml of liquid from 

both sieves in the beaker

10. Transfer contents of beaker to ruled filter paper with suction. Avoid 

obscuring maggots and/or mites with mushroom tissue. Use as many filter 

papers as necessary to avoid piling up too much material on a single paper.

11. Examine papers for maggots and mites at 10-30X. Insects will retain a 

dark violet stain from the crystal violet.

12. Determine number of maggots in 100 g drained mushrooms and add to this 

the number any insects found in the drained packing liquid. Calculate as 

follows: 100/total grams drained mushrooms x total number maggots in 

liquid.

The FDA Defect Action Level Handbook is available at the following internet address: 

http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/Sanita

tionTransportation/ucm056174.htm
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MOLD COUNT

These instructions cover the procedures used to estimate the amount of mold that may be present 

in various processed fruits and vegetables.

Characteristics of Mold

To recognize mold, it’s helpful to briefly focus on its cellular structure. Mold is considered a 

fungus. It belongs to the plant kingdom, and is characterized by growing in irregular masses 

without the differentiation of roots, stems, and leaves found in higher plants. Molds lack 

chlorophyll and cannot manufacture their own food; they must obtain food from external sources 

such as living and dead plants.

Molds can reproduce in two ways, by means of a tiny specialized cell called a spore, or by means 

of vegetative multiplication in which broken-off-pieces of the plant grow and form new plants.

A long, tubular filament grows out of the germinating spore or the broken-off-piece much like a 

sprout grows out of a bean seed. This filament is called a hypha. As the hypha continues to 

grow, it starts to Division and reDivision until a whole system or body of fine intertwining, 

Divisioning hyphae is formed. These break down the plant cells upon which they feed as they 

spread across the surface or throughout the food source.

Although a mass of hyphae can grow large enough to be visible to the naked eye, the individual 

hypha is visible only under a microscope. Mold evaluation is largely a microscopic technique to 

determine compliance with FDA applicable Food Defect Action Levels; see 

FDA, SCI Division Guidelines section of this Manual.

Classification of Mold

The hyphae eventually divide into two types with separate functions:

A. Vegetative type, which grows underneath the surface to digest and absorb the 

material on which the mold is growing. There are no distinctive differences 

between the vegetative hyphae of one species of mold and another.

B. Fertile type, which grows out from the mass like Divisiones of a plant, with

spores growing on the ends of the Divisiones like seeds. The spores of each mold 

species are distinctive, and serve as a means of classifying the species.

Inspectors don’t need to identify mold by species, but they must be able to distinguish mold 

filaments from non-mold material that resembles mold.

Mold's fertile hyphae and spores are located on or above a product's surface, and can be easily 

removed by washing and soaking the item that the mold is growing on. Therefore very little of 

this type of hypha typically remains on processed fruits or vegetables after the canning or 

freezing process. However submerged vegetative hyphae can be removed only by careful 

trimming and sorting. This type is more frequently found in processed fruits and vegetables.
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The following illustrations show characteristics of mold and non-mold materials to aid in 

differentiating between the two. Rarely are all mold characteristics shown below present at one 

time. Only filaments which have at least one of the following six characteristics shall be 

classed as mold hyphae:

1. Parallel walls of even intensity with This Not This 

both ends definitely blunt.

2. Parallel walls of even intensity with 

characteristic Divisioning.

3. Parallel walls of even intensity with 

characteristic granulation.

4. Parallel walls of even intensity divided 

into segments or sections by cross walls 

(septation).

5. Occasionally encountered, parallel

walls of even intensity with one end This Not This

blunt and the other end rounded.

6. Occasionally encountered, slowly tapering 

walls of even intensity with one end with 

characteristic granulation or septation.
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Illustrating blunt end of broken filament, granulation and Divisioning.

Illustrating "broken" mold.

"Fine" mold hyphae illustrating parallel walls of even intensity, septa

(cross walls), and Divisioning.
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Divisioned mold filaments showing granulation and parallel walls of even 

intensity, and slightly rounded growing ends of Divisioned mold hypha.

Illustrating structures easily confused with mold.

Note frayed, pointed ends, and walls of uneven intensity.
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HOWARD MOLD COUNTING METHOD

The Howard Mold counting technique is recognized internationally as a standard procedure for 

estimating the extent to which a product is contaminated with mold. The "Howard Count" in 

turn can be related to the condition of the raw material as well as effectiveness of plant 

sanitation, particularly when such contamination is due to fungus decay. The Howard Count 

method is the procedure used by the Division to determine compliance with FDA applicable 

Food Defect Action Levels.

