Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2006/09/22/06-7819/potatoes-grade-standards
Timestamp: 2016-09-29 15:45:47
Document Index: 40359661

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:: Potatoes; Grade Standards
A Proposed Rule by the Agricultural Marketing Service on 09/22/2006
55356-55367
06-7819
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 51 PART 51—[AMENDED] Enhanced Content - Table of Contents Enhanced Content - Submit Public Comment
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/06-7819
Interested persons are invited to submit written comments concerning this proposal. Comments must be sent to the Standardization Section, Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 1661 South Building, Stop 0240, Washington, DC 20250-0240; Fax (202) 720-8871, E-mail FPBDocketclerk@usda.gov. Comments should make reference to the date and page number of this issue of the Federal Register and will be made available for public inspection in the above office during regular business hours. Comments can also be submitted on the Internet at: http://www.regulations.gov. The current United States Standards for Grades of Potatoes, along with the proposed changes, will be available either through the address cited above or by accessing the AMS, Fresh Products Branch Web site at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/​standards/​stanfrfv.htm.
The Joint U.S./Canadian Council, which was established by the United Start Printed Page 55357States Secretary of Agriculture and the Canadian Minister of Agriculture was charged with harmonizing the U.S. and Canadian grade standards. The United States Standards for Grades of Potatoes was last revised in 1991. The Council, which consists of representatives from the industry and government, meets annually to discuss issues concerning cross border marketing and trade of potatoes. AMS and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) have been working with the Council for the past 14 years in the harmonizing of the standards. To complete the harmonization process both the Canadian and U.S. grade standards require a revision. The revisions being proposed will benefit all aspects of the potato industry and make the standards current with today's marketing trends and practices.
This rule will revise the U.S. Standards for Grades of Potatoes that were issued under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946. Standards issued under the 1946 Act are voluntary. Small agricultural service firms, which include handlers, have been defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) (13 CFR 121.201) as those having annual receipts of less than $6,500,000, and small agricultural producers are defined as those having annual receipts of less than $750,000. Using annual data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the average potato crop value for 2002-2004 is $2.538 billion. Dividing that figure by 9,408 farms yields an average potato crop value per farm of just under $270,000. Since this is well under the SBA threshold of annual receipts of $750,000, it can be concluded that the majority of these producers may be classified as small entities.
This proposed rule would: Develop en route or at destination tolerances for the U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. 2 grades, revise current tolerances in all grades, delete the “Unclassified” section, and define damage and serious damage by the following defects which will be added to Table III of the External Defects section: Cuts, Clipped Ends, Elephant Hide, Flattened or Depressed Areas/Pressure Bruises, Grub Damage, Nematode (Root Knot), Rodent or Bird Damage, Russeting, Silver Scurf, Sunken Discolored Areas, and Surface Cracks. The following defects and scoring guidelines that are currently listed in Table III of the External Defects section would be modified to reflect current inspection instructions: Air Cracks, Bruises, External Discoloration, Flea Beetle Injury, Greening, Growth Cracks, Rhizoctonia, Pitted Scab, Russet Scab, Surface Scab, and Wireworm or Grass Damage. Also, a revision to the current scoring guide for sprouts is being proposed. In the Internal Defects section, Internal Black Spot would be revised by implementing a color chip to assist in the scoring of this defect. Also, Table IV in this section would be redesignated as Table 1. Additionally, a revised large size is being proposed as well as adding Chef and Creamer sizes. The effects of this rule are not expected to be disproportionately greater or smaller for small handlers or producers than for larger entities.
