United States 

Department of 

Agriculture 

Agricultural 

Marketing 

Service 

Fruit and 

Vegetable 

Programs 

Fresh Products 

Branch

Persian (Tahiti) Limes 

Shipping Point and Market 

Inspection Instructions 

 

June 2007 

 

 
Shipping Point and Market 

Inspection Instructions for 

Persian (Tahiti) Limes 

These inspection instructions are specifically developed and designed by the 

Fresh Products Branch to assist officially licensed inspectors in the interpretation and 

application of the U.S. Standards for Grades of Persian (Tahiti) Limes, Section 51.1000. 

These instructions do not establish any substantial rule not legally authorized by 

the official grade standards. This publication supersedes any previously issued 

inspection instructions. 

Refer to General Inspection Instructions for additional information pertaining to 

date, inspection point, carrier, condition of carrier, lading, etc. not covered in these 

instructions. (Reference to “General Inspection Instructions” in all Fresh Products 

Branch publications refers to any one, or all of the following - General Shipping Point 

Inspection Instructions, General Market Inspection Instructions, or Fresh Fruit and 

Vegetable Certificate Writing Handbooks.) 

Any portion of these instructions beginning with a section number such as 51.--- 

and followed with bold print is material copied directly from the U.S. standards. The 

U.S. Standards for Grades of Persian (Tahiti) Limes are printed in the appendix of this 

instruction. All of the U.S. standards are available on the Internet under the USDA 

homepage. 

This replaces inspection instructions dated, November 2000. 

This publication may be duplicated without authorization from USDA. 

June 2007 
i

Factors noted with (Q) are considered quality only. Factors noted with (C) are 

considered condition at market. Factors with (Q or C) may be considered as quality 

or condition depending on the circumstances. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIME ILLUSTRATION ................................................................................................... III

GENERAL ....................................................................................................................... 1

REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLING .................................................................................... 1

SIZE OF SAMPLE ............................................................................................................ 1

NUMBER OF SAMPLES .................................................................................................... 1

TOLERANCES AND APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES .............................................. 2

TABLE OF TOLERANCES - U.S. NO. 1, U.S. COMBINATION, AND U.S. NO. 2 GRADES ........... 3

APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES ........................................................................................ 4

NOTESHEET AND CERTIFICATE ................................................................................. 4

HEADINGS ON NOTESHEETS ............................................................................................ 5

HANDWRITTEN CERTIFICATES ......................................................................................... 5

PRODUCT ...................................................................................................................... 5

NUMBER/TYPE OF CONTAINERS ...................................................................................... 5

BRANDS/MARKINGS ........................................................................................................ 5

ORIGIN .......................................................................................................................... 6

CONDITION OF PACK ................................................................................................... 6

Standard Pack .......................................................................................................... 6

TEMPERATURE OF PRODUCT .................................................................................... 7

SIZE ................................................................................................................................ 8

Determining Size ...................................................................................................... 8

Marking as to Count ................................................................................................. 8

DEFECTS (QUALITY AND CONDITION) ....................................................................... 9

BROKEN SKINS (Q OR C) ................................................................................................ 9

BUCKSKIN (Q) ................................................................................................................ 9

COLOR (Q OR C) .......................................................................................................... 10

Blanching (Q) ......................................................................................................... 10

Yellow Color (C) ..................................................................................................... 11

DISCOLORATION (Q OR C) ............................................................................................ 12

DRYNESS AND/OR MUSHINESS (Q OR C) ........................................................................ 12

EXANTHEMA (AMMONIATION) (Q) ................................................................................... 14

FIRMNESS (C) .............................................................................................................. 15
ii

FREEZING AND FREEZING INJURY (C) ............................................................................. 16

HARD OR DRY SKINS (Q) .............................................................................................. 16

MATURITY (JUICE CONTENT) (Q) ................................................................................... 16

Juice Content Determination .................................................................................. 16

Sampling Procedure to Determine Juice Content .................................................. 17

Volume Measurement of Limes.............................................................................. 17

Weight Measurement of Limes .............................................................................. 17

Extraction of Lime Juice for Both Methods ............................................................. 18

Calculation and Reporting the Percentage of Juice Content by Volume ................ 18

Additional Steps after Weight or Volume of Juice Has Been Determined .............. 18

OIL SPOTS (Q) ............................................................................................................. 18

SCAB (Q) .................................................................................................................... 19

SCALE (Q) ................................................................................................................... 19

SCARS (Q) .................................................................................................................. 19

SHAPE (Q)................................................................................................................... 20

SKIN BREAKDOWN (C) .................................................................................................. 20

SOOTY MOLD (Q) ......................................................................................................... 21

SPRAYBURN (Q) ........................................................................................................... 21

STYLAR END BREAKDOWN (C) ...................................................................................... 21

SUNBURN (Q) .............................................................................................................. 22

TEXTURE (Q) ............................................................................................................... 22

THORN SCRATCHES (Q) ............................................................................................... 23

DECAY (C) ................................................................................................................... 24

APPENDIX I -- U.S. GRADE STANDARDS ................................................................. 25

UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR GRADES OF PERSIAN (TAHITI) LIMES ............................ 25

APPENDIX II -- NOTESHEETS AND CERTIFICATE EXAMPLES .............................. 31

EXAMPLE 1 -- INSPECTION NOTESHEET .......................................................................... 31

EXAMPLE 1 -- INSPECTION SCORESHEET ........................................................................ 32

EXAMPLE 1 -- INSPECTION CERTIFICATE ......................................................................... 33

EXAMPLE 2 -- INSPECTION NOTESHEET .......................................................................... 34

EXAMPLE 2 -- INSPECTION SCORESHEET ........................................................................ 35

EXAMPLE 2 -- INSPECTION CERTIFICATE ......................................................................... 36
iii

LIME ILLUSTRATION 
1

GENERAL 

These inspection instructions apply to Persian (Tahiti) limes. Persian (Tahiti) 

type limes are practically always seedless and include varieties of Tahiti, Bearss, and 

other similar varieties. The other groups of limes are referred to as true limes or 

seeded limes. Limes of this group are also known as Mexican, West Indian, or Key 

limes. 

The U.S. standards only apply to Persian (Tahiti) limes. When inspecting all 

other limes, these instructions are to only be used as a guide. Do not use the terms 

“damage,” “serious damage,” or “very serious damage.” Further, do not use descriptive 

terms such as “materially” or “seriously affecting the appearance” as these are used in 

the general definitions of damage and serious damage. Describe the objectionable 

factors in terms of color, area affected and depth, etc. 

REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLING 

The importance of obtaining representative samples cannot be over emphasized. 

Accurate certification is possible only if the samples examined are truly representative 

of the entire lot or accessible portion. All portions of a lot or load should receive the 

same attention in sampling regardless of the difficulty involved in reaching all layers or 

parts of a lot or load. 

Size of Sample 

The tolerances of the U.S. Standards for Grades of Persian (Tahiti) Limes are 

determined on the basis of count. Examine a minimum of 25 limes from containers 

with 25 or more fruit (including bulk bins). The entire contents of containers shall be 

examined for packages with less than 25 fruit, regardless of the quality or condition of 

the lot. Whenever defects exceed the container or lot tolerance in one or more 

samples, the entire contents of at least one of those packages must be examined. 