In performing a Howard Mold Count, all details of sample preparation, slide preparation, and 

counting techniques must be carefully followed. The inspector must also have considerable 

practice in proper slide preparation and proper identification of mold filaments to obtain 

consistent and reliable results

A. The Howard Mold Counting Chamber

Area of circle = r2 = 1⁄4  d2 = 0.7854d2

Area of Howard mold count microscopic field = Diameter2  0.7854 = 1.3822 mm x 0.7854

= 1.5 sq. mm

Volume of material in microscopic field = Area  Height

= 1.5 sq. mm  0.1 mm

= 0.15 cu. mm

B. Preparation of the Mount

1. Preparation of the Sample

Most products require specific preparation before a subsample may be 

transferred to the mold chamber for counting. Refer to the applicable
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1. the Cover Glass

instruction in this Manual for Canned and Frozen Berries, Fruit Nectars, 

Purees, and Pastes, Pineapple and Citrus Products, and Canned Tomatoes 

and Tomato Products. For Florida Citrus Products, see the Citrus 

Handbook.

2. Cleaning the Chamber

Wash the chamber and cover glass with soapy water. Dry with a lint free 

cloth. Test for cleanliness by placing the cover glass in position and 

pressing it firmly against the shoulders of the slide. Then hold the 

chamber at an angle so that light is reflected from the cover glass. If a 

rainbow effect is visible between the shoulders and the cover glass, the 

chamber is considered properly clean. The rainbow effect is called 

“Newton’s Rings” and is caused by interference between light beams 

reflected at the juncture of the two glass surfaces. Their absence indicates 

that dirt is preventing proper seating of the cover glass on the shoulders of 

the chamber.

Newer Howard Mold counting chambers are constructed with a Teflon 

coating on the shoulders, and will not show “Newton’s Rings.”

3. Transferring Sample to Cell

Dip the blade of a clean scalpel, spatula or rubber policeman into the 

prepared, thoroughly mixed sample with a scooping motion. Pick up just 

enough sample to cover the cell to the edge. This will prevent excess 

spilling over the moat and onto the shoulders of the chamber when the 

cover glass is in place. Spread the drop evenly over the surface of the cell. 

If there is too much or too little material on the slide, clean and dry the 

slide and prepare another one. Do not add more sample to the material 

already on the cell, or try to remove some of the material already there.

An inexperienced inspector is likely to need some practice before 

becoming proficient in judging the proper amount of sample to use.

Transfer sample to mold chamber Spread sample across cell
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4. The Cover Glass

Next position the cover glass at an approximately 45 degree angle, with 

one edge resting along the shoulders of the chamber. Alternatively, 

suspend the glass entirely above the cell. Then lower the glass in place. 

Take care to prevent air bubbles in the prepared mount. Lowering the 

glass too fast may splash the material onto the shoulder of the slide; and 

lowering too slowly may result in uneven distribution of sample material 

on the cell. Practice will be needed to master the proper technique.

Position cover glass on slide shoulder Lower cover glass into place

5. Examine the Prepared Mount before Counting

The test material examined under each microscopic field is a very small 

amount (1/250 of a drop). A well prepared slide is essential to obtain 

reliable results. Before counting the mount, check for:

a. Newton's Rings:

Newton’s rings should be visible on the shoulders of the prepared 

slide. If they are not, don’t count the mount, unless it is the type of 

chamber manufactured with a Teflon coating as mentioned above.

The presence of Newton’s rings signifies that that there is a uniform 

thickness of test material present between the cell and cover glass,

yielding the correct sample volume of 0.1 mm. Their absence

indicates that either the slide was not thoroughly cleaned and dried, 

or excessive product is holding the cover glass above the designated 

height, so the slide holds too much product to count.

b. Uneven Distribution:

Do not count a mount where distribution of the insoluble material 

on the cell is visibly uneven. An even distribution of test material 

is required to evaluate any mold present.
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c. Test Material in Moat or on Shoulders:

Do not count the mount when there is material on the shoulders or 

an excessive amount in the moat. This will prevent the cover glass 

from fitting properly, and is also indicative of uneven distribution. 

Test material on the shoulder will also prevent the appearance of 

Newton’s Rings.

d. Air Bubbles:

A field with air bubbles may be counted as positive. However, it 

must never be recorded as negative, because technically the slide 

contains insufficient sample, and the field must be skipped. If too 

many fields are skipped, not all sections of the mount will be 

represented. If in doubt about a slide containing air bubbles, clean 

the slide and prepare another one.

C. Standardization of the Microscope

The microscope field must be checked against calibration marks etched on the 

mold counting slide before counting begins. The calibration marks are usually in 

the form of a circle or two parallel lines etched on one shoulder or on the cell 

portion of the slide (See Howard Mold Counting illustration). When properly 

adjusted, the field of vision will fall just within the outside lines of the calibration 

device and will measure 1.382 mm as specified in the official method. The proper 

drop-in micrometer disk inserted in the ocular of the microscope can be used to 

divide the field into squares. Each side of each square equals 1/6 of the diameter 

of the field. This calibration device is used to measure the length of the mold 

filaments (see paragraph G. of this section). Unless equipped with a stage 

micrometer, monocular microscopes are not recommended for use in the Howard 

Mold Count because of the difficulty of adjusting the draw tube to assure that the 

diameter of the field is 1.382 mm.