This proposed rule would: Develop en route or at destination tolerances for the Start Printed Page 55358U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. 2 grades, revise current tolerances in all grades, delete the “Unclassified” section, and define damage and serious damage by the following defects which will be added to Table III of the External Defects section: Cuts, Clipped Ends, Elephant Hide, Flattened or Depressed Areas/Pressure Bruises, Grub Damage, Nematode (Root Knot), Rodent or Bird Damage, Russeting, Silver Scurf, Sunken Discolored Areas, and Surface Cracks. Also, the following defects and scoring guidelines that are currently listed in Table III of the External Defects section would be updated to better reflect current inspection instructions: Air Cracks, Bruises, External Discoloration, Flea Beetle Injury, Greening, Growth Cracks, Rhizoctonia, Pitted Scab, Russet Scab, Surface Scab, and Wireworm or Grass Damage. Also, a revision to the current scoring guide for sprouts is being proposed. In the Internal Defects section, Internal Black Spot would be revised by implementing a color chip to assist in the scoring of this defect. Also, Table IV in this section would be redesignated as Table 1. Additionally, a revised large size is being proposed as well as adding Chef and Creamer sizes. In an effort to clearly outline these proposed changes, the first column of the following chart shows the section as it currently reads, the second column shows the proposed change and the third column states why the change is being proposed:
Current standardProposed standardDiscussion§ 51.1540 U.S. Extra No. 1 “U.S. Extra No. 1” consists of potatoes which meet the following requirements: (a) Similar varietal characteristics; (b) Firm; (c) Clean; (d) At least fairly well matured; (e) Fairly well shaped, with 50 percent or more well shaped; (f) Free from; (1) Freezing; (2) Blackheart; (3) Late blight, southern bacterial wilt and ring rot; and, (4) Soft rot and wet breakdown. (g) Free from injury caused by: (1) Sprouts; and, (2) Internal defects. (h) Free from damage by any other cause. See §§ 51.1564 and 51.1565. (i) Size. The potatoes shall be not less than 21/4 inches in diameter or 5 ounces in weight and shall not vary more than 11/4 inches in diameter or more than 6 ounces in weight. (j) For tolerances see § 51.1546.§ 51.1540 (Reserved)A deletion to the U.S. Extra No. 1 grade and all reference to the U.S. Extra No. 1 grade is being proposed as this grade is no longer utilized by the industry.§ 51.1544 Unclassified “Unclassified” consists of potatoes 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.§ 51.1544 (Reserved)When changing or updating standards in recent years, references to “Unclassified” have been removed in an attempt to eliminate the confusion this term creates. People have incorrectly assumed that “Unclassified” is an actual grade name. To avoid further confusion it is proposed that all references to this term be eliminated.§ 51.1545 Size (See Current Table I)(Revising, See Proposed Table I)It is being proposed that a Chef and Creamer size be added to reflect current marketing practices. Also, being proposed is the maximum diameter or weight for the Large size to be 41/2 inches or 28 ounces based on a request by the Committee.
Current Table ISize designationMinimum diameter 1 or weightMaximum diameter 1 or weightInchesOuncesInchesOuncesSize A 217/8(3)(3)(3)Size B11/2(3)21/4(3)Small13/4(3)21/26Medium21/4531/410Large31041/4161 Diameter means the greatest dimension at right angles to the longitudinal axis, without regard to the position of the stem end.2 In addition to the minimum size specified, a lot of potatoes designated as Size A shall contain at least 40 percent of potatoes which are 21/2 inches in diameter or larger or 6 ounces in weight or larger.Start Printed Page 553593 No requirement.
Proposed Table ISize designationMinimum diameter 1 or weightMaximum diameter 1 or weightInchesOuncesInchesOuncesCreamer3/4(3)15/8(3)Chef23/4841/228Size A 217/8(3)(3)(3)Size B11/2(3)21/4(3)Small13/4(3)21/26Medium21/4531/410Large31041/2281 Diameter means the greatest dimension at right angles to the longitudinal axis, without regard to the position of the stem end.2 In addition to the minimum size specified, a lot of potatoes designated as Size A shall contain at least 40 percent of potatoes which are 21/2 inches in diameter or larger or 6 ounces in weight or larger.3 No requirement.