Number of Samples 

Due to potential variations in size, quality, condition, no definite rule can be 

provided as to a required number of samples. A minimum of one percent (1%) of the 

load is recommended. It is the inspector's responsibility to examine enough samples to 

ensure an accurate description of the entire lot. Regardless of the number of containers 

in the lot a minimum of three samples shall be examined. 
2

TOLERANCES AND APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES 

§51.1000 U.S. No. 1...(c) In order to allow for variations incident to 

proper grading and handling, not more than 10 percent, by count, of 

the fruit in any lot may fail to meet the color requirements. In 

addition, not more than 10 percent, by count, of the fruit in any lot 

may be below the remaining requirements of this grade, but not more 

than one-half of this amount, or 5 percent, shall be allowed for decay, 

stylar end breakdown, broken skins which are not healed, or defects 

causing serious damage including not more than one-half of 1 

percent for decay at shipping point: Provided, That an additional 

tolerance of 2-1/2 percent, or a total of not more than 3 percent, shall 

be allowed for decay en route or at destination. 

§51.1001 U.S. Combination...(b) In order to allow for variations 

incident to proper grading and handling, not more than 10 percent, 

by count, of the fruit in any lot may fail to meet the color 

requirements. In addition, not more than 10 percent, by count, of the 

fruit in any lot may be below the remaining requirements of the lower 

grade in the combination, but not more than one-half of this amount, 

or 5 percent, shall be allowed for limes affected by decay, stylar end 

breakdown and broken skins which are not healed, including not 

more than one-half of 1 percent for decay at shipping point: 

Provided, That an additional tolerance of 2-1/2 percent, or a total of 

not more than 3 percent, shall be allowed for decay en route or at 

destination. 

§51.1002 U.S. No. 2...(c) In order to allow for variations incident to 

proper grading and handling, not more than 10 percent, by count, of 

the fruit in any lot may fail to meet the color requirements. In 

addition, not more than 10 percent, by count, of the fruit in any lot 

may be below the remaining requirements of this grade, but not more 

than one-half of this amount, or 5 percent, shall be allowed for decay, 

stylar end breakdown, and broken skins which are not healed, 

including not more than one-half of 1 percent for decay at shipping 

point: Provided, That an additional tolerance of 2-1/2 percent, or a 

total of not more than 3 percent, shall be allowed for decay en route 

or at destination. 
3

Table of Tolerances - U.S. No. 1, U.S. Combination1, and U.S. No. 2 Grades 

Shipping Point Additional Decay 

ONLY 

En Route or At 

Destination Total 

Color 10% 10% 

Total Defects 10%1 2-1/2% 12-1/2% 

Including Stylar End 

Breakdown, 

Unhealed Broken 

Skins, Decay, and 

Serious Damage by 

Other Means 

5%2 2-1/2% 7-1/2 

Including Decay 1/2% 2-1/2% 3% 

 1 U.S. Combination: At least 60 percent, by count, of the limes must meet the requirements of 

the U.S. No. 1 grade; however, the defect tolerance is based on limes which will not meet the U.S. No. 2 

grade. 2 U.S. Combination and U.S. No. 2: This restrictive tolerance includes ONLY Decay, Stylar End 

Breakdown, and unhealed broken skins. 
4

Application of Tolerances 

§51.1004 Application of Tolerances. (a) The contents of individual 

packages in the lot, based on sample inspection, are subject to the 

following limitations: Provided, That the averages for the entire lot 

are within the tolerances specified for the grade: 

(1) For packages which contain more than 3 pounds and a tolerance 

of 10 percent or more is provided, individual packages in any lot 

shall have not more than one and one-half times the tolerance 

specified. For packages which contain more than 3 pounds and a 

tolerance of less than 10 percent is provided, individual packages in 

any lot shall have not more than double the tolerance specified, 

except that at least one decayed fruit may be permitted in any 

package; and, 

(2) For packages which contain 3 pounds or less, individual 

packages in any lot are not restricted as to the percentage of 

defects: Provided, That not more than 10 percent of the packages 

may have more than one decayed fruit. 

Packages containing more than 3 pounds: 

• 10% tolerance - not more than 1-1/2 times the tolerance. 

• Less than 10% tolerance - not more than double the tolerance except at least 

1 decayed fruit permitted in any package. 

Packages containing 3 pounds or less: 

• Individual packages not restricted; provided, not more than 10% of packages 

have more than 1 decayed fruit. 

NOTESHEET AND CERTIFICATE 

Entries on the notesheet and certificate are to be kept in a legible and accurate 

manner. It is mandatory that all information appearing on the certificate be supported 

by information on the notesheet. When the inspection is complete, it is the 

responsibility of the inspector to ensure that all information is properly recorded. 

Notations shall be recorded so anyone familiar with inspection procedures can interpret 

them and write a certificate. 
5

Headings on Notesheets 

Detailed instructions pertaining to date, inspection point, place of inspection, type 

of carrier, lading, etc., which are not covered by these instructions may be found in the 

General Inspection Instructions. Your supervisor may give additional information and 

instructions. 

Handwritten Certificates 

The handwritten certificate (FV-184 at shipping point and FV-300 at market) 

should be written with great care since they are given to the applicant at the completion 

of the inspection. 

Please refer to the FV-184 or FV-300 certificate handbooks and your immediate 

supervisor for instructions regarding the procedures to follow when writing certificates. 

Product 

“Limes” shall be used to describe this commodity in the “Product” section. Type, 

such as “seeded” or “seedless” may be used in conjunction with “Limes” or may be 

reported in the “Lot ID” section on market notesheets and certificates. 

Number/Type of Containers 

The number of containers shall always be reported. The count of large lots 

certified in a warehouse or on a platform may be reported on the authority of someone 

other than the inspector. However, the inspector is responsible for assuring that the 

approximate numbers of the containers reported in the lot are present. Small lots (100 

containers or less) and lots that can be counted with accuracy are to be reported on the 

inspector's authority as “inspector's count.” 

The type of container shall always be reported under this heading. The 

4/5-bushel carton and the 10-pound carton are the most common type of lime 

containers. Other containers include the 2/5-bushel, consumer bags and bulk bins. 

Brands/Markings 

The brand, variety, size, count, point of origin and other important information 

appearing on the container should be reported on the notesheet in the 

“Brands/Markings” section. Only the brand name and other pertinent information should 

appear in this section on the certificate. 
6

Origin 

The inspector should not make a positive statement regarding product origin on 

their own authority. When container markings list the State or country of origin, it should 

be quoted in the appropriate space on notesheets and certificates. This policy is 

necessary because some firms may use one mark on the same product packed in 

several States. The inspector can certify only to the marks and has no means of 

verifying as to what State or country the limes are grown. If packages are not marked, 

or the limes are in bulk, refer to the General Inspection Instructions. 

CONDITION OF PACK 

Pack shall be judged according to both bulge and filling of containers. 

In addition to the statement concerning condition of pack, it will sometimes be 

desirable to mention the bulge. As a rule, when the bulge is sufficiently high to indicate 

a satisfactory pack, it need not be mentioned. Unusual conditions, such as excessively 

high bulge, should be reported. 

Bulge - When determining bulge, measure the distance from the bottom of the 

carton to the bottom edge of the telescoping cover when in place. 

Well filled - means the carton is filled so that the fruit is slightly below the top 

edge, but not more than 1/2 inch below. 

Slack - means the fruit is more than 1/2 inch below the top edge of the carton. 

This term should also be qualified by showing how much the fruit is below the top edge 

in inches or fractions of an inch. 

