-15-

Inspectors will receive specific instructions from the Supervi- (69)
sing Inspector with reference to mailing copies of the inspection
certificates. Some states desire these mailed daily, while others re-
quire other arrangements.

Care in Recording. The certifi¢ate must be easily legible. All (70)
data set down during the process of inspection should be complete,
neat in appearance, and clear. All computations should be checked
carefully for errors. Inspectors will be held responsible for figures
being legible on all copies of the certificate. Remember that the
original certificate is sometimes lost, and then it -becomes absolute-
ly necessary to use the carbon copies.

Correct Numbers and Name. Most of the processors furnish the (71)
growers with a book of forms which are to be filled in by the growers
for each load delivered. These forms give the name of grower, date,
and number of packages on the individual load. The inspector will
transpose this information from this form to the certificate. No
excuse will be accepted for failure to record this information correct-
ly on the certificate. The certificates are numbered and may be
padded in book form,

Name of Place, Processor, Growers, and Date. The name of the (72)
place where the inspection is made, name of processor and grower, time
of inspection and date should be filled in on the certificate just
before starting the inspection, or immediately after the inspection
is made. Where the processors have obtained authority from Washington
to print a supply of inspection certificates to be used in their in-
spections, it will not be necessary to write in the name of the pro-
cessor since it appears on the face of the certificates.

Recording Weights and Percentages. The form outlined below shows (73)
that part of the certificate on which the inspector records weights
and percentages. After the sweetpotatoes in each container have been
weighed, the results should be recorded on the certificate as
illustrated below:

WEIGHT LBS. PERCENT
U. S. No. 1 58 55 3
U. S. No. 2 43 40
CULLS 4 4
CULL MATERIAL 1 1
TOTALS 106 _ 100
ee



2. Firmess. The Dieing or Pulping grades require sweetpotatoes to
be "firm", meaning not soft, flabby or excessively shriveled. For
Canning or Freezing the requirement is "reasonably firm", meaning
not soft, flabby or more than slightly shriveled. Thus the only
difference is that the Dicing or Pulping standards allow more
shriveling than those for Canning or Freezing. Sweetpotatoes not
meeting the firmness requirement are scored as Culls.

3. Shape (Dicing or Pulping standards). The No. 1 grade requires "not
badly misshapen This means that not more than 10 percent waste
would occur in the ordinary process of trimming in excess of that
which would occur if the sweetpotato were perfect.

The No. 2 grade has no shape requirements. However, the general
definition of "serious damage" would apply if the sweetpotato was so
badly misshapen as to cause over 25 percent waste.

4, Shape (Canning or Freezing standards). The No, 1 grade requires
sweetpotatoes to be "fairly well shaped". This means that the
sweetpotato is not so curved, crooked, grooved, constricted, flat-
tened or otherwise misshapen that one or more usable pieces cannot
be obtained from the potato.

(38)

(39)

(40)

As a guide in considering whether or not a sweetpotato is misshapen, (41)

the inspector should try to determine if one or more well formed usable
pieces can be obtained from the potato with a minimum amount of cutting.
Generally, cutting can only be done at constrictions on the potato
where a natural break or cut will occur in preparing the potato for
processing.

As used in the "fairly well shaped" definition, usable piece means
a portion of the sweetpotato which meets the requirement of the speci-
fied minimum length, and which when processed will have essentially the
appearance of a whole sweetpotato. Refer to line drawings in the
standards illustrating usable pieces of sweetpotatoes having essential-
ly the appearance of a whole sweetpotato. Inspectors should keep in
mind that usable pieces must be slightly tapered at each end, and well
formed.

Black and white photographs illustrating shapes of sweetpotatoes
from which one or more usable pieces may be obtained are printed in the
standards. Black lines on the photographs illustrate the trimming
points or the point where processing plants will cut in preparing the
potato for processing.

(42)

(43)


-19-

Growers often regrade their load, either in the yard, or outside (89)
or they may take it home and regrade it there. All inspections of such
loads must be treated as new inspections and the results cannot be con-
sidered as having any bearing on the credibility of the results reported
on the first certificate.

Number of Samples to be Examined on Appeal or Second Inspection: (90)
The number of samples to be examined in the case of an appeal or second
inspection will depend upon the uniformity of the lot in question and
the character of the defects. If the load shows considerable irregu-
larity, double the usual number of samples should be taken. If the
quality is relatively uniform in the different containers, and it is
only a question of whether there is a difference in interpretation
petween the two inspections, it may be sufficient to examine the same
number of containers as in the first inspection.

AGREEMENT BETWEEN PROCESSOR AND STATE COOPERATING AGENCY

Unless there is a written agreement between the processor and the (91)
State cooperating agency, problems may arise which often lead to mis-
understandings between the processor and the Inspection Service. Ex-
perience has demonstrated that a clear, concise written agreement
between the cooperating agency and the processor before the harvest
season arrives will eliminate most of these misunderstandings.

Conditions will vary at different processing plants, but the fol- (92)
lowing points generally should be covered in a written agreement signed
by both parties:

1. Maximum number of hours inspectors shall work each day and the
time of opening and closing the station (Exceptions may be made with
the approval of the Supervising Inspector in cases of emergency).

2. Charges for the service and time of payment.

3, List of inspection equipment needed and which party shall furn-
ish each item, including printing of inspection certificates.

4, A definite agreement for furnishing satisfactory helpers, when
needed, to work under the direction of the inspector.