D. Illumination

Proper illumination is very important. It is often necessary to change the intensity 

of the light while the sample is being examined. This adjustment should be made 

at the light source by adding or removing filters, manipulating the diaphragm on 

the lamp, or by using a rheostat. Too much light will conceal fine mold, and too 

little light will not penetrate a mass of insoluble material sufficiently to identify 

any mold present.
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E. Focusing

Improper focusing techniques can often lead to damage to the objective of the 

microscope or to the counting chamber. To prevent this, proceed as follows:

1. Place the slide in position on the stage of the microscope

2. Observing both the slide and the objective of the microscope 

simultaneously, SLOWLY bring the objective down until just before it 

touches the cover glass of the slide

3. Look through the ocular tube and bring the field into view by focusing the 

microscope tube UPWARD.

F. Counting Patterns

The AOAC handbook requires that mold analysis consist of examination of at 

least 25 fields per mount, representing all sections of that mount. Skipping every 

other field as the mount is moved horizontally across the entire cell will result in 

the examination of the recommended 25 representative fields. See below.

When counting fields on a mount, it is important not to lose your place in the 

sequence, as this could result in miscounting a field. To prevent this, always 

count from left to right the same way that you read. The process then becomes 

more automatic and makes any interruption less likely to result in error.

It is essential that the fields be selected systematically and that the slide is never 

moved to include or exclude mold filaments.

G. Examination of the Field

When counting mold, a field is either positive or negative. A field is considered 

positive when the aggregate length of not more than three filaments exceeds 1/6 

of the diameter of the field. If mold filaments are present that do not meet this 

minimum, the field is considered negative.

It can save time to give each field a quick "once over." Observe each field in the 

counting pattern, noting the presence (positive) or absence (negative) of mold 

filaments. If there is enough mold in the field to make it positive, record it. If 

there is not enough mold, examine all parts of the field thoroughly to verify that
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the field is negative. This includes continual use of the fine adjustment on the 

microscope, and varying the intensity of the light occasionally. In some cases, 

increased magnification may be necessary to positively identify mold filaments. 

Observe the suspect material at 200X magnification. Once a determination is 

made, return to 100X for classifying length and routine counting.

H. Use of Howard Method

The Howard Method requires a minimum of 25 fields per mount, and 50 fields 

per subsample.

The average percent mold is calculated by: 

Total number of positive fields

Total number of fields examined x 100 = Average percent mold

SAMPLING/INSPECTION PROCEDURES

Use the procedure in this manual for inspection of processed fruits and vegetables that require 

acceptance for specified lot average mold limits.

Inspection Procedure

A. Products Examined

Examine only those products listed in FDA's Food Defect Action Levels 

publication that have a specific mold defect action level.

B. Sampling Rate

1. Lot Inspection

Count 50 fields for each subsample. Examine subsamples for mold at a 

rate of the deviant rate for the lot PLUS one. For example, examine one 

subsample for a lot of 3, 2 subsamples for a lot of 6, 3 subsamples for a lot 

of 13, etc.

2. On-line Inspection

Count 50 fields for each subsample. Examine production at the following 

minimum rates:

a. Normal: 1 mold count every 4 hours. 

b. Reduced: 1 mold count every 8 hours
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c. Tightened: 1 mold count every 2 hours.

d. The rates may be switched as follows:

1/ Refer to “How to Compute CuSum Values” see the CuSum Attributes only document on 

the AIM management reference site (defectives are the positive fields).

3. Special Agreement Lot Inspection Service

When approved by Management, the on-line sampling rate may be used 

for mold counting of products covered by Special Agreement Lot 

Inspection Service. This type of service provides for inspection of all 

products of a single type or can size. The applicant establishes a history

of production reliability through series of continuous inspection lots. 

This history forms a basis for granting the on-line rate. Examine

production at the rates shown above for Normal, Reduced and 

Tightened.
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Example: When two mold counts in a row meet CuSum of 0 for the defect action 

level, the sampling rate for mold counts may be changed to the reduced rate, 

the equivalent of the one mold count for each eight hours of production, 

with a minimum of one count from each shift or production period.

C. Number of Fields to Examine

The Howard Method requires counting a minimum of 50 fields (2 mounts)

per subsample.

Acceptance Criteria

A. Lot Inspection

Based on lot size, determine the appropriate number of mold subsamples to 

examine (deviant rate + 1). Count 50 fields per subsample. Accept the lot if

the percentage of positive fields does not exceed the mold defect action level 

for the product, based on the average of the total fields counted.

Example: You have a 13 sample lot of product with a defect action level of 12 percent. 

You must examine at least 3 subsamples for mold (deviant rate + 1). For each 

subsample, you properly prepare and count 2 mounts at 25 fields each.

Sample 1: The first mount contained 3 positive fields; the second contained

1 positive field.

Sample 2: The first mount contained 2 positive fields; the second contained

1 positive field.

Sample 3: The first mount contained 3 positive fields; the second contained 

3 positive fields.