Standard Pack

Standard pack is only determined when specifically requested by the applicant, 

as it is not a requirement of the grade(s). When requested to determine standard pack, 

use the following requirements: 

§51.1005 Standard pack. (a) Fruit shall be fairly uniform in size, and 

when place packed in crates or cartons, the fruit shall be arranged 

according to the approved and recognized methods. 

(b) All packages shall be well filled but the contents shall not show 

excessive or unnecessary bruising because of over-filled packages. 
7

(c) “Fairly uniform in size” means that not more than 10 percent, by 

count of the fruit in any container may vary more than 

four-sixteenths of an inch in diameter. 

(d) In order to allow for variations, other than sizing, incident to 

proper packing, not more than 5 percent of the packages in any lot 

may fail to meet the requirements of standard pack. 

Some important points to remember when determining standard pack: 

• The application of tolerances does not apply to standard pack. Not more than 

5% of the containers in a lot may fail to meet the requirements of standard 

pack. 

• A lot of limes can fail to meet standard pack and still meet grade. The grade 

statement would be as follows: “U.S. No. 1. Fails to meet the requirements 

of standard pack.” 

• Note in the “Remarks” section of certificates and notesheets: “Standard pack 

determined at applicant’s request.” 

TEMPERATURE OF PRODUCT 

Refer to the General Inspection Instructions for information not covered in this 

section. 

Inspectors would not normally determine or report temperatures at shipping 

point. However, due to the importance of the pulp temperature of fresh fruits and 

vegetables when in transit or at destination, it is essential that the inspector accurately 

read and report the temperature or range in temperatures on each lot. Pulp 

temperature should be reported regardless of the location of the product, whether in the 

carrier, warehouse, or stacked on the platform. Remember to pre-cool the thermometer 

in order to obtain true readings. 

A minimum of three temperatures for each lot must be taken and recorded on the 

notesheet. More temperatures shall be taken if the lot is abnormally cold, heated, or 

there is a specific request for temperature. 
8

SIZE 

The following terms shall be used when reporting size: 

§51.1005...(c) “Fairly uniform in size” means that not more than 10 

percent, by count of the fruit in any container may vary more than 

four-sixteenths of an inch in diameter. 

“Irregular.” A lot would be considered “irregular” when not meeting the 

requirements of “fairly uniform” as defined above. When reporting a lot as irregular the 

percentage that fails to meet the requirement of “fairly uniform” shall be shown to justify 

the use of the term “irregular.” 

The term “uniform” shall not be used. 

Determining Size

§51.1016 Diameter. “Diameter” means the greatest dimension 

measured at right angles to a line from stem to blossom end of the 

fruit. 

The diameter should be determined by using ring sizers or calipers. When using 

a caliper, turn the fruit in the caliper to make sure that the greatest dimension is 

obtained. 

Marking as to Count

Lime cartons are commonly marked as to “count” or “approximate count.” Note: 

If the applicant specifically requests count and the containers are marked to count and 

do not conform to count, report this fact in the “Other” section on market notesheets 

and certificates and in the “Description of Products” section on shipping point 

notesheets and certificates. Report the range and average of fruit per container as well 

as percentage of containers not conforming to count. For example: “Counts range from 

38 to 42, average 40; 50% of cartons fail to meet count as marked.” This may be a 

misbranding violation. Note: Unless the applicant specifically requests certification of 

marked count, do not report “Meets marked count” or “Does not meet marked count” to 

PACA. For further instructions see PACA Ruling on Grade and Size Markings in the 

General Inspection Instructions. 
9

DEFECTS (QUALITY AND CONDITION) 

Statements pertaining to freshness, maturity, shape, color, the amount and type 

of defects, and the amount of decay are shown under the appropriate headings. 

Factors noted with (Q) are considered as QUALITY only. Factors noted with (C) shall 

be reported as CONDITION on market certificates. Those factors noted with (Q or C)

may be considered as QUALITY or CONDITION, depending on the circumstances. 

Broken Skins (Q or C) 

Broken skins due to stem punctures or other causes will vary in size depending 

on the tenderness of flesh, thinness of skin, length of stems, and handling methods. 

The U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. 2 grades require that limes be “free from broken skins 

which are not healed.” 

Scoring Guide 

Score any unhealed broken skin against the restrictive 5 percent tolerance in 

both the U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. 2 grades. 

Score a healed broken skin as damage when it exceeds the aggregate area of a 

circle 1/4-inch in diameter. Score as serious damage when it exceeds the aggregate 

area of a circle 1/2-inch in diameter. 

En route or at destination healed broken skins are considered a quality factor 

and unhealed broken skins are considered a condition factor. 

Buckskin (Q) 

This disease is a result of injury by rust mites when the fruit is small; it becomes 

aggravated and extended by a surface growing fungus following the mite injury. The 

rind becomes abnormally thick and the surface becomes slightly roughened and grayish 

in appearance. 

Scoring Guide 

§51.1010 Damage...(l) Buckskin when more unsightly than the 

maximum discoloration allowed, or the fruit texture is materially 

affected. 

§51.1015 Serious damage...(l) Buckskin when more unsightly than 

the maximum discoloration allowed, or the fruit texture is seriously 

affected. 
10

Color (Q or C) 

Limes can be affected by two categories of color defects: Blanching (Q) and 

Yellowing (C). These are two distinct defects and must be considered separately. The 

10% tolerance for color is for limes affected by blanching only. Yellowing is included in 

the 10% total tolerance for defects. 

Lots of limes which fail to meet the U.S. No. 1, U.S. Combination, or U.S. No. 2 

grade requirements only because of blanching may be (if requested) designated as 

U.S. No. 1 Mixed Color, U.S. Combination Mixed Color, or U.S. No. 2 Mixed Color, 

respectively. 

Lots of limes which fail to meet the U.S. No. 1, U.S. Combination, or U.S. No. 2 

grade requirements only because of turning yellow or yellow color, caused by the 

ripening process may be (if requested) designated as U.S. No. 1 Turning, U.S. 

Combination Turning, or U.S. No. 2 Turning, respectively. 

The U.S. grades for Persian limes have the following requirements for color: 

U.S. No. 1: Each fruit shall have an aggregate area of at least 3/4 of the 

surface showing good green color characteristic of the Persian lime. 

U.S. Combination: U.S. No. 1 limes shall meet the color requirements of the 

U.S. No. 1 grade and U.S. No. 2 limes must meet the color requirements of the 

U.S. No. 2 grade. 

U.S. No. 2: Each fruit shall have an aggregate area of at least 1/2 of the 

surface showing good green color characteristic of the Persian lime. 

Definition 

§51.1011 Good green color. “Good green color” means that the skin 

of the lime is of a good green color characteristic of the Persian 

variety. 

The official color comparator LIM-CC-1 shall be used when determining color as 

it depicts “good green color” characteristic of the Persian lime. Limes will appear 

greener under artificial light than under daylight. Therefore, if color is in question, judge 

it under daylight conditions. 

Blanching (Q)

Blanching is a permanent defect and is the result of insufficient sunlight on the 

lime during its growth. Blanched fruits will be either uniformly under colored (light 

greenish) or may have areas of whitish to yellowish green with sharply defined margins. 
11

Typically, uniformly under colored limes grow and develop on a part of the tree where 

sunlight is greatly diffused or very low. This may be near the center or on a side of the 

tree that did not receive direct sunlight. Limes that are shaded by leaves, resting on the 

ground, or are in contact with leaves, limbs, or other fruit will usually have under colored 

areas that are surrounded by sharply defined margins. Refer to visual aid 

LIM-1-IDENT. 