5. A definite agreement as to which set of standards is to be used
in the inspection of the sweetpotatoes. Contracts should specify this
put often they do not.




(74)

(75)

(76)

(77)

-16-

Weights should be recorded on the certificate in whole pounds,
even though the scale may show a fractional part of a pound. The
nearest whole pound should be used, except that when the amount of
culls or cull material is 1/2 to 1 pound, it should be reported as one
pound on the certificate. When the amount of culls or cull material
is less than 1/2 percent it should be ignored and zero should be re-
corded on the certificate under that column,

In computing percentages from the percentage chart or slide rule,
always add or subtract from the No. 2 grade (Dicing or Pulping) in’
order to make the percentage total 100. This point can best be illus-
trated by the example below. However, if inspection is on the basis
of the Canning or Freezing standards, the adjustment is made on the
No. 1 grade (since there is no No. 2 grade in these standards).

: Actual +: Nearest Whole : Percent to be

Pounds : Percent ‘ Percent : reported on

3 H : : :_ certificate :
70.8. No.1, 52 5 49.52 50 : 50 :
2U.S,No.2 ; 49 ; 46.67 : 47 : 46 :
CULES . 3 286, 3 : 3 :
CULL MATERIAL * 1 95? : 1 :
> TOTAL = 105 * 100.0 ? 101% : 100

; ites. : ;

Signing of Inspection Certificate. The inspector shall sign the
certificate exactly the same as is shown on his license to inspect
(full name, or the initials of his given name, and his last name in
full). This warning is given because some-new inspectors have either
used initials or simply signed the last name. Legally, either of
these signatures would be worthless.

Issuing Restricted Certificates on Large Loads Where it is not
Possible to Obtain Samples on All Parts of Loads. Memos restricting
the inspection to certain portions of loads may be issued on large
loads when the processor refuses, or is. unwilling, to make the load
accessible. Such is the case when the processor has the inspection



(84)

(85)

(86)

(87)

(88)

-18-

When the grower or processor questions the accuracy of the samp-
ling but does not question the grade interpretation of the inspector,
it will be permissible for the same inspector to select additional
samples for analysis. At least 2 additional samples should be taken
from different areas in the same portion of the load covered by the
original inspection. These samples should be inspected, and the results
of the two inspections combined into a weighted average on a new cer-
tificate. The first certificate, if issued, should be voided.

(2) Appeal on Grading. If either the processor or grower
questions the accuracy of an inspector's report because of grade inter-
pretation, he may request an appeal inspection to verify his contention.
Such a request usually cannot be granted at outlying plants or receiv-
ing stations where only one inspector is located unless a Keyman or
Supervising Inspector happens to be in the immediate vicinity. If ~
either one of the latter is not available, the inspector should endea-
vor to adjust the difficulty, perhaps by takingadditional samples and
giving a detailed explanation of the reasons for his scoring. If a pro-
cessor or grower is still not satisfied with the inspector's interpre-
tation of grade factors, it is of course his privilege to notify the
Supervising Inspector of this dissatisfaction. It then becomes the
duty of the Supervisor to take such steps as he deems necessary to cor-
rect the situation. If an inspector is in doubt as to whether some of
his grade interpretations are correct he should so notify his Supervi-
sor and perhaps request an early check-up of his grade interpretations.

At plants or receiving stations where a number of inspectors are
working under the direction of a Supervisor or Keyman it is usually
feasible to grant the request for an appeal inspection if the request
is made within a reasonable time after the first inspection was made,
and provided the load has not been out of the inspection yard. The
Supervisor, Keyman, or some inspector designated by either of them
should make the inspection and.issue a regular certificate showing the
results with a statement written across the face: "Appeal inspection.
This certificate supersedes Certificate No. 7

Certificates issued on an appeal inspection upon request of either
a grower or processor should include only the results of the second
examination, In other words, results of the appeal inspection should
never be averaged with those obtained and reported on the first certif-
ieate by the first inspector,

When Second Inspection Not_an Appeal. A second inspection is
treated as a new inspection:

1. The load has been out of the inspection yard; .or

2. Considerable time has elapsed since the first inspection. In
this case a material change in the condition of the sweetpotatoes
must have occurred.

Make no reference to the first certificate issued.



-13-

eake dirt, or other extraneous or foreign material. All such material
is weighed separately and reported as cull material.

When the contract between buyer and.seller calls for delivery of
a specific U. S. grade, a tolerance of 5 percent, by weight, is allowed
in Canning or Freezing standards. A tolerance of 2 percent, by weight,
is provided in the Dicing or Pulping standards.

When the inspection is only to determine percentage of a certain
grade, then the inspector will simply determine and report the percen-
tage of cull material in the sample.

SIZE

The Dicing or Pulping standards have no size requirements. How-
ever, size is usually specified by agreement between buyer and seller.
In such cases inspectors will be guided by the provisions of the
contract.

The Canning or Freezing standards require the diameter of each
sweetpotato or usable piece to be not less than 1 inch or more than
2-1/4 inches, and the length to be not less than 2 inches or more than
7 inches. However, all of these dimensions may be otherwise specified.

Diameter.means the greatest dimension of the sweetpotato, or usable
piece, measured at right angles to the longitudinal axis.

Length means the dimension of the sweetpotato, or usable piece, measured
in a straight line between points at or near each end of the sweetpo-
tato where it is at least 5/8 inch in diameter.