Total positive out of 150 fields = 13

13 ÷ 150 = 0.087 x 100 = 8.7%; less than DAL of 12%, so the lot is acceptable

on mold count.

B. On-line Inspection

1. Accept the production when CuSum does not exceed the Acceptance 

Limit (“L”) for the defect action level. Acceptance is required to 

comply with step 5 of the CuSum procedure outlined in the CuSum 

Attributes only document on the AIM management reference site.

2. Reinspect rejected production only as an appeal lot inspection.
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3. If rejected production is packed so that containers are separately 

identifiable (totes, barrels, etc.), the cutoff point between acceptable 

mold limits and unacceptable mold limits may be established by 

counting back from the point where production exceeded the limit to 

the last acceptable production. DO NOT USE CUSUM. Use the 

“Howard Mold Count Method.” Each container is a separate lot.

4. Use the table below to determine the (S), (T), and (L) values for the 

DAL. When the DAL for a product is 45% or more, find the 

percentage at the top of the chart. For 45% or more the (S) value is 2, 

the (T) value is 11, and the (L) value is 5.

Defect Action Level - Average Percent

5 10 12 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60

Maximum Number of Positive Fields

S 0 1 0 1 0 1 2 2 1 2 2 1 1

T 1 2 3 3 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 14 15

L 1 3 2 3 2 3 4 5 4 5 5 3 4

AQL 1/ 2.5 6.5 8.5 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 33.0 35.0 40.0 45.0 50.0 55.0

1/ AQL expressed as percent defective.

Use the CuSum Attributes only document on the AIM management reference site as the 

manual for guidance and interpretation of (S), (T), and (L) values. For CuSum mold 

counting, “Starting Value” (S) is the start of the CuSum value when no prior information 

is available. “Sample Unit Tolerance” (T) is the allowable number of positive fields in 

any subsample (25 fields). The “Acceptance Limit” (L) is the maximum allowable 

accumulation of positive fields exceeding the sample unit tolerance (T) in any subsample 

or any consecutive subsample. When the number of positive fields exceeds a CuSum of 

0 for any defect action level (average percent), production is approaching a rejection 

level.

NOTE: When the number of positive fields exceeds the Sample Unit Tolerance (T), positive

fields would exceed an acceptance limit of 0.
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CERTIFICATION

Refer to the AIM Inspection Series, Certification Manual for appropriate certification 

statements. Mold count results are certified only when requested by the applicant.

COMMODITY SPECIFIC PROCEDURES

This instruction describes the preparation of various products for mold counting in the Howard 

Mold Method.

MOLD ANALYSIS - CANNED AND FROZEN FRUIT AND BERRIES

A. Care and Operation of Pulper

The cyclone pulping machine is used in the preparation of certain products

for mold counting. It contains spinning blades which force the pulp through

a fine wire mesh to separate the seeds and skin from the material to be

examined.

Products that should be well mixed, but need not be put through a

cyclone: Fruit Purees

Fruit Butters

Cranberry Sauce, Jellied

The cyclone should be washed and cleaned after running each sample. This 

is done by dismantling the machine and removing the parts for washing. 

Reassemble the cyclone as follows:

1. Slide cylinder with hopper on motor and tighten set screw.

2. Place threaded end of screw shaft through opening in end of

cylindrical sieve and twist on knurled screw.

3. Grasp screw assembly by knurled screw and slide into cylinder until 

slotted shaft fits into motor coupling.

4. Tighten set screws.

5. Be sure the screen fits snugly in the recessed areas within the cylinder at 

both ends to prevent leakage of fibrous matter and seeds into the pulped 

material. If a tight fit is not possible, have the cylinder wall machined 

down until a close seal can be achieved.
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B. Preparation of Sample

In selecting the subsamples to analyze, choose those that are most suspicious 

looking or which have the appearance of decay.

1. Sample Size

Retail size containers - use the entire container.

Bulk containers - use an approximate 2 pound core, or a 2 pound 

representative portion of the sample.

2. Draining Berries

a. Canned or frozen strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, 

raspberries, and other drupelet berries with water or syrup packing

media:

Drain these products two minutes on a No. 20 sieve and pulp the 

drained material only. Discard the packing media.

b. Frozen strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and other drupelet 

berries with dry sugar or no packing media:

Pulp these products as they are. Do not drain.

3. Pulping

a. Be sure the outlet tube is pointing upwards and is plugged with a

stopper.

b. Add the berries or fruit and juice to the cyclone hopper.

c. Pulp the entire subsample and collect the material emerging from 

the cyclone in a large evaporating type dish or similar receptacle.

d. Dismantle the pulper and scrape any material adhering to 

the outside of the screen, adding it to the sample in the dish.

e. Mix the pulped material well.

f. Check the appearance of the residue inside the cylindrical screen.

It should be quite dry and consist mainly of seedy and 

fibrous material.
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4. Deaeration

Transfer approximately 100 g of the well mixed pulped material to a 

beaker. Add about 15 drops (1/2 ml) of 2 octanol and stir the

mixture carefully to dissipate air bubbles.