Scoring Guide 

§51.1010 Damage...(i) Blanching when more than 25 percent, in the 

aggregate, of the fruit surface shows a whitish to yellowish green 

area or areas because of shading, resting on the surface of the 

ground, or contact with other fruit on the tree. Such areas are not to 

be confused with limes which are turning yellow due to the ripening 

process; 

§51.1015 Serious damage...(i) Blanching when more than 50 percent, 

in the aggregate, of the fruit surface shows a whitish to yellowish 

green area or areas because of shading, resting on the surface of the 

ground, or contact with other fruit on the tree. Such areas are not to 

be confused with limes which are turning yellow due to the ripening 

process; 

The amount of blanching is always reported separately from other defects 

because it is applied to the separate 10% color tolerance. When the only defect in 

excess of the tolerance is blanching, the grade of the lot may be (if requested) qualified 

with the term “Mixed Color.” For example: “Fails to grade U.S. No. 1 account of 

blanching. Now grades U.S. No. 1 Mixed Color.” 

Yellow Color (C)

The color of a ripe lime is yellow. However, limes are harvested and marketed 

while still having green color. Yellow color caused by ripening is considered a condition 

factor en route or at destination. Inspectors should remember that yellow color may 

also result from sunburn, abnormal physiological development, or other means. When 

applicable, score these defects according to general and/or specific guidelines shown in 

the grade standards or other sections in these inspection instructions. Refer to visual 

aid LIM-1-IDENT. 

Scoring Guide 

§51.1010 Damage...(j) Yellow color when plainly visible and caused 

by the ripening process; 
12

§51.1015 Serious damage...(j) Yellow color when plainly visible and 

caused by the ripening process; 

It is important to remember when scoring yellowing, it must be plainly visible. 

The definition in the standard for damage and serious damage by yellowing is the same; 

therefore, all yellowing scored would be considered serious damage. 

Whenever the total lot tolerance exceeds an unqualified U.S. grade (U.S. No. 1, 

U.S. Combination, and U.S. No. 2) only because of yellowing, the grade of the lot may 

be (if requested) qualified with the term “Turning.” For example: “Fails to grade 

U.S. No. 1 account of yellowing. Now grades U.S. No. 1 Turning.” However, if not 

requested, lots would fail to grade U.S. No. 1 or other grade applied. 

Qualified grades of “Mixed Color” (U.S. No. 1 Mixed Color, U.S. Combination 

Mixed Color, and U.S. No. 2 Mixed Color) may also fail to meet the grade requirements 

only because of turning yellow or yellow color. The appropriate grade statement could 

be (if requested to requalify): “Fails to grade U.S. No. 1 Mixed Color account of 

yellowing. Now grades U.S. No. 1 Turning.” 

Discoloration (Q or C) 

Rust mite, melanose or similar types of discoloration are quality factors en route 

or at destination. Discoloration, which occurred during transit, is a condition factor. 

Scoring Guide 

§51.1010 Damage...(k) Discoloration caused by rust mite, melanose 

or other means, when fairly smooth and more than 10 percent of the 

fruit surface is affected, or when slightly rough and in the aggregate 

exceeds the area of a circle one-half inch in diameter. 

§51.1015 Serious damage...(k) Discoloration caused by rust mite, 

melanose or other means, when fairly smooth and more than 50 

percent of the fruit surface is affected, or when slightly rough and 

more than 25 percent of the fruit surface is affected. 

Dryness and/or Mushiness (Q or C) 

Limes may exhibit dryness or mushiness as a result of being frozen on the tree 

or due to granulation (tree dryness). 

Granulation or tree dryness is either due to a peculiarity of the variety or the 

result of growing conditions. Fruit harvested late in the season or from young trees, 

especially after a drought, frequently show granulation or tree dryness, particularly in 

the larger sizes. During some shipping seasons, granulation may affect varieties that 
13

do not normally exhibit this characteristic. The granulated condition may appear 

throughout the pulp of affected fruit, but more often it will affect only the stem end 

portion. 

Juice sacs of granulated fruit remain swollen and do not separate from each 

other or the from segment walls. In such cases, the juice is displaced by yellow to 

grayish-white solid matter. Affected fruit will generally feel firm, but very light in weight. 

Dryness as a result of freezing differs from dryness from granulation (tree 

dryness) in that the juice sacs are collapsed, withered or shriveled, and separate from 

each other or from the segment walls. 

The internal condition of fruit, which has been frozen on the tree, is characterized 

by: 

• Segment walls show buckling at a cross section cut near the stem end 

of the fruit; 

• Watersoaked condition of the core; 

• Mushy condition of segments or portions of segments; 

• Partly or completely dry portions of segments; and, 

• Open spaces between the juice sacks. 

Scoring Guide 

§51.1010 Damage...(a) Dryness or mushy condition which extends 

into all segments more than one-eighth of an inch at the stem end, or 

more than the equivalent of the amount, by volume, when occurring 

in other portions of the fruit. 

§51.1014 Serious Damage...(a) Dryness or mushy condition which 

extends into all segments more than one-fourth inch at the stem end, 

or more than the equivalent of this amount, by volume, when 

occurring in other portions of the fruit. 
14

Preliminary Cut: This cut is intended to remove only the rind down to the fleshy portion 

of the fruit under the stem button and will vary in depth depending on rind thickness. 

1st Slice: 1/8 inch in width. This slice may be totally dry or mushy to dry in all 

segments. This is the maximum amount permitted in the U.S. No. 1 grade. If the total 

volume of this slice is affected, any dryness-mushiness condition in the remaining 

portion of the fruit will be considered as damage. 

If any portion of the segments in the slice is not mushy or affected by drynessmushiness condition, additional dryness or mushiness may be allowed in other portions 

of the fruit, but the total amount must not exceed the equivalent volume permitted. If 

this is encountered, it will be necessary to cut several slices to determine the total 

amount of dryness-mushiness present in the fruit. 

2nd Slice: 1/8 inch in width. This slice, plus the first slice (totaling 1/4 inch) may be 

totally dry or from mushy to dry in all segments. This represents the maximum volume 

permitted in the U.S. No. 2 grade. If the total volume of this slice is affected, drynessmushiness condition in the remaining portion of the fruit will be considered serious 

damage. 

Exanthema (Ammoniation) (Q) 

Exanthema is a non-parasitic, nutritional disease of the fruit. The distinguishing 

characteristics of the disease are dark brown, glossy spots on the rind, which may be of 

various sizes and shapes. The surface spots or scars may be pimple-like and reddishbrown, coalescing to form large roughened areas on the fruit. The pimple stage of 

exanthema is sometimes mistaken for melanose. The two can be distinguished by the 

fact that exanthema originates in tissues beneath the epidermis and seems to come up 

through the epidermis, while melanose is on the surface of the rind. 
15

Scoring Guide 

§51.1010 Damage...(c) Exanthema (ammoniation) which materially 

detracts from the appearance of the fruit, or which occurs as small, 

thinly scattered spots over more than 10 percent of the fruit surface, 

or as solid scarring (not cracked) or depressions which in the 

aggregate exceed the area of a circle one-half inch in diameter. 

§51.1015 Serious damage...(c) Exanthema (ammoniation) which 

occurs as small spots over more than 25 percent of the fruit surface 

or as solid scarring (not cracked) or depressions which aggregate 

more than 10 percent of the fruit surface. 

Firmness (C) 

The U.S. grades for Persian limes have the following requirements for firmness: 

U.S. No. 1: Firm. 

U.S. Combination: At least 60 percent firm, the remainder fairly firm. 

U.S. No. 2: Fairly firm. 