TOLERANCES

In most cases sellers will not sort their sweetpotatoes into sepa-
rate grades or sizes before delivery to the buyer. Under these circum-
stances inspectors will be guided by the terms of the contract. He will
simply record on the certificate the percentages of the specified grade,
size, culls, and cull material as they occur in the sample.

(59)

(60)

(61)

(62)

(63)

(64)

(65)


the Inspection Service to undertake this kind of additional service for
the processor.

The casual examination of the stock as it is being dumped rapidly
from the containers cannot give an accurate idea of how the quality is
running, and the Inspection Service shall not assume the responsibility
for ordering loads back to the inspection platform on the basis of
general impressions of quality obtained by this type of examination.
While it recognized that large truckloads may be "framed" by the grower,
our inspection regulations require the applicant to make the load on
which the inspection is requested available for thorough examination.
If facilities are not provided for adequate sampling of all layers, the
processor can expect some variation in quality in different parts of a
load, and the responsibility of sending loads back for further examina-
tion should rest on him.

The Inspection Service should have a definite understanding with
the processor to the effect that he may send back a-load for regrading
if in the process of unloading it is shown that there is a material
difference between the upper and lower portions of the load. The same
privilege should also be extended to a grower if he feels that he has
better sweetpotatoes in the bottom portion of his load.

If the load is sent back to the Inspection platform for exami-
nation of portions not accessible for sampling at the time of the first
inspection, the weighted average of the two inspections should be given
for the load as a whole, and the first certificate should be voided.

If the portion of the load returned for re-sampling is to be weighed,
it will not be necessary to average the result of the two inspections.
A new certificate should be issued on this portion of the load, and
treated as a new inspection without any reference to the first inspec-
tion. The number of containers shown on the first certificate should
be reduced to agree with the number unloaded before the second weighing.

Some processors have stipulated in their contracts with the growers
that loads showing a material difference in quality of the sweetpotatoes
in the lower portion of the load from that in the upper portion.may be
re-weighed and sent back to the grading platform for a grading of the
lower portion.

INSPECTION PROCEDURE

Importance of Rapid Inspection: It is absolutely necessary that
the inspector work very rapidly at times in order that factory opera-
tions or growers may not be unnecessarily delayed. The inspector
should be on hand to make inspections whenever deliveries are made.

(21)

(22)

(23)

(24)

(25)


(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

(9)

Processors may reserve the right, by contract, to reject all lots
which do not meet the minimum requirements provided for in the contract.
The Inspection Service does not have the authority to reject lots that
fail to meet contract specifications. When a lot fails to meet con-
tract requirements, this should be reported to the processor's repre-
sentative. Then it 1s up to the processor to accept or reject such lots.

The inspector is to be guided by the instructions in this handbook
and by additional verbal or written instructions which may be given to
him by his supervisor. Occasionally, however, problems may be encountered
which are not fully covered by such instructions. In such instances he
should contact the supervisor by telephone for further instructions. If

,it is necessary to take prompt action, he must use his best judgement

aiid immediately advise his supervisor of the action taken in order that
corrective measures can be taken if the proper course was not followed.

INSPECTION EQUIPMENT

Inspection certificates.

Grading table. ~

Four scale containers.

Four direct reading scales (Check frequently to make sure that they
read zero when containers are empty).

Water bucket. for washing hands.

Towels.

Slide rule or computation chart.

Sizing gauges.

FUN

OIA

Construction of Grading Table. The grading table is generally
furnished by the processor. The type of table used in inspection of
tomatoes for processing generally is satisfactory. Specifications for
the construction of the table may be obtained from the Washington Office.

SAMPLING

Representative Sample. Obtaining representative samples is of
primary importance. The inspector may be able to grade sweetpotatoes
perfectly, but unless the sample is representative of the load the in-
spection report is worthless. It should be kept in mind at all times
that the facts reported on the certificate determine the amount of
money the grower will receive and the processor will pay for the load.
Therefore, if the sample is not representative, then settlement cannot
be equitable.


UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
CONSUMER AND MARKETING SERVICE
FRUIT AND VEGETABLE DIVISION
FRESH PRODUCTS STANDARDIZATION AND INSPECTION BRANCH

INSPECTION INSTRUCTIONS
FOR
SWEETPOTATOES FOR PROCESSING 1/

GENERAL

This handbook contains instructions pertaining to inspection
under the U. S. Standards for Sweetpotatoes for Dicing or Pulping and
U. S. Standards for Sweetpotatoes for Canning or Freezing. These
standards are similar in many respects. However, there are several
factors for which the grade interpretations are different. Whenever
this is the case, the instructions pertaining to each are handled
separately in this handbook. In all other instances the instructions
are combined.

Sweetpotatoes for Canning or Freezing are often the small ones
that have been sorted from stock being packed for the fresh market.
The medium size sweetpotatoes from these lots are normally marketed in
the fresh state. For dicing or pulping the larger size sweetpotatoes
are preferred.

INSPECTOR'S RESPONSIBILITY

Contracts between the grower and processor may stipulate a cer-
tain price for U, S, No. 1, a lower price for U. S. No. 2 (Dicing or
pulping), and nothing for Cull sweetpotatoes and cull material. In
other cases some processors may contract on the basis of a flat rate
for both U. S, No. 1's and U. S. No. 2's and require only that the per-
centage of Culls and cull material be determined.

Since inspection certificates provide the basis for payment, it
is the inspector's responsibility to determine accurately the grade,
size, culls, etc., of each lot which you are requested to inspect.