Note: The 2 octanol may be added to the entire sample in the evaporating dish 

to deaereate the whole sample if desired.

For fruit preserves, the following optional method may be used:

Place approximately 100 g of the well mixed sample in 400 to 600 ml 

size beaker and boil vigorously for about 1 minute. Stir the sample while 

cooling. Do not place hot material on Howard Mold Count cell, as it may 

crack the glass.

5. Dilution with Stabilizer

Any one of the following three stabilizers may be prepared and used:

a. 0.5 percent Na Carboxymethylcellulose

Preparation: Place 500 ml of boiling water in high speed 

blender. With blender running, slowly add 2.5 g of the cellulose

gum (CMC) and blend for one minute. Treat the solution with 

heat or vacuum to remove air bubbles. After the solution has 

cooled, add 2 ml of formaldehyde for each 100 ml of solution as 

a preservative, mix well, and store in a closed container. Larger

volumes of CMC solution may be prepared ahead of the season. 

Label the solution: "POISON - FORMALIN ADDED." Small 

"Poison” decals may be available from your local pharmacy.

3-5 percent pectin solution.

Follow the same procedure as the CMC solution procedure, 

except use 15 g to 25 g of pectin instead of cellulose gum.

1 percent algin solution. As a preservative, formaldehyde may

be added (2 ml per 100 ml stabilizer).

Follow the same procedure as the CMC solution procedure, 

except use 5 g of algin instead of cellulose gum.

b. Do not add stabilizer to the following

products: Strawberries

Light Colored Fruit Preserves

Fruit Butters
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c. Count the following products after diluting 100 g of the

sample with 100 g of stabilizer:

Light Colored Cane Berries - pulped in cyclone pulper

Cranberry Sauce - does not need to be pulped. Immerse

unopened can in boiling water 30-45 minutes. 

Open can carefully and transfer a portion of the contents to a

beaker. Stir or use an electric mixer at slow speed to break the

gel.

d. Count the following products after first diluting 100 g of

the pulped sample with 200 g of stabilizer:

Dark Colored Cane Berries

Dark Colored Fruit Preserves

C. Howard Mold Count

Proceed with mold counting according to the instructions in this Manual.

MOLD ANALYSIS - FRUIT NECTARS, PUREES, AND PASTES

A. Sample Preparation

1. Fruit Nectars:

Measure well mixed sample into a 50 ml graduated conical 

centrifuge tube.

2. Fruit purees with no added starch:

Dilute sample with an equal volume of water, and measure well 

mixed sample into a 50 ml graduated conical centrifuge tube.

3. Fruit purees with added starch:

Weigh 50 g of fruit puree into a 250 ml beaker and add 50 ml 

hydrochloric acid solution (5 ml HCL and 45 ml water). Mix well and 

heat on a steam bath or in a pot with water on the stove for 15 minutes. 

Measure well- mixed, hydrolyzed sample into a 50 ml graduated conical 

centrifuge tube.

4. Fruit pastes:

Combine 1 part paste in 3 parts water. If necessary, warm gently to 

break the gel. Measure well mixed sample into a 50 ml graduated

conical centrifuge tube.
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2

2

B. Centrifuge Computations

Centrifuge the samples for 10 minutes at a Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF) of

1060 g. This value is computed from the following formula:

RCF max = 1.118 x 10-5 N2r g

Where N = revolutions per minute (rpm),

r = radius of centrifuge arm in cm (distance from the center of 

the centrifuge head to the bottom of the centrifuge tube 

when in the horizontal position), and

g = a gravitational constant.

The AOAC references a specific International type centrifuge which has a

radius of 19.6 cm and attains RCF of 1060 g at a speed of 2200 rpm. Since

many of the centrifuges used in plants and field offices differ from this 

reference centrifuge, the following equation may be used to calculate the speed 

at which a given centrifuge must run to attain RCF of 1060 g.

N1

2

x r1 = N 2 x r2

Where N1 = 2200 rpm 

r1 = 19.6 cm

N2 = speed of centrifuge

r2 = radius of centrifuge arm

For a centrifuge with a radius of 14.1 cm, determine the speed (N2) as follows:

N1

2

x r1 = N 2

N1

2 

r1

x r2

r2 = N2

2

N2

2 = (2200)

2 (19.6)

(14.1)

N2

2 = (2594)

2

N2 = 2594 rpm
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Rounding to the nearest 100 rpm would result in a speed of 2600 rpm – the speed 

necessary to run the centrifuge to attain the proper RCF of 1060 g.

Consult the manufacturer's instructions for the radius of the centrifuge arm. Be

certain that the measurement is taken to the bottom of the centrifuge tube when it is 

positioned horizontally. Strobe type tachometers are not as accurate as a 

tachometer that reads by direct contact when setting the speed of the centrifuge.