Definitions: 

§51.1006 Firm. “Firm” means that the fruit is not soft or flabby. 

§51.1012 Fairly firm. “Fairly firm” means that the fruit is not soft or 

excessively flabby. 

Scoring Guide 

Limes which do not meet the requirement for the grade(s) are scored against the 

total tolerance of the grade. 

Keep in mind that limes may feel soft and pliable due to thin skin and yet be 

properly described as “firm.” Such fruit may be in prime condition and may (depending 

on storage conditions) keep for a long period of time before becoming “soft.” Soft or 

excessively flabby limes would be considered serious damage and scored against the 

5% restrictive tolerance for the U.S. No. 1 grade. 
16

Freezing and Freezing Injury (C) 

The term “frozen” should only be used when ice crystals are present. Frozen 

limes will be darker in color and glassy in comparison to unaffected limes. 

“Freezing injury” is the term that should be used when it is evident that the limes 

have been frozen, but are not in a frozen condition at the time of inspection. The limes 

may be soft and mushy. The rind may be pitted. 

When reporting freezing or freezing injury, it is important to give the following 

information: 

• Record pulp temperatures taken at various locations. 

• Extent of the injury in the load. 

• Extent of the injury in the containers. 

• The degree to which individual specimens are affected. 

• The pattern of freezing or freezing injury in clear, concise terms. 

When the location of injury indicates where or when the freezing occurred this is 

to be stated. For example: “Freezing injury so located as to indicate it occurred after 

packing but not in present location.” 

Hard or Dry Skins (Q) 

Hard or dry skins may be due to several causes, including aging, wind injury, or 

any injury to the oil cells which may result in drying and hardening of the skin. Do not 

confuse this with sunburn. 

Scoring Guide 

All grades require the fruit to be “free from” hard or dry skins. Fruits affected by 

any amount of hard or dry skins shall be scored against the total defect tolerance of 

10%. 

Maturity (Juice Content) (Q) 

Maturity requirements are described in the standards as “juice content.” All 

grades require the fruit to have a juice content of not less than 42 percent, by volume or 

weight. 

Juice Content Determination

Juice content can be determined by either volume or weight. 
17

Use an approved scale (one that has been calibrated or verified with a check 

weight) when determining the juice content by weight to determine weight of the ten 

limes and the extracted juice from them. 

When determining the percentage of juice by volume, the following equipment is 

necessary: 

• Hand lever-type squeezer; 

• A receptacle to receive the juice; 

• Graduated cylinder, 1000 cubic centimeters; 

• Opened top, galvanized metal cylinder, 17 inches high by 5 inches in 

diameter, with overflow spout, with a tube spout 3 inches long and 1/2 inch in 

diameter, located approximately 2 inches from top of cylinder; and, 

• Galvanized cage to fit loosely into the cylinder with top well below the spout 

opening. 

Sampling Procedure to Determine Juice Content 

Select a minimum of 10 limes, which are of average size for the lot. As the juice 

content is intended to be the average for the lot, the samples shall be taken at random 

by size. Limes shall be tested as soon as possible after the sample has been secured 

because of the rind’s susceptibility to rapid drying that may cause a change in the 

percentage of juice content. 

Volume Measurement of Limes

(1) Place equipment on level surface convenient to water supply and sink. 

(2) Place the empty cage in the galvanized cylinder and fill cylinder with water to 

overflow level. When overflow drip has ceased, place graduated glass 

cylinder in position under overflow spout. 

(3) Remove the cage, place limes in cage, lower into the metal cylinder. Record 

the volume of water displaced by the limes (water in graduated cylinder). 

Weight Measurement of Limes

(1) The ten limes selected would be weighed and recorded (do not round off). 

(2) Cut and juice the limes as described in the “Extraction of Lime Juice” 

procedures that follow and record the weight of the extracted juice (do not 

round off). 

(3) Multiply the weight of the juice by 100. Take that number and divide by the 

total weight of the ten limes. The final number is the percentage of juice 

content of the limes by weight (do not round off). 
18

Extraction of Lime Juice for Both Methods

(1) Cut limes crosswise at the center of the stem to blossom axis. 

(2) Juice is extracted separately from each half by placing it in the squeezer with 

the cut surface on the strainer. Place squeezer at approximately waste high 

level. Only one firm and steady downward pressure stroke on the squeezer 

handle shall be made. Do not make repetitive squeezes. The lime-half shall 

not be moved or turned over and squeezed again. 

(3) Measure the extracted juice in the graduated cylinder, as it comes from the 

extractor without being further strained. 

Calculation and Reporting the Percentage of Juice Content by Volume

Volume of Juice

Volume of Fruit X

 100 = Percentage of juice by volume. 

All grades require the fruit to have a juice content of not less than 42 percent, 

therefore 41.9% would not be rounded up to 42 percent. 

Additional Steps After Weight or Volume of Juice Has Been Determined

When the percent of juice content is 42 percent or more, the size or the lot from 

which the sample was drawn will meet the minimum juice requirement of the grade. 

When the percent of juice content is 38 percent or more, but less than 42 percent, two 

additional tests shall be made. If the average of the three tests is less than 42 percent, 

the size or lot will fail to meet the minimum juice requirement of the grade. 

When the fruit meets the minimum juice requirement of the grade, do not show 

the percentage of juice content on the certificate. However, if the percentage of juice is 

below the minimum requirement of the grade, report as: “Fails to grade U.S. No. 1 

account juice content is less than 42% by volume (or by weight).” 

Oil Spots (Q) 

This injury occurs as irregularly shaped yellow, green, or brown spots in which 

the oil glands of the skin stand out because of slight sinking of the tissue. Field 

observations indicate that oil spots are a form of bruising. It is likely to occur on green 

fruit if it is handled while wet. Pressure incident to the picking and handling of green 

fruit is also likely to cause oil spots. 

Scoring Guide 

Score as damage when oil spots aggregate more than the area of a circle 

1/4-inch in diameter. Score as serious damage when oil spots aggregate more than the 

area of a circle 1/2-inch in diameter. 
19

Scab (Q) 

Scab is a common disease in humid growing areas. Scab occurs on leaves, 

twigs, and fruit, but attacks only young host tissues. Symptoms start as small 

translucent spots, which, as they grow older with the maturation of the host tissues, 

become irregular scabby areas or warty protuberances ranging in color from buff to dark 

olive-gray. These protuberances may be single, or they may coalesce to form large 

raised patches of gray or tan colored scab. Limes severely infected while young may 

become misshapen because of excessive development of the warty outgrowths. 

Scoring Guide 

§51.1010 Damage...(h) Scab which materially affects the shape or 

texture. 

§51.1015 Serious damage...(h) Scab which seriously affects shape or 

texture. 

Scale (Q) 

There are several types of scale which may be observed when inspecting limes. 

The most common types of scale are red and purple scale. However, it is not 

necessary for the inspector to identify the type of scale. All types of scale shall be 

reported as “scale.” 

Scoring Guide 

§51.1010 Damage...(f) Scale when the appearance of the fruit is 

affected to a greater extent than that of a lime which has 10 medium 

to large California red or purple scale attached. 

§51.1015 Serious damage...(f) Scale when the appearance of the fruit 

is affected to a greater extent than that of a lime which has a blotch 

the area of a circle one-half inch in diameter. 