V/ This supersedes Shipping Point Inspection of Sweetpotatoes for
Processing Handbook dated March, 1952.

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)


-14-

(66) However, each set of standards provides tolerances for these fac-
tors when contracts between buyer and seller call for delivery of a
specific grade. The tolerances are as follows:

Factor Canning or Freezing

Dicing or Pulping

10 percent, includ-
ing not more than
2% soft rot or
black rot.

2 percent

Grade defects;10 percent, including not
: More than 2% soft rot
or black rot.

Cull Material:5 percent

Off-size *15 percent, including not’15 percent, includ-
more than: : ing not more than

3 percent under minimum ° 5 percent under
diameter, minimum diameter,

5 percent under minimum
length,

10 percent over maximum
diameter,

10 percent over maximum
length.

(67) Inspectors must remember that whenever contract specifications are
not met, the processor (or his representative) is to be notified im-
mediately. Then it is up to the processor to accept or reject such
loads. The Inspection Service assumes no responsibility to reject loads
of sweetpotatoes failing to meet contract specifications.

INSPECTION CERTIFICATE

(68) Care of Certificates. Inspectors should take necessary precau-
tions to prevent blank certificates from falling into hands of persons
who have no right to use them. Each Inspector shall be held responsi-
ble for the return of all unused certificates to the Supervising Inspec-
tor or inspection office at the close of the season or deal. Cannery
certificates are to be kept on file for at least two seasons.


(16)

(17)

(18)

(19)

(20)

Grading Samples Selected by Other Parties: In some cases growers
bring in loads after the inspection platform has closed and the inspec-

tor has gone for the day, and one of the processor's employees selects
samples to be graded the following day. It is obvious that the inspec-
tor should not grade and certify to the quality of such samples as being
"samples of the lot herein described" when he has never seen the lot.
However, he may inspect and certify to the grade of samples selected by
other parties and it is up to the processor and grower whether settle-
ment for the load will be made on the basis of inspection of the samples.

Samples which are not selected by the inspector or by the "sample
snatcher" working under the direct supervision of the inspector must be
considered as submitted samples. The certificate should show under
"Number of Containers" only the number of packages in the sample. Do
Not show the total number of packages the submitted sample is supposed
to represent. Under "Remarks", the identity of the individual responsi-
ble for the information regarding the sample shall be shown, and the
remarks so worded to show that such individual, and not the inspector,
is responsible for all the information.

Write or stamp on the face of the certificate in red letters. -
SUBMITTED SAMPLE, and write "over" at the bottom of the certificate.
On the back of the certificate show information such as the following
under "Remarks": "Richard Roe, fieldman, states this sample is from
truck license # 3 grower, John Doe; Samples submitted by
John Jones", When space for "Remarks" is provided on the face of the
certificate, 1t will not be necessary to write on the back of the
certificate.

Also, in some instances it will not be feasible to separate copies
of the certificate in order to write on the back. When it is not pos-
sible to do this, 1t will be permissible to show the information on a
mimeographed form attached to the certificate and cross referenced so as
to be identified with the sample.

Irregularity in Loads: In certain locations sweetpotatoes are
unloaded at points some distance from where the inspections are made.
The unloading of large truckload lots sometimes reveals a different
quality in the bottom layers than was found by the inspector in acces-
sible portions of the load. Some processors have requested the inspec-
tion Service to place an inspector at the unloading point to send back
for further sampling any lots which unloading has shown to be of dif-
ferent quality in the lower layers than in the portions accessible to
Sampling at the inspection platform. It 1s not believed proper for


(93)

-20-

PRINTING OF INSPECTION CERTIFICATES BY PROCESSORS

In order to reduce the number of forms, simplify records, and hold
costs to a minimum, many processors desire to show weights and the cal-
culations of value of loads as well as other information on the inspec-
tion certificate. Under such conditions, processors may be authorized
to have their own certificates printed.

The following procedure should be followed where canners have these
forms printed:

1. Processors should be advised that before any certificates are
printed, a draft must be submitted to the Washington office for approval;

2. The inspection report, including the line for the inspector's
signature, should be placed at the upper part of the form. Other in-
formation, such as spaces for gross, tare and net weights, calculation
of the value of a load and other information should be placed on the
lower part of the form headed by a statement to the effect that the in-
formation given below is not vouched for by the inspectors; and,

3. After the certificate has been approved and printed, it will
also be necessary for the processor to furnish the Washington office
with an affidavit from the printer showing the number of sets printed,
together with the serial numbers. The following form of affidavit
written on the printer's letterhead and sworn to by a notary public will
be satisfactory:

New York, N. Y.
May 25, 1968

John Doe Canning Co.
1425 York Street
New Orleans, La.

Dear Sirs:

We hereby certify and affirm we have printed on order C 301,
April 1, 1968 for the John Doe Canning Co., New Orleans,Lla. 50,000
sets of form FV-27, Inspection Certificate, Products Sweetpotatoes,
the first serial number for 50,000 sets being A-13041, inclusive, and
contaqued consecutively throughout 50,000 sets, the last number being
A-63040.


ne FE

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
CONSUMER AND MARKETING SERVICE

SWEETPOTATOES

FOR
PROCESSING

INSPECTION INSTRUCTIONS

AUGUST 1968

FOR USE OF FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE INSPECTORS

FRUIT AND VEGETABLE DIVISION
FRESH PRODUCTS STANDARDIZATION AND INSPECTION BRANCH
WASHINGTON, D. C.