C. Procedure

1. After centrifuging for 10 minutes, allow the centrifuge to come to a stop 

gradually. Do not use the centrifuge brake. Do not open the cover until 

the centrifuge comes to a complete stop.

2. Remove the tubes and decant supernatant liquid without disturbing the 

sediment. Using the graduations on the centrifuge tube, dilute the 

sediment with stabilizer solution as follows.

a. Peach, apricot, mango, and papaya 1 + 1 b. 

Pear and guava 1 + 3 c. 

Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries 1 + 6

Use the same stabilizer solutions as referenced in Canned and Frozen

Fruits and Berries section of this instruction. Mix by pouring back and 

forth between beaker and centrifuge tube several times. Stir mixture 

thoroughly in beaker and proceed with mold counting according to 

instructions in this Manual. For products diluted 1 + 1, divide the number 

of positive fields by 2 before calculating the percent mold count.

MOLD ANALYSIS - PINEAPPLE AND CITRUS PRODUCTS

A. Sample Preparation

1. For single strength juices: use the product as it is with no further dilution.

2. For other than crushed style canned pineapple: drain the pineapple on an

8 mesh sieve of suitable diameter for two minutes; for crushed style, drain 

on a 12 mesh sieve. Prepare sample from the drained juice.

3. For concentrated pineapple juice: reconstitute sample to single strength.

4. For concentrated citrus juices: follow the instructions in the Citrus

Products Technical Manual, Reconstitution of Concentrates.
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B. Procedure

Use distilled water for all dilutions. Thoroughly mix sample by pouring between 

two containers several times. After mixing, pour into 50 ml graduated conical 

centrifuge tube. Centrifuge according to instructions in Fruit Nectars, Purees and 

Pastes, Section C. of this instruction. After centrifuging, decant the supernatant 

liquid without disturbing the sediment. Add distilled water to the centrifuge tube 

to bring the level to the 10 ml mark. Add 5 ml stabilizing solution. For pineapple 

juice, also add 0.5 ml hydrochloric acid to the sediment to dissolve oxalate 

crystals.

The stabilizing solution may be any one of the following. See Canned and Frozen 

Fruits and Berries Section B. 5 of this instruction for solution preparation.

1. 0.5 percent Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose

2. 3 to 5 percent Pectin Solution

3. 1 percent Algin Solution

Thoroughly mix sediment, water, and stabilizing solution and pour into a small 

beaker. Mix by pouring back and forth between beaker and centrifuge tube 

several times. Stir mixture thoroughly in beaker and proceed with mold counting 

according to the instructions in this Manual.
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MOLD ANALYSIS – CANNED TOMATOES AND TOMATO PRODUCTS

A. Sample Preparation

Prepare the sample for mold counting as outlined in the Table below.

Product Canned 

Tomatoes 

and Stewed 

Tomatoes 

all styles

Tomato

Juice

Tomato

Sauce

Tomato

Paste

Tomato

Puree

Conc. 

Tomato 

Juice

Preparation Canned Tomatoes - drain product and 

use packing medium; use Tomato Juice 

and Tomato Sauce without dilution. 2/

Dilute with water to 7.9% to

8.8% Tomato Soluble Solids

Product Tomato

Catsup

Chili

Sauce

Pizza Sauce, 

Crushed 

Tomatoes, 

Salsa, & 

other similar 

products

Tomato

Powder

Specialty Products 

(canned dried beans in 

tomato sauce, pork and 

beans, soup, spaghetti, 

etc.)

Preparation Mix 1:1 with stabilizer

1/

Dilute with 

water to 6% 

total solids 1/

Mix 17 g 

with 200 

ml water

Follow AOAC

procedure.

1/ See Canned and Frozen Fruits and Berries Section B. 5 of this instruction for preparation 

of stabilizer solution.

2/ In the event of an appeal inspection of a failing lot for mold count, follow the AOAC

procedure for Canned Whole Tomatoes.

B. Canned Tomatoes-all styles (any packing medium), Stewed Tomatoes, Tomatoes

and Okra, and Other Similar Products

Drain whole tomatoes on a number 2 sieve for two minutes; use a number 8 sieve 

for sliced and diced styles of canned and stewed tomatoes. Collect and use the

packing medium for the Howard Mold count.

At the discretion of the inspector under in-plant inspection, the point of sampling 

for mold counting may be any of the following:

1. Common source (single or multiple products; or

2. Filler bowl (topping medium); or

3. Warehouse sample.
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C. Tomato Juice and Tomato Sauce

Under in-plant inspection, at the discretion of the inspector the point of sampling 

for mold counting may be any of the following:

1. Common source (single product or multiple products); or

2. Warehouse sample (individual containers).

D. Tomato Paste, Tomato Puree, and Concentrated Tomato Juice

(8.5) (100) = Grams of Product

Tomato Soluble Solids (%) of Paste, Puree; or Juice

Mix the grams of product indicated above with water until 100 g is reached

(product + water). Use this sample unit for color, defects, and mold counting. 

Under in-plant inspection, the point of sampling may be as in B above.