Scars (Q) 

Thrips, other insects, thorn scratches and limb rubs may cause scarring while the 

fruit is still attached to the tree. When scoring scars, the color, depth, and texture of the 

scar are all considered. 
20

Scoring Guide 

§51.1010 Damage...(d) Scars which are dark, rough, or deep and in 

the aggregate exceed the area of a circle one-fourth inch in diameter, 

or scars which are fairly light in color, slightly rough, or slight depth 

and in the aggregate exceed the area of a circle one-half inch in 

diameter, or scars which are light colored, fairly smooth, with no 

depth and aggregate more than 10 percent of the fruit surface. 

§51.1015 Serious damage...(d) Scars which are dark, rough, or deep 

and aggregate more than 5 percent of the fruit surface, or scars 

which are fairly light in color, slightly rough, or of slight depth and 

aggregate more than 10 percent of the fruit surface, or scars which 

are light colored, fairly smooth with no depth and aggregate more 

than 25 percent of the fruit surface. 

Shape (Q) 

The U.S. grades for Persian limes have the following requirements for shape: 

U.S. No. 1: Fairly well formed. 

U.S. Combination: At least 60 percent fairly well formed, the remainder not 

badly deformed. 

U.S. No. 2: Not badly deformed. 

The normal characteristic shape for the Persian variety must be considered when 

determining the correct term(s) used to describe shape. 

Definitions 

§51.1007 Fairly well formed. “Fairly well formed” means that the fruit 

shows normal characteristic shape for the Persian variety and is not 

materially flattened on one side. 

§51.1013 Badly deformed. “Badly deformed” means that the fruit is 

seriously misshapen from any cause. 

Skin Breakdown (C) 

Skin breakdown appears as sunken areas, having distinct and abrupt margins, 

and may vary in color from tan to deep brown. The affected areas usually discolor to a 
21

darker color than the surrounding areas. The affected areas may occur on any part of 

the fruit, but can be more common on the side of the fruit. Large areas of the surface 

may also be affected. 

Scoring Guide 

Score as damage when the affected area aggregates more than a circle 1/4-inch 

in diameter. Score as serious damage when the aggregate area exceeds the area of a 

circle 1/2-inch in diameter. 

Sooty Mold (Q) 

Sooty mold is caused by a fungus that adheres to excretions of the white fly and 

other insects. It may occur as light deposits scattered over the fruit surface or as 

heavily concentrated areas at the stem end. 

Scoring Guide 

When sooty mold affects more than 10% of the fruit surface, score as damage. 

When affecting more than 50% of the fruit surface, score as serious damage. 

Sprayburn (Q) 

Sprayburn injury appears as slightly sunken areas with abrupt margins having an 

irregular outline and a hard unnatural texture. The epidermal cells are killed, first 

turning gray and later may crack. The spots vary in size from 1/4 to 1 inch in diameter. 

Scoring Guide 

§51.1010 Damage...(b) Sprayburn which changes the color to such an 

extent that the appearance of the fruit is materially affected, or which 

causes scarring that in the aggregate exceeds the area of a circle 

one-fourth inch in diameter. 

§51.1015 Serious damage...(b) Sprayburn which changes the color to 

such an extent that the appearance of the fruit is seriously injured or 

which causes scarring that in the aggregate exceeds the area of a 

circle one-half inch in diameter. 

Stylar End Breakdown (C) 

Stylar End Breakdown is a physiological disease usually starting at the stylar end 

near the base of the nipple or tip and appears as a grayish tan, watersoaked spot. The 

affected area enlarges rapidly involving up to 1/3 or 1/2 of the fruit. Occasionally, the 
22

disease appears at the stem end as well as at the stylar end. The affected area 

remains firm but becomes darker with age and usually sinks below the level of healthy 

surface. There is often a partial collapse of the flesh and a watersoaking of the core 

tissue within the stylar end of the fruit. The affected rind is quickly invaded by bacteria 

or fungi, causing the fruit to deteriorate rapidly. 

Scoring Guide 

The standards require all grades to be “free from” Stylar End Breakdown. 

Therefore, any amount of Stylar End Breakdown is scored as a defect against the five 

(5) percent restrictive tolerance. Score against the decay tolerance only when Stylar 

End Breakdown advances into decay. 

Sunburn (Q) 

This defect is characterized by a toughened area of the rind on the side exposed 

directly to intense sunlight. It usually shows a bleached effect or a deep yellow color 

and a definite flattening of the fruit surface. The yellow surface may have a brown or 

gray center where the surface cells have been killed. The flesh under the affected area 

is dried out and contains little or no juice. Do not confuse this with “hard or dry skins.” 

Scoring Guide 

§51.1010 Damage...(g) Sunburn which causes appreciable flattening 

of the fruit, drying of the skin, material change in the color of the 

skin, appreciable drying of the flesh underneath the affected area, or 

which affects more than 5 percent of the fruit surface. 

§51.1015 Serious damage...(g) Sunburn which causes decided 

flattening of the fruit, marked drying or dark discoloration of the skin, 

material drying of the flesh underneath the affected area, or which 

affects more than 10 percent of the fruit surface. 

Texture (Q) 

The U.S. grades for Persian limes have the following requirements for texture: 

U.S. No. 1: Fairly smooth. 

U.S. Combination: At least 60 percent fairly smooth, the remainder not of 

excessively rough texture.

U.S. No. 2: Not of excessively rough texture. 
23

Texture refers to the smoothness or roughness of the skin, and is important in 

judging the quality of limes. Larger sizes are normally rougher than smaller sizes of the 

same variety. When reporting texture, the size of fruit and variety must be considered 

to determine the proper descriptive term. Fruit having a smooth texture is generally 

thin-skinned while rough fruit is generally thick skinned. 

Definitions 

§51.1008 Fairly smooth texture. “Fairly smooth texture” means that 

the fruit is comparatively free from lumpiness and that pebbling is 

not abnormally coarse. Coarse pebbling is not objectionable as it is 

indicative of good keeping quality and is characteristic of the fruit, 

especially that from young trees. 

§51.1014 Excessively rough texture. “Excessively rough texture” 

means that the skin is badly ridged or very decidedly lumpy. 

Thorn Scratches (Q) 

Injuries caused by thorn scratches are often found on limes. When deep and 

well marked, they are easily recognized. When shallow, thorn scratches may appear as 

scars. 

Scoring Guide 

§51.1010 Damage...(e) Thorn scratches when the injury is not well 

healed, or when dark colored, rough or deep and in the aggregate 

exceeds the area of a circle one-fourth inch in diameter, or when 

light colored, fairly smooth and concentrated and in the aggregate 

exceeds the area of a circle one-half inch in diameter, or light colored 

and scattered thorn injury which detracts from the appearance of the 

fruit to a greater extent than the aggregate area of one-half inch 

permitted for light colored concentrated injury. 

§51.1015 Serious damage...(e) Thorn scratches when the injury is not 

well healed, or when dark colored, rough or deep and aggregates 

more than 5 percent of the fruit surface, or when light colored, fairly 

smooth and concentrated and aggregates more than 10 percent of 

the fruit surface, or light colored and scattered thorn injury which 

detracts from the appearance of the fruit to a greater extent than the 

10 percent light color concentrated injury. 