Current standardProposed standardDiscussion§ 51.1546 Tolerances To allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling in each of the foregoing grades, the following tolerances by weight or equivalent basis, are provided as specified (a) For defects—(1) U.S. Extra No. 1. A total of 5 percent for potatoes in any lot which fail to meet the requirements for the grade: Provided, That not more than two-fifths of this tolerance, or 2 percent, shall be allowed for potatoes which are affected by freezing, southern bacterial wilt, ring rot, late blight, soft rot or wet breakdown, including therein not more than one-half of 1 percent for potatoes which are frozen or affected by soft rot or wet breakdown. See § 51.1547 (2) U.S. No. 1. A total of 8 percent for potatoes in any lot which fail to meet the requirements for the grade: Provided, That included in this tolerance not more than the following percentages shall be allowed for the defects listed: (i) 5 percent for external defects; (ii) 5 percent for internal defects; or, (iii) 3 percent for potatoes which are affected by freezing, southern bacterial wilt, ring rot, late blight, soft rot or wet breakdown, including therein not more than 1 percent for potatoes which are frozen or affected by soft rot or wet breakdown. See § 51.1547§ 51.1546 Tolerances To allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling in each of the foregoing grades, the following tolerances by weight or equivalent basis, are provided as specified (a) For defects—(1) U.S. No. 1. Shipping Point: A total of 8 percent for potatoes in any lot which fail to meet the requirements for the grade: Provided, That included in this tolerance not more than the following percentages shall be allowed for the defects listed: (i) 5 percent for external defects; (ii) 5 percent for internal defects; (iii) including therein not more than 1 percent for potatoes which are frozen or affected by soft rot or wet breakdown En route or at Destination: A total of 10 percent for potatoes in any lot which fail to meet the requirements for the grade: Provided, That included in this tolerance not more than the following percentages shall be allowed for the defects listed: (i) 7 percent for external defects; (ii) 7 percent for internal defects; (iii) Including therein not more than 2 percent for potatoes which are frozen or affected by soft rot or wet breakdown. See § 51.1547Due to the deletion of the U.S. Extra No. 1 grade, paragraph (2) will be redesignated as paragraph (1). Based on the harmonizing of the U.S. and Canadian standard it is being proposed that the 3 percent restrictive tolerance for freezing, southern bacterial wilt, ring rot, late blight, soft rot or wet breakdown be deleted. Also, the proposed establishment of an “En Route or At Destination” tolerance to the U.S. No. 1 grade will be consistent with similar standards.(3) U.S. Commercial. A total of 20 percent for potatoes in any lot which fail to meet the requirements for the grade: Provided, That included in this tolerance not more than the following percentages shall be allowed for the defects listed: (i) 10 percent for potatoes which fail ito meet the requirements for U.S. No. 2 grade, including therein not more than: (ii) 6 percent for external defects; (iii) 6 percent for internal defects; or, (iv) 3 percent for potatoes which are affected by freezing, southern bacterial wilt, ring rot, late blight, soft rot or wet breakdown, including therein not more than 1 percent for potatoes which are frozen or affected by soft rot or wet breakdown. See § 51.1547(2) U.S. Commercial. A total of 20 percent for potatoes in any lot which fail to meet the requirements for the grade: Provided, That included in this tolerance not more than the following percentages shall be allowed for the defects listed: (i) 10 percent for potatoes which fail to meet the requirements for U.S. No. 2 grade, including including therein not more than: (ii) 6 percent for external defects; (iii) 6 percent for internal defects; or, (iv) Including therein not more than 1 percent for potatoes which are frozen or affected by soft rot or wet breakdown. See § 51.1547Due to the redesignating of paragraph (2), paragraph (3) will be redesignated as paragraph (2). Based on the harmonizing of the U.S. and Canadian standards it is being proposed that the 3 percent restrictive tolerance for freezing, southern bacterial wilt, ring rot, late blight, soft rot or wet breakdown be deleted.Start Printed Page 55360(4) U.S. No. 2. A total of 10 percent for potatoes in any lot which fail to meet the requirements for the grade: Provided, That included in this tolerance not more than the following percentages shall be allowed for the defects listed: (i) 6 percent for external defects; (ii) 6 percent for internal defects; or, (iii) 3 percent for potatoes which are affected by freezing, southern bacterial wilt, ring rot, late blight, soft rot or wet breakdown, including therein not more than 1 percent for potatoes which are frozen or affected by soft rot or wet breakdown. See § 51.1547(3) U.S. No. 2 Shipping Point: A total of 10 percent for potatoes in any lot which fail