E. Pizza Sauce, Crushed Tomatoes, Salsa, and other similar products.

Under in-plant inspection, the point of sampling may be as B above.

Use the entire contents of the individual container; or a suitable aliquot from a 

well mixed container; and

Pass the product through an approved laboratory pulper to remove seeds and large 

particles. See Canned and Frozen Fruits and Berries Section B. 3 of this 

instruction for guidelines on use of the pulper.

F. Tomato Catsup and Chili Sauce

Use one of the following stabilizing solutions for counting mold (1:1 dilution).

1. 0.5% Sodium Carboxyl Methyl Cellulose

2. 3% to 5% Pectin Solution

3. 1% Algin Solution

Caution: Check all stabilizer solutions for mold growth if formaldehyde has not

been added, or the solution has been stored from the previous season.
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Use the following method for mixing the product with the stabilizing solution:

• Place 50 ml of the stabilizing solution in a 100 ml graduated cylinder;

• Add 50 ml of well mixed product sample to the cylinder by displacement.

Drop catsup or chili sauce directly into the solution and mix thoroughly in 

the cylinder (if the product is allowed to run down the side of the cylinder, 

the graduations are difficult to read); and

• Transfer the mixture to a suitable beaker. Use a few drops of 2 octonal 

and stir the mixture if air bubbles are a problem. Determine the mold 

count.

Alternate method:

• Tare a beaker;

• Add 50 ml of the stabilizing solution and weigh (use this reference weight 

for any subsequent samples); and

• Add 50 ml of product (use this 2nd reference weight for any subsequent 

samples); and

• Mix thoroughly. Use a few drops of 2 octonal if air bubbles are a 

problem. Determine the mold count.

Caution: If the total solids of the product should change, such as from 33% to 29%, 

make a new determination for the weight of 50 ml of product.

TECHNICAL INSPECTION PROCEDURES FOR MICROANALYSIS OF PROCESSED 

RAISINS

Raisins are subject to the same general requirements as other food for human consumption.

They must be packed under sanitary conditions and must not be adulterated or contaminated 

with decay, insects, filth, or any harmful substance

Action levels have been established for processed raisins and are incorporated into the SCI

Division guidelines. (See the Processed Raisins Table on page 13.) No grade will be

assigned to processed raisins that exceed the guidelines, nor are they allowed into the

marketing system. They must be successfully reconditioned or used for other than human

consumption. Raisins with contamination exceeding SCI guidelines that reach the market 

place are subject to regulatory action.

For Sand, Soil or Similar Inorganic Material

If observed organoleptically while evaluating the product, the presence and amount of sand 

or gritty substance in processed raisins may be verified by the following objective method. 

This method requires the use of a standardized sand tube.
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Procedure

1. Mix representative sample thoroughly.

2. Weigh out 250 grams of the thoroughly mixed sample and place in a 3-

quart saucepan with 11⁄2 quarts of water. Heat to boiling and simmer

for

20 minutes or reconstitute overnight.

3. Pour about 1⁄3 of the raisins into an 8-mesh screen nested on a 150-mesh 

screen. Use a spray hose or wash bottle to wash all the raisins, turning 

each berry by hand. Rub or press moldy and decomposed berries 

through the top screen to remove any embedded dirt and sand.

4. Use enough pressure to thoroughly wash the fruit, but not so much that 

large drops of water splash out. After washing this portion of the

sample, remove the 8-mesh screen from the 150-mesh screen and dump 

the washed and rinsed raisins into a discard container.

5. Repeat the process until all of the raisins in the sample are washed. After 

pouring the final third of the raisins onto the screen, thoroughly wash the 

cooking pan and rinse the water through the screen. After the last portion 

of the sample has been washed and discarded, thoroughly rinse the 8-

mesh screen onto the 150-mesh screen, making sure the bottom rim is 

also rinsed.

6. Use the spray to wash down the sides of the 150-mesh screen. Tilt the 

screen at a 45-60 degree angle. Starting at the top, direct a stream of water 

into the screen using a side-to-side motion of the stream, and wash the

sand and raisin material into a container.

7. Decant all raisin material and most of the water. Place a white tray 

underneath during the process to catch any sand that might be washed 

from the container. After the decanting process is complete, use a wash 

bottle to direct the sand from the container (as well as any sand in the 

grading tray) into the standard measuring tube. Jar the tube slightly to 

settle the sand. Record the results as follows:

Grade A 0-5 units of sand

Grade C Exceeds 5 units, up to 6 units of sand

Failing Sand Exceeds 6 units of sand
SCI Division Inspection Series Foreign Material Manual

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Standard Sand Tube

24

18

12

FAILS - Exceeds 6 units 6

Grade C - Exceeds 5, up to 6

Grade A - 0 to 5 units

Each calibration mark represents 1 unit of sand. A unit 

of sand equals the volume of 133.4 mg. of mercury
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For insects, hairs, and feather barbs/barbules, use the following procedures to perform 

microanalysis:

1. Place 227 g (8 ounces) of raisins into a 2000 ml Erlenmeyer flask. Add 

one-sixth teaspoon of powdered detergent and fill with about three inches 

of tap water. Soak raisins overnight, or heat the flask until the water starts 

to bubble, then remove from the heat and let set for 45 minutes or more 

until rehydrated. Rehydrated raisins look like grapes.