All thorn scratches that are not well healed are considered serious damage. 
24

Decay (C) 

All grades require limes to be free from decay; any amount is scored against the 

decay tolerance (1/2% shipping point, 3% en route or destination). The most common 

types affecting limes are Blue Mold Rot, Green Mold Rot, Stylar End Rot and Stem-End 

Rot. The type of decay is not to be reported on the certificate. However, when the 

decay is in excess of the tolerance, report the degree of advancement as: early, 

moderate, or advanced stages. 
25

APPENDIX I -- U.S. GRADE STANDARDS 

United States Standards for Grades of Persian (Tahiti) Limes1

Effective May 31, 2006 

Grades 

51.1000 U.S. No. 1. 

51.1001 U.S. Combination. 

51.1002 U.S. No. 2. 

Unclassified

51.1003 Unclassified. 

Application of Tolerances

51.1004 Application of tolerances. 

Standard Pack

51.1005 Standard pack. 

Definitions

51.1006 Firm. 

51.1007 Fairly well formed. 

51.1008 Fairly smooth texture. 

51.1009 Stylar end breakdown. 

51.1010 Damage. 

51.1011 Good green color. 

51.1012 Fairly firm. 

51.1013 Badly deformed. 

51.1014 Excessively rough texture. 

51.1015 Serious damage. 

51.1016 Diameter. 

Grades

§51.1000 U.S. No. 1. 

“U.S. No. 1” consists of Persian limes which are firm, fairly well formed, of fairly smooth 

texture, which are free from decay, stylar end breakdown or other internal discoloration, 

broken skins which are not healed, bruises (except those incident to proper handling 

and packing), hard or dry skins, and free from damage caused by freezing, dryness or 

mushy condition, sprayburn, exanthema (ammoniation), scars, thorn scratches, scale, 

sunburn, scab, blanching, yellow color, discoloration, buckskin, dirt or other foreign 

material, disease, insects or mechanical or other means. 

(a) Each fruit in this grade shall have not less than an aggregate area of three-fourths of 

the surface of the fruit which shows good green color characteristic of the Persian lime: 

Provided, That lots of limes which fail to meet the U.S. No. 1 grade requirements only 

because of blanching may be designated as “U.S. No. 1, Mixed Color:” And provided 

further, That lots of limes which fail to meet the U.S. No. 1 or U.S. No. 1 Mixed Color 

 1 Compliance with the provisions of these standards shall not excuse failure to comply with the 

provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, or with applicable State laws and regulations. 
26

grade requirements only because of turning yellow or yellow color, caused by the 

ripening process, may be designated as “U.S. No. 1, Turning.” 

(b) The fruit shall have a juice content of not less than 42 percent, by volume or weight. 

(c) In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling, not more than 

10 percent, by count, of the fruit in any lot may fail to meet the color requirements. In 

addition, not more than 10 percent, by count, of the fruit in any lot may be below the 

remaining requirements of this grade, but not more than one-half of this amount, or 5 

percent, shall be allowed for decay, stylar end breakdown, broken skins which are not 

healed, or defects causing serious damage including not more than one-half of 1 

percent for decay at shipping point: Provided, That an additional tolerance of 2-1/2 

percent, or a total of not more than 3 percent, shall be allowed for decay en route or at 

destination. 

§51.1001 U.S. Combination. 

“U.S. Combination” consists of a combination of U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. 2 limes: 

Provided, That at least 60 percent, by count, of the limes in the lot meet the 

requirements of U.S. No. 1 grade. 

(a) In this grade the U.S. No. 1 limes shall meet the color requirements of the U.S. No. 1 

grade and the U.S. No. 2 limes shall meet the color requirements of the U.S. No. 2 

grade: Provided, That lots of limes which fail to meet the U.S. Combination grade 

requirements only because of blanching may be designated as “U.S. Combination, 

Mixed Color:” And provided further, That lots of limes which fail to meet the U.S. 

Combination or U.S. Combination Mixed Color grade requirements only because of 

turning yellow or yellow color, caused by the ripening process, may be designated as 

“U.S. Combination, Turning.” 

(b) In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling, not more than 

10 percent, by count, of the fruit in any lot may fail to meet the color requirements. In 

addition, not more than 10 percent, by count, of the fruit in any lot may be below the 

remaining requirements of the lower grade in the combination, but not more than onehalf of this amount, or 5 percent, shall be allowed for limes affected by decay, stylar end 

breakdown and broken skins which are not healed, including not more than one-half of 

1 percent for decay at shipping point: Provided, That an additional tolerance of 2-1/2 

percent, or a total of not more than 3 percent, shall be allowed for decay en route or at 

destination. 

(c) No part of the above tolerances shall be allowed to reduce for the lot as a whole, the 

60 percent of U.S. No. 1 limes required in the U.S. Combination grade, but individual 

containers may have not less than 50 percent of the higher grade. 

§51.1002 U.S. No. 2. 

“U.S. No. 2” consists of Persian limes which are fairly firm, which are not badly 

deformed, and not of excessively rough texture, which are free from decay, stylar end 

breakdown or other internal discoloration, broken skins which are not healed, bruises 

(except those incident to proper handling and packing), and hard or dry skins, and free 

from serious damage caused by freezing, dryness or mushy condition, sprayburn, 

exanthema (ammoniation), scars, thorn scratches, scale, sunburn, scab, blanching, 

yellow color, discoloration, buckskin, dirt or other foreign material, disease, insects or 

mechanical or other means. 
27

(a) Each fruit in this grade shall have not less than an aggregate area of one-half of the 

surface of the fruit which shows good green color characteristic of the Persian lime: 

Provided, That lots of limes which fail to meet the U.S. No. 2 grade requirements only 

because of blanching may be designated as “U.S. No. 2, Mixed Color;” And provided 

further, That lots of limes which fail to meet the U.S. No. 2 or U.S. No. 2 Mixed Color 

grade requirements only because of turning yellow or yellow color, caused by the 

ripening process, may be designated as “U.S. No. 2, Turning.” 

(b) The fruit shall have a juice content of not less than 42 percent, by volume or weight. 

(c) In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling, not more than 

10 percent, by count, of the fruit in any lot may fail to meet the color requirements. In 

addition, not more than 10 percent, by count, of the fruit in any lot may be below the 

remaining requirements of this grade, but not more than one-half of this amount, or 5 

percent, shall be allowed for decay, stylar end breakdown, and broken skins which are 

not healed, including not more than one-half of 1 percent for decay at shipping point: 

Provided, That an additional tolerance of 2-1/2 percent, or a total of not more than 3 

percent, shall be allowed for decay en route or at destination. 

Unclassified 

§51.1003 Unclassified. 

“Unclassified” consists of Persian limes which have not been classified in accordance 

with any of the foregoing grades. The term “unclassified” is not a grade within the 

meaning of these standards but is provided as a designation to show that no grade has 

been applied to the lot. 

Application of Tolerances 

§51.1004 Application of tolerances. 

(a) The contents of individual packages in the lot, based on sample inspection, are 

subject to the following limitations: Provided, That the averages for the entire lot are 

within the tolerances specified for the grade: 

(1) For packages which contain more than 3 pounds and a tolerance of 10 percent or 

more is provided, individual packages in any lot shall have not more than one and onehalf times the tolerance specified. For packages which contain more than 3 pounds and 

a tolerance of less than 10 percent is provided, individual packages in any lot shall have 

not more than double the tolerance specified, except that at least one decayed fruit may 

be permitted in any package; and, 

(2) For packages which contain 3 pounds or less, individual packages in any lot are not 

restricted as to the percentage of defects: Provided, That not more than 10 percent of 

the packages may have more than one decayed fruit. 

Standard Pack 

§51.1005 Standard pack. 

(a) Fruit shall be fairly uniform in size, and when place packed in crates or cartons, the 

fruit shall be arranged according to the approved and recognized methods. 

(b) All packages shall be well filled but the contents shall not show excessive or 

unnecessary bruising because of over-filled packages. 