-T-

We cannot require each grading platform to be fitted with one of (30)
these lights but it is the Federal Supervisor's responsibility to see
that the inspectors do not work with lighting which is inadequate,
either as to quantity or quality. Ordinary fluorescent or incadescent
lightsdo not provide the quality of lighting needed for determining
eolor, although the quantity of light may be more than necessary.

INTERFERENCE WITH INSPECTOR'S WORK AND ABUSE OF INSPECTORS

Occasionally growers will attempt to intimidate or influence the (31)
inspector by abusive language. In some cases the grower may even go
so far as to transfer sweetpotatoes from one compartment to another of
higher grade. It should be clearly understood that the Inspection Ser-
vice, under its official "Regulations Governing Inspection, Certifica-
tion and Standards for Fresh Fruits, Vegetables, and other Products”

(Sections 51.1 to 51.61), has authority to suspend the service under
such conditions, Whenever a grower becomes abusive or interferes with
the work of the inspector and will not listen to reason the inspector
should refuse to grade his load and so advise the grower and processor.
It will then be up to the processor and the grower to adjust payment of
the load without inspection or properly assure the inspector that the
future conduct of the grower will be satisfactory. When such instances
occur, the inspector should immediately prepare a written report for
the Supervisor setting forth all particulars.

METHOD OF INSPECTION

Practices may vary among inspectors as to the compartment in which (32)
sweetpotatoes of the various grades or sizes are placed when sorting.
It would be advantageous if all inspectors used the same compartments
for the same grades. However, some inspectors find it easier to place
the No. 1's in the right-hand compartment and culls in the left-hand
compartment of the table. Others find it handier to reverse the com-
partments for these two classifications, The size of the various com-
partments of previously constructed tables also may determine which
shall be used for the various grades.

The cull and cull material compartments may be small, whereas the (33)
compartment used for the No. 1's should be large enough to hold most of
the sample. However, regardless of which compartment is selected for a
particular grade, it should be marked to indicate the grade it contains,
primarily for the grower's benefit.


(26)

(27)

(28)

(29)

-6-

When practical, definite hours should be established for receiving
sweetpotatoes for inspection. This time may have to be varied as the
season advances.

Adherence to Contract Specifications: The inspector should ob-
tain a copy of the contract between the processor and grower from the
cannery plant before inspection is started. . He should become thoroughly
familiar with the specifications before grading is started.

Quite frequently processors will deviate from their contract speci-
fication as to size or some other factor early in the season when the
supply of sweetpotatoes is limited. Some canners may even request the
inspector to notify the growers of the deviation from the contract
specifications. In no case should the inspector or Inspection Service
assume the processor's responsibility of notifying the growers of the
variation from or return to the contract. However, inspectors and the
Inspection Service should always insist that the processor notify the
central Inspection Office within the State in writing of any change
from the contract, or a return to the contract specifications once it
has been changed. Such changes in specifications should also be posted
at the inspector's platform. The Supervisor should instruc the inspec-
tor in the methods of handling such changes and inform him regarding
the proper notation to be placed on the certificate to cover any devia-
tions from the grades.

Inspection Under Artificial Light: In many processing plants it
is necessary to inspect sweetpotatoes under artificial light in order
to handle the volume. While the Department does not favor inspection
of sweetpotatoes under artificial light, it must be recognized that
frequently it cannot be avoided. In these cases the Inspection Service
should insist on the proper lighting facilities for both the grading
table and the place where the loads are to be sampled. In circumstances
of this kind the inspector should consult with the Supervising Inspector
regarding proper lighting facilities.

Recommended light source for Inspection platforms. The Macbeth
type Examolite is recommended as the best for lighting inspection plat-
forms at processing plants and other locations where good illumination
is essential. The Examolite comes equipped with new Deluxe Examolite
fluorescent tubes. Fixtures purchased prior to November 1, 1956, are
not equipped with the Deluxe tubes and tubes in these fixtures should
be replaced with the Deluxe tubes in order to produce the type of i1-
lumination that is recommended.



Some processors may furnish helpers to obtain samples from the (10)
conveyance, place sweetpotatoes on the table, etc. Such assistance is
often necessary if the inspector is to keep up with deliveries. Al-
though these helpers are expected to do the manual labor, it is the re-
sponsibility of the inspector to select representative samples.

He should always remember that he, and not the helper signs the (11)
certificate. Regardless of how competent the helper may be, the in-
spector must compare the samples selected with containers on the
remainder of the load. If in his opinion samples selected by the
helper are not representative, he should point out other samples to be
taken from the load.

In some cases helpers are employees of the processor and many (12)
growers may get the impression that these men are working for the
interests of their employer unless the inspector by his actions lets
it be known that he is supervising the selection of the samples. He
should not hesitate to tell helpers to select other samples or point
out the containers that he desires.

The inspector should make every effort possible to select con- (13)
tainers from all parts of the load, particularly if he has reason to
believe that the load has been "stacked". Frequently it is possible
to take additional samples when the sweetpotatoes are being unloaded.
He should always avoid taking sample containers that are too easily
accessible as they may have been placed there for that purpose. It is
also good practice to continually vary the positions from which samples
are taken from the loads.