to meet the requirements for the grade: Provided, That included in this tolerance not more than the following percentages shall be allowed for the defects listed: (i) 6 percent for external defects; (ii) 6 percent for internal defects; (iii) Including therein not more than 1 percent which are frozen or affected by soft rot or wet breakdown En route or at Destination: A total of 12 percent for potatoes in any lot which fail to meet the requirements for the grade: Provided, That included in this tolerance not more than the following percentages shall be allowed for the defects listed: (i) 8 percent for external defects; (ii) 8 percent for internal defects; (iii) Including therein not more than 2 percent for potatoes which are frozen or affected by soft rot or wet breakdownDue to the redesignating of paragraph (3), paragraph (4) will be redesignated as paragraph (3). Based on the harmonizing of the U.S. and Canadian standards it is being proposed that the 3 percent restrictive tolerance for freezing, southern bacterial wilt, ring rot, late blight, soft rot or wet breakdown be deleted. Also, the proposed establishment of an ``En Route or At Destination'' tolerance to the U.S. No. 2 grade will be consistent with similar standards.§ 51.1564 External Defects AIR CRACKS Damage: When materially detracting from appearance of potato Serious Damage: When seriously detracting from appearance of potatoDamage: When removal causes a loss of more than 5 percent of the total weight of the potato or when the air crack(s) affects more than 1/3 the length or diameter of the potato (whichever is greater) in the aggregate Serious Damage: When removal causes a loss of more than 10 percent of the total weight of the potato or when the air crack(s) affects more than 3/4 the length or diameter of the potato (whichever is greater) in the aggregateAdding specific scoring criteria, as currently defined in the inspection instructions, for materially and seriously detracting would provide an objective means of evaluating this defect.BRUISES Damage: When materially detracting from appearance of potato. Or, when removal causes loss of more than 5 percent of total weight of potato Serious Damage: When seriously detracting from appearance of potato. Or, when removal causes loss of more than 10 percent of total weight of potatoBRUISES (not including pressure bruises and sunken discolored areas) Damage: When materially detracting from appearance of potato or when removal causes loss of more than 5 percent of the total weight of the potato or when the area affected is more than 5 percent of the surface in the aggregate (i.e. 3/4 inch on a 21/2 inch or 6 oz. potato). Correspondingly lesser or greater areas in smaller or larger potatoes Serious Damage: When seriously detracting from appearance of potato or when removal causes a loss of more than 10 percent of the total weight of the potato or when the area affected is more than 10 percent of the surface in the aggregate (i.e. 11/4 inches on a 21/2 inch or 6 oz. potato). Correspondingly lesser or greater areas in smaller or larger potatoesRevising the scoring criteria, as currently defined in the inspection instructions, would provide an objective means of evaluating this defect. CUTS Damage: When one smooth cut affects more than 5 percent of the surface area Serious Damage: Cut(s) that affect more than 10 percent of the surface area in the aggregate or when a single side cut extends beyond 1/2 the length of the potatoCurrently there is no specific scoring criteria for this defect in the standards. Adding this to the standard, as defined in the inspection instructions, would provide an objective means of evaluating this defect. ELEPHANT HIDE Damage: When affecting over 10 percent of the surface area of the potato Serious Damage: When affecting over 25 percent of the surface areaCurrently there is no specific scoring criteria for this defect in the standards. Adding this to the standard, as defined in the inspection instructions, would provide an objective means of evaluating this defect.Start Printed Page 55361EXTERNAL DISCOLORATION Damage: When materially detracting from appearance of potato Serious Damage: When seriously detracting from appearance of potatoAreas that are light tan or lighter in color and blends should be ignored Damage: When more than 30 percent of the surface is affected by light tan or light brown colors which do not blend or when more than 15 percent of the surface is affected by colors darker than light tan or light brown Serious Damage: When more than 60 percent of the surface is affected by light tan or light brown colors which do not blend or when more than 30 percent of the surface is affected by colors darker than light tan or light brownAdding specific scoring criteria, as currently defined in the inspection instructions, for “materially” and “seriously detracting” would provide an objective means of evaluating this defect. FLATTENED OR DEPRESSED AREAS/PRESSURE BRUISES Damage: When removal of underlying discolored flesh causes a loss of more than 5 percent of the total weight of the potato or when the flattened or depressed area(s) covers