2. After rehydrating, agitate the flask on a Yankee rotator for 30 seconds or 

rotate by hand for 1 minute. Nest an 8 mesh sieve on top of a No. 140 

mesh sieve. Fill a 10"x14"x2" plastic pan half full of warm water. Pour 

about one-third of the agitated sample into the 8 mesh sieve and wash all 

raisins with a spray hose, turning each berry by hand at least once.

3. DO NOT rub the berries because too much raisin material will be pressed 

through the sieve and make the sample difficult to read. Adjust water 

pressure to thoroughly wash fruit without splashing water out of the sieve.

4. After washing this portion of the sample, separate the sieves and move the

8 mesh up and down in the plastic pan of water. This will remove any 

additional loose material adhering to the raisins. The washed and rinsed 

raisins are then dumped into a discard container. The entire process is 

repeated until all raisins in the sample have been washed.

5. Rinse the flask into the sieve two times to clean thoroughly.

6. After the last portion of the sample has been washed, replace the empty 8 

mesh sieve on the 140 mesh sieve, and pour the rinse water from the 

plastic pan through it. Carefully spray down the sides and bottom of the 

plastic pan into the sieve. Wash the 8 mesh sieve and remove from 140 

mesh sieve after it is clean.

7. Spray and wash the sides of the 140 mesh sieve. Tilt the sieve at a 45 

degree to 60 degree angle. Starting at the top, wash the screen with a sideto-side motion, rinsing the raisin material into an 800 ml plastic beaker.

Thoroughly clean all equipment before using again, including washing the 

sieves from the underside.

Filtering

Filtering equipment consists of a vacuum pump or water aspirator with a suction hose connected 

to a 1000 ml filter flask, a Coors porcelain filter funnel with a small piece of copper or brass 

screen, ruled 7 cm filter paper, a stirring rod with a rubber policeman, a squeeze bottle, and 

tweezers.
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1. Prepare clean Petri dishes to receive the filter papers by squirting a bit of 

water from the squeeze bottle into each dish. This will help the paper to 

adhere to the dish and delay drying.

2. Turn on the vacuum pump, and lay the filter paper in the funnel. Wet it 

with squeeze bottle, making a seal between the filter paper and the funnel 

with the stirring rod. When sealed, the surface of the paper will make a 

hissing sound.

3. Stir the sample in the beaker with the stirring rod and slowly pour evenly 

over the filter paper. Avoid overloading the filter paper, as this will make 

it difficult to read.

4. With tweezers lift the filter paper out and lay it in the Petri dish, being 

careful not to trap air between the filter paper and the dish.

5. Repeat this process with additional filter papers until the beaker is empty.

Use the policeman to scrape down the sides of the beaker. Use the 

squeeze bottle to wash both the beaker and the policeman onto the last 

filter paper. Be careful not to spill any of the sample material or 

contaminate the sample.

6. Empty the filtering flask before it gets too full. Drain the vacuum pump 

water trap several times a day, depending on how much filtering has been 

done.

Examining Filter Papers

Establish a regular viewing pattern when examining the filter papers. Stay between the green 

lines and cover all areas of the filter paper. Use the probe to investigate suspicious objects or to 

turn large pieces of raisin material that may be covering filth. Use 20x for general reading and 

higher magnification for more specific identification.

Analysis of Results

Apply the AMS guidelines to determine if the sample meets, fails or requires additional analysis. 

If first aliquot falls between meeting and failing guidelines, a draw two is taken. This means two 

additional 227 g (8 ounce) aliquots of the same original gross sample are analyzed. The sample 

will meet or fail according to the three aliquot average.
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Attachments Version Date

(Printed for distribution)

21 CFR 101.110, :

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionCfr.action?collectionCode=CFR.

FDA Defect Levels Handbook: 

http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/Sanitati

onTransportation/ucm056174.htm

FDA AMS MOU 225-72-2009: 

http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/PartnershipsCollaborations/MemorandaofUnderstandingMOUs/

DomesticMOUs/default.htm.

FDA Macroanalytical Procedures Manual: 

http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodScienceResearch/LaboratoryMethods/ucm2006953.htm

Form FV-16, Notice for Hold for Re-Examination:

http://agnis/AMSFormsCatalog/Forms/AllItems.aspx.

Form FV-16-2CG, Notification to Food and Drug Administration:

http://agnis/AMSFormsCatalog/Forms/AllItems.aspx.

Form FV-140, Foreign Material Record:

http://agnis/AMSFormsCatalog/Forms/AllItems.aspx.

Checked Materials have been printed from the links in this Manual and included for 

reference.