Minimum Number of Samples: The following table should be used as (14)

a guide in determining the minimum number of samples to draw from
various sized loads:

Number of Containers on Load Number of Samples
or Equivalent Weights (Approximately 50 1bs)

10 to 49 (500 - 2,499 lbs.) 2

50 to 149 (2,500 - 7,499 Ibs.) 3
150 to 299 (7,500 -14,999 lbs.) 5
300 to 499 «=©©(15,000 -24,999 lbs.) 7
500 to 749 (25,000 -37,499 lbs.) 9
750 to 999 (37,500 -49,999 lbs.) 10
1000 or more (50,000 1bs. or more) 12

The above outline should be followed except at stations where it (15)
would not be feasible. Where restricted inspections are made the Super-
visor should use his discretion as to the number of samples to be
selected.


made at outlying receiving stations and then hauls the sweetpotatoes
some distance to his processing plant. Naturally, it is usually not
practicable to break down large loads to the point of making all parts
accessible for sampling before the long haul to the plant. In such
instances inspectors may issue certificates restricting the inspection
to the accessible portion of the load consisting of the upper 2 layers,
or to the doorways or to the rear end of. the truck.

Correcting Inspection Certificates. If the corrections are not (78)
too conspicuous, minor mistakes which would not affect the credibility
of the certificate if presented in court may be changed by crossing out
the part in error, and inserting the correct information. No correc-
tions should be made on any certificate unless the inspector has all
copies so that all may be corrected at the same time. Whenever an
error has been discovered, and the inspector does not have all copies
of the certificate, a new certificate should be issued upon which the
following statement should be made: "This certificate supersedes
certificate No. » Which is in error.

No attempt should be made to erase errors on certificates. All (79)
corrections should be initialed to show the authority for the correction.

Distribution of Certificate Copies. The distribution of the (80)
original certificate and one copy will depend on the arrangements made
by the party requesting the inspection. In most cases this party will
be the processor and in all probability the inspector will be requested
to give the original and one copy to the grower, who will present these
documents to the canner along with the load. The processor usually

keeps the original and gives the copy to the grower for his files. The
second carbon copy is retained by the inspection office for at least

one year, or preferably two years, if feasible.

APPEAL INSPECTIONS

Either the grower or the processor may appeal from the inspector's (81)
findings. The appeal may be based on either (1) the sampling, or (2)
the grading of-the sample.

(1) Appeal on Sampling. In some cases the grower or processor (82)
may question the accuracy of the inspection owing to the irregularity
of quality in the various containers.

In most cases where the grower or processor questions the accuracy (83)
of a report, it is not the grade interpretation that is in question but
the sampling. Regardless of how careful the inspector is in sampling
loads there will be an occasional load in which the sample will not
accurately represent the quality of the load. From this standpoint it
is necessary to admit the possibility of error in sampling loads of
irregular quality.


TIr

Paragraph

Numbers

APPEAL INSPECTIONS... ...cccccceccccceccccsceecceees bee tecnace 81 - 90
Appeal on Sampling..........ccceceeeeeeee secccececceeecesss 82 - BY

Appeal on Grading....... cece ccc cee e cee ececceeececceceeessss 85 - 87
When Second Inspection not an Appeal...... dee eeeeeneceeenes 88 - 89

Number of Samples on Appeals............ nee eeeee beer eeneee 90

AGREEMENT BETWEEN PROCESSOR AND STATE AGENCY..........+-++++- QL - 92

PRINTING OF CERTIFICATES BY PROCESSORS............00 eee eeeeee 93 - 95


(44)

(45)

(46)

(47)

(48)

(49)

-10-

All inspectors must remember that if a sweetpotato yields at least
One usable piece, it is considered as fairly well shaped. The entire
sweetpotato then will meet the requirement of U. S, No. 1 regardless of
the amount which may have to be trimmed away in the processing line,

5. Color, In the Dicing or Pulping standards there are no color re-
quirements except within the definition of "similar type". ‘The
color requirement of "similar type" applies only to variation in
color, not to any minimum color. However, the No. 1 grade in the
Canning or Freezing standards not only requires the sweetpotatoes
to be of the same general color (under the similar type definition),
but also requires that they be "fairly well colored". "Fairly well
colored" means that sweetpotatoes of the white-fleshed varieties
shall be no lighter in color than a light straw color, and yellow
or orange-fleshed varieties shall be no lighter in color than a
light salmon-orange color.

A plexiglas color gradation chart has been developed illustrating
a range of 4 colors for the yellow or orange-fleshed varieties. Sweet-
potatoes of such varieties, which are lighter in color than the light-
est color shown on the gradation chart, shall be considered off-color
and scored as culls.

In judging sweetpotatoes for color, the inspector should make a
eross section cut at a point half the distance from each end of the
sweetpotato. In judging the color of individual sweetpotatoes the
inspector should try to visualize the over-all color by evaluating
the aggregate color at the cross section cut and comparing this color
with the lightest color shown on the color gradation chart. Never
attempt to judge color in direct sunlight.

Inspectors should cut dowbtful specimens as an aid in maintaining
proper color judgement but should follow the general rule of reducing
cutting to a necessary minimum with the aim of holding the percentage
of cut sweetpotatoes within reasonable limitations.

6. Defects. The definitions for "damage" in each set of standards,
and for "serious damage" in the Dicing or Pulping standards are
self-explanatory. It should be noted, however, that the amount
of waste permitted in the No, 1 grade for Dicing or Pulping is
10 percent, and only 5 percent for No. 1 Canning or Freezing.
The amount of waste permitted under the definition of "serious
damage" in the Dicing or Pulping standards is 25 percent.