(c) “Fairly uniform in size” means that not more than 10 percent, by count of the fruit in 

any container may vary more than four-sixteenths of an inch in diameter. 
28

(d) In order to allow for variations, other than sizing, incident to proper packing, not 

more than 5 percent of the packages in any lot may fail to meet the requirements of 

standard pack. 

Definitions 

§51.1006 Firm. 

“Firm” means that the fruit is not soft or flabby. 

§51.1007 Fairly well formed. 

“Fairly well formed” means that the fruit shows normal characteristic shape for the 

Persian variety and is not materially flattened on one side. 

§51.1008 Fairly smooth texture. 

“Fairly smooth texture” means that the fruit is comparatively free from lumpiness and 

that pebbling is not abnormally coarse. Coarse pebbling is not objectionable as it is 

indicative of good keeping quality and is characteristic of the fruit, especially that from 

young trees. 

§51.1009 Stylar end breakdown. 

“Stylar end breakdown” is a physiological breakdown starting at the base of the nipple 

as a grayish tan water-soaked spot. A brownish discoloration develops in the rind. As it 

progresses the color of the affected area becomes darker and usually sinks below the 

healthy surface, but the area remains firm unless infected with secondary organisms 

that cause soft decay. 

§51.1010 Damage. 

“Damage” means any defect which materially affects the appearance, or the edible or 

shipping quality of the fruit. Any one of the following defects, or any combination of 

defects the seriousness of which exceeds the maximum allowed for any one defect, 

shall be considered as damage: 

(a) Dryness or mushy condition which extends into all segments more than one-eighth 

of an inch at the stem end, or more than the equivalent of this amount, by volume, when 

occurring in other portions of the fruit; 

(b) Sprayburn which changes the color to such an extent that the appearance of the fruit 

is materially affected, or which causes scarring that in the aggregate exceeds the area 

of a circle one-fourth inch in diameter; 

(c) Exanthema (ammoniation) which materially detracts from the appearance of the fruit, 

or which occurs as small, thinly scattered spots over more than 10 percent of the fruit 

surface, or as solid scarring (not cracked) or depressions which in the aggregate 

exceed the area of a circle one-half inch in diameter; 

(d) Scars which are dark, rough, or deep and in the aggregate exceed the area of a 

circle one-fourth inch in diameter, or scars which are fairly light in color, slightly rough, 

or of slight depth and in the aggregate exceed the area of a circle one-half inch in 

diameter, or scars which are light colored, fairly smooth, with no depth and aggregate 

more than 10 percent of the fruit surface; 

(e) Thorn scratches when the injury is not well healed, or when dark colored, rough or 

deep and in the aggregate exceeds the area of a circle one-fourth inch in diameter, or 

when light colored, fairly smooth and concentrated and in the aggregate exceeds the 

area of a circle one-half inch in diameter, or light colored and scattered thorn injury 

which detracts from the appearance of the fruit to a greater extent than the aggregate 

area of one-half inch permitted for light colored concentrated injury; 
29

(f) Scale when the appearance of the fruit is affected to a greater extent than that of a 

lime which has 10 medium to large California red or purple scale attached; 

(g) Sunburn which causes appreciable flattening of the fruit, drying of the skin, material 

change in the color of the skin, appreciable drying of the flesh underneath the affected 

area, or which affects more than 5 percent of the fruit surface; 

(h) Scab which materially affects the shape or texture; 

(i) Blanching when more than 25 percent, in the aggregate, of the fruit surface shows a 

whitish to yellowish green area or areas because of shading, resting on the surface of 

the ground, or contact with other fruit on the tree. Such areas are not to be confused 

with limes which are turning yellow due to the ripening process; 

(j) Yellow color when plainly visible and caused by the ripening process; 

(k) Discoloration caused by rust mite, melanose or other means, when fairly smooth and 

more than 10 percent of the fruit surface is affected, or when slightly rough and in the 

aggregate exceeds the area of a circle one-half inch in diameter; and, 

(l) Buckskin when more unsightly than the maximum discoloration allowed, or the fruit 

texture is materially affected. 

§51.1011 Good green color. 

“Good green color” means that the skin of the lime is of a good green color 

characteristic of the Persian variety. 

§51.1012 Fairly firm. 

“Fairly firm” means that the fruit is not soft or excessively flabby. 

§51.1013 Badly deformed. 

“Badly deformed” means that the fruit is seriously misshapen from any cause. 

§51.1014 Excessively rough texture. 

“Excessively rough texture” means that the skin is badly ridged or very decidedly lumpy. 

§51.1015 Serious damage. 

“Serious damage” means any defect which seriously affects the appearance, or the 

edible or shipping quality of the fruit. Any one of the following defects, or any 

combination of defects the seriousness of which exceeds the maximum allowed for any 

one defect, shall be considered as serious damage: 

(a) Dryness or mushy condition which extends into all segments more than one-fourth of 

an inch at the stem end, or more than the equivalent of this amount, by volume, when 

occurring in other portions of the fruit; 

(b) Sprayburn which changes the color to such an extent that the appearance of the fruit 

is seriously injured or which causes scarring that in the aggregate exceeds the area of a 

circle one-half inch in diameter; 

(c) Exanthema (ammoniation) which occurs as small spots over more than 25 percent of 

the fruit surface, or as solid scarring (not cracked) or depressions which aggregate more 

than 10 percent of the fruit surface; 

(d) Scars which are dark, rough, or deep and aggregate more than 5 percent of the fruit 

surface, or scars which are fairly light in color, slightly rough, or of slight depth and 

aggregate more than 10 percent of the fruit surface, or scars which are light colored, 

fairly smooth, with no depth and aggregate more than 25 percent of the fruit surface; 

(e) Thorn scratches when the injury is not well healed, or when dark colored, rough or 

deep and aggregates more than 5 percent of the fruit surface, or when light colored, 

fairly smooth and concentrated and aggregates more than 10 percent of the fruit 
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surface, or light colored and scattered thorn injury which detracts from the appearance 

of the fruit to a greater extent than the 10 percent light colored concentrated injury; 

(f) Scale when the appearance of the fruit is affected to a greater extent than that of a 

lime which has a blotch the area of a circle one-half inch in diameter; 

(g) Sunburn which causes decided flattening of the fruit, marked drying or dark 

discoloration of the skin, material drying of the flesh underneath the affected area, or 

which affects more than 10 percent of the fruit surface; 

(h) Scab which seriously affects shape or texture; 

(i) Blanching when more than 50 percent, in the aggregate, of the fruit surface shows a 

whitish to yellowish green area or areas because of shading, resting on the surface of 

the ground, or contact with other fruit on the tree. Such areas are not to be confused 

with limes which are turning yellow due to the ripening process; 

(j) Yellow color when plainly visible and caused by the ripening process; 

(k) Discoloration caused by rust mite, melanose or other means, when fairly smooth and 

more than 50 percent of the fruit surface is affected, or when slightly rough and more 

than 25 percent of the fruit surface is affected; and, 

(l) Buckskin when more unsightly than the maximum discoloration allowed, or the fruit 

texture is seriously affected. 

§51.1016 Diameter. 

“Diameter” means the greatest dimension measured at right angles to a line from stem 

to blossom end of the fruit. 
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Appendix II -- Notesheets and Certificate Examples 

Example 1 -- Inspection Notesheet 
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Example 1 -- Inspection Scoresheet 
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Example 2 -- Inspection Notesheet 
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Example 2 -- Inspection Scoresheet 
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