(54)

(55)

(56)

(57)

(58)

-12-

(c) Dry Rot (other than Black Rot). Dry rots, other than Black Rot,
are scored under the general definitions of "damage" or "serious
damage" on the basis of waste.

(d) Cork or other internal discoloration. The No. 1 grades specify
“free from cork or other internal discoloration". ‘Therefore, any
amount is scorable against the No. 1 grades, regardless of the
area affected. However, the No. 2 grade of the Dicing or Pulping
standards requires free from "serious damage by these factors.

In applying the definition of serious damage when internal dis-
orders are involved, it must be remembered that not only waste
should be considered, but also whether the processing quality is
seriously affected. In other words, even though the defect would
not cause over 25 percent waste, it would be scorable as serious
damage if the location of the injury was such as to seriously
affect the processing quality.

(e) Weevil. The most common insect injury is that done by a weevil
or borer which is whitish in color, and about one-fourth inch long,
This borer is known as the "sweetpotato root-borer or weevil", and
is the larvael form of a snout beetle known as Cyclas Formiscarius.
The adult beetle lays its eggs in those portions of the root that
project above the ground or are at the base of the vine. The lar-
vae carry on their burrowing in the field and in storage. This
injury occurs in sweetpotatoes grown in the Gulf States and should
be scored on a waste basis. Other insect injury, such as caused
by wireworm and flea beetle, are also scored on a waste basis.

See Agricultural Handbook No. 329 for additional insects and their
descriptions.

CULLS

In each set of standards the definition of Culls is self-explana-
tory. In the Canning or Freezing standards the words "....other than
for size" mean only that no sweetpotato can be classed as a cull simply
because it is offsize. In other words a sweetpotato is a cull because
it is defective, not because of its size. Although the Dicing or Pulp-
ing standards do not mention this, the same policy would apply.

CULL MATERTAL
Cull material means pieces of sweetpotatoes (or pieces other than

usable pieces when inspecting on the basis of Canning or Freezing
Standards), vines, root crowns, secondary rootlets, loose dirt, adhering


II

DEFECTS....... Sears beeen eee eee e enn e ne nenes

Soft rot........ee eee er ee eee err

Black rot..... beeen eee eee eee e eens beeen ence ences

OULLS........-- 0 eee e ee eevee cer seecenstteeees eee eeececeees

CULL MATERIAL. .cccseeececcecscreresnecrecncceescesecerssecees

SIZE. cece cece eee er sees ecreeccscceeessnscesseesscsceesceees

TOLERANCES... ccsececececcccnersccrnerescsscrecsssensrssesces

INSPECTION CERTIFICATE. .....cecceccscecccsccercesssccscsneee
Care of Certificates. .........eeeeeeee ones dee seeeceeeeees
Care in Recording... .. cece eee cece tect eect eteee bene e eee
Correct Numbers and Name.............. eee cena eee eeeeenene
Name of Place, Processor, Growers, and Date....... bee eneee
Recording Weights and PercentageS.............++005 ee eeeee
Signing of Certificate........ cc. cece ccc e eee eee beeen eeee
Restricted Certificates..... dec meee eee e reece renee eeeee .
Correcting Certificates............ teens bee e teen eeee

Distribution of Coples...... ee eee eee eee beeen eenee beens

Paragraph

Numbers

52 - 53
54
55

56

57
58 - 60
61 - 64
65 - 67
68 - 80
68 - 69
70
vee
72
3 - 75
76
7
78 - 79
80


-21-

We further certify that the above statement is true and correct
within our knowledge, and that we have not printed any other sets of

the form FV-27 bearing any other number, serial or otherwise for this
company.

Very truly yours,

Jones Printing Co.
Samuel Jones
General Manager

Subseribed and sworn to me this May 25, 1968.
SEAL

Henry Smith
Notary Public us

My Commission Expires
February 10, 1969.

Some processors in the past have had one certificate form printed (94)
with the name of a certain State in the heading and then used it in
all states in which they operate. Use of such certificates with an
out-of-state heading will not be approved.

Processors who have their own certificates printed should be in- (95)

structed to have the printer deliver them to the State headquarters of

the Inspection Service or to such other offices as those in charge may
designate. It is the responsibility of the Inspection Service to dis-
tribute inspection certificates to inspectors on location who must

account for the use of each certificate. Therefore, every precaution

should be exercised by both supervisors and inspectors to see that

blank copies of certificates do not fall into the hands of anyone

outside the Inspection Service.

LER ER ARLE EEE EEE


CONTENTS

Paragraph
Numbers

8
|
E

INSPECTOR'S RESPONSIBILITY. .......0.eeceeceeececcecrecens ee

INSPECTION EQUIPMENT. 40... cece eesec eee c cece eee tee ee eeeres

No a)
'
fo)

SAMPLING. ......- ec ce eeeeeeeee nem e meee eee e en earnsenes wees
Representative Sample........ cece eee eee teeter eee eee oe 9 - 13
Minimum Number of SampleS......... ccc cece ccc cecseeeeeees wyee- 15
Grading Samples Selected by Other Parties.......... boeees . 16- 19

Irregularity in Loads....... ces e cece eee eee eereceeeceees 20 - 24
INSPECTION PROCEDURE... ...cceec ccc ccecccecee ee eeeeeteseeeees 25 - 30
Importance of Rapid Inspection.........c cee e cent eeneenves 25
Adherence to Contract Specifications..... decease seeececese 26 - 27
Recommended Light Source......... seen e cece een eee eevee wee 29 - 30
INTERFERENCE AND ABUSE OF INSPECTORS.......cseeeeceeceeeeees 31
METHOD OF INSPECTION.......csseeecceereecceeeecceereccesenes 32 = 36
GRADE REQUIREMENTS. ..... 00. ceeesseccceeeesecesecesceeseeees 37 - 56
TYPE... ce eee eee eee Dene meee eee e eee renee reeset eeeeeseeeee 37
Firmness.........0.0.000- beeeeeee se ececececececerecscssees 38
Shape (Dicing or Pulping).........ccceceeccecccsecereveves 39
Shape (Canning or Freezing).........ccceeeseceeecceesceces HO - Ub

1050) Ke) a se eecerecsscceccecreees 45 - 4B


(34)

(35)

(36)

(37)

When the sample containers have been selected, one should be
emptied into the proper compartment on the grading table, after which
the inspector can proceed immediately to segregate the sweetpotatees
into various grade compartments. He should sort the sweetpotatoes as
rapidly as possible. Hesitation in scoring individual sweetpotatoes
may create the impression among growers and processors that the inspec-
tor is not experienced or is not sure of himself. It is better to
place a sweetpotato in the wrong compartment quickly than to turn it
over and over in the hands while trying to arrive at its correct grade
classification. When the inspector becomes aware that a mistake has
been made, the sweetpotato should be transferred immediately to the
proper compartment.

Experience has demonstrated that it is good practice to first
pick out those sweetpotatoes that are distinctly No. 1, No. 2 or culls,
and place them in the proper compartments, leaving all borderline
specimens for the last. After most of the sweetpotatoes have been
segregated in this way, it will be less difficult to place the border-
line specimens properly by comparison with those already graded. In
following this method it will appear that the inspector is working very
rapidly at the time when the grower is most critical. This procedure
usually causes the grower to gain confidence in the inspector, and
eliminates many arguments. In the past most of the complaints have
been made against slow inspectors, even though their work was above
average in accuracy. An inspector can often gain the confidence of the
grower by first rapidly picking out No. 1 sweetpotatoes about which
there can be no doubt.

Dumping Containers: In order to prevent errors in weighing, the
containers resting on the scales should usually not be dumped until all
of the sweetpotatoes from the sample containers have been sorted. How-
ever, if the percentage of a certain grade is high and a container may
not hold all the sweetpotatoes in the sample, a second weighing may be
necessary. There is generally no necessity for taking more than one
weight reading on culls. Ye

GRADE REQUIREMENTS

1, Type. All grades in each set of standards require sweetpotatoes
to be of “similar type". For all practical. purposes, the defini-
tions of "similar type" are identical. Sweetpotatoes that are
dissimilar in type are considered as culls in both standards.
Similar type means that dry and moist types are not mixed, and that
the color of the flesh of each sweetpotato is the same as the gen-
ral flesh color of other sweéetpotatoes in the lot, White-fleshed
varieties shall not be mixed with yellow or orange fleshed varieties.


-ll-

In making cuts to determine waste, the inspector should consider (50)

the nature and location of the injury. As a general rule, he should

be guided by good commercial practices in trimming. It is not expected
that the inspector will carefully carve out only the defective area,
however, he should not remove an excessive portion of the uninjured
flesh along with the defect. Any defect occurring at the end of the
sweetpotato beyond a point where the diameter is less than five-eighths
inch should be disregarded since this portion will be removed in the
normal preparation for processing. If possible, inspectors should
visit the trimming lines in the plant to observe in-plant procedures.
Not only to see the actual trimming, but to check on the amount of
concealed damage that he may have been missing at the grading platform.

A description of some of the defects most frequently encountered
follows:

(a) Soft rot. All grades require "free from soft rot". Therefore all (51)
specimens with any soft rot shall be classed as Culls, regardless
of the area affected. Any rot which is soft, mushy, or in a leaky
condition is considered soft rot.

(b) Black Rot (Black Shank, Black Root). This disease is of economic (52)

importance both from the field and market point of view. It af-
fects the roots in the field to some extent and visibly affected
sweetpotatoes are generally sorted out at harvest time. The
greatest losses, however, take place in transit and storage. Con-
taminated or infected roots showing no lesions may develop the
disease. The rot may appear as mere superficial blemishes or may
have developed as deep-seated and extensive dry rot. The disease
has been reported in all sections where sweetpotatoes are grown.

Lesions of Black Rot on sweetpotatoes generally appear as greenish (53)
to nearly black, circular, depressed spots, varying in size from
1/2 to 2 inches in diameter. Spots may be very irregular, occur-
ring in bruises and injured places. The lesions are usually shal-
low, varely penetrating to the heart of a sweetpotato, and the
affected tissue is quite firm and tough. Generally, there are only
a few spots on any one potato, although there may be more. In

time the whole potato becomes affected and worthless for food.
Often, small black bodies are developed at the center of the lesions
appearing at times as dense masses of small black bristles. These
are the fruiting bodies of pycnidia of the fungus. The diseased
tissues are very bitter and the entire sweetpotato when cooked ac-
quires a bitter flavor. No varieties are known to be resistant to
Black Rot. All specimens affected to any degree by Black Rot are
considered as Culls and scored against all U. S. grades.