more surface area than allowed in Table IV. (See Table IV.) Serious Damage: When removal of underlying discolored flesh causes a loss of more than 10 percent of the weight of the potato or when the flattened depressed area(s) covers more surface area than allowed in the Table IV. (See Table IV.)Currently there is no specific scoring criteria for this defect in the standards. Adding this to the standard, as defined in the inspection instructions, would provide an objective means of evaluating this defect.FLEA BEATLE INJURYDamage: When materially detracting from appearance of potato. Or, when removal causes loss of more than 5 percent of total weight of potato Serious Damage: When seriously detracting from appearance of potato. Or, when removal causes loss of more than 10 percent of total weight of potatoDamage: When removal causes a loss of more than 5 percent of the total weight of the potato or when the area affected is more than 5 percent of the surface in the aggregate Serious Damage: When removal causes a loss of more than 10 percent of the weight of the potato or when the area affected is more than 10 percent of the surface in the aggregateAdding specific scoring criteria, as currently defined in the inspection instructions, for ``materially'' and ``seriously detracting'' would provide an objective means of evaluating this defect.GREENINGDamage: When materially detracting from appearance of potato. Or, when removal causes loss of more than 5 percent of total weight of potato Serious Damage: When seriously detracting from appearance of potato. Or, when removal causes loss of more than 10 percent of total weight of potatoDamage: When removal causes a loss of more than 5 percent of the total weight of the potato or when green color affects more than 25 percent of the surface in the aggregate Serious Damage: When removal causes a loss of more than 10 percent of the weight of the potato or when the green color affects more than 50 percent of the surface in the aggregateAdding specific scoring criteria, as currently defined in the inspection instructions, for ``materially'' and ``seriously detracting'' would provide an objective means of evaluating this defect.GROWTH CRACKSDamage: When materially detracting from appearance of potato Serious Damage: When seriously detracting from appearance of potatoDamage: When the growth crack(s) affects more than 1/2 the length of the potato in the aggregate on round varieties or more than 1/3 the length in the aggregate on long varieties or when the depth is greater than that as outlined in Table V. (See Table V.) Serious Damage: When the growth crack(s) affects more than 3/4 the length of the potato in the aggregate or when the depth is greater than that as outlined in Table V. (See Table V.)Adding specific scoring criteria, as currently defined in the inspection instructions, for ``materially'' and ``seriously detracting'' would provide an objective means of evaluating this defect. GRUB DAMAGEStart Printed Page 55362 Damage: When removal causes a loss of more than 5 percent of the total weight of the potato or when affecting more than 5 percent of the surface area (i.e. more than 3/4 inch on a 21/2 inch or 6 ounce potato). Correspondingly lesser or greater areas in smaller or larger potatoes Serious Damage: When removal causes a loss of more than 10 percent of the total weight of the potato or when affecting more than 10 percent of the surface area (i.e. more than 3/4 inch on a 21/2 inch or 6 ounce potato). Correspondingly lesser or greater areas in smaller or larger potatoesCurrently there is no specific scoring criteria for this defect in the standards. Adding this to the standard, as defined in the inspection instructions, would provide an objective means of evaluating this defect. NEMATODE (ROOT KNOT) Damage: When removal causes a loss of more than 5 percent of the total weight of the potato Serious Damage: When removal causes a loss of more than 10 percent of the total weight of the potatoCurrently there is no specific scoring criteria for this defect in the standards. Adding this to the standard, as defined in the inspection instructions, would provide an objective means of evaluating this defect.RHIZOCTONIA (BLACK SCURF)Damage: When materially detracting from appearance of potato Serious Damage: When seriously detracting from appearance of potatoDamage: When affecting more than 15 percent of the surface in the aggregate Serious Damage: When affecting more than 50 percent of the surface in the aggregate.Adding specific scoring criteria, as currently defined in the inspection instructions, for “materially” and “seriously detracting” would provide an objective means of evaluating this defect. RODENT AND BIRD DAMAGE Damage: When removal causes a loss of more than 5 percent of the total weight of the potato or when affecting more than 5 percent of the surface area (i.e. more than 3/4 inch on a 21/2 inch or 6 ounce potato). Correspondingly lesser or greater areas in smaller or larger potatoes Serious Damage: When removal causes a loss of more than 10 percent of the total weight of the potato or when affecting more than 10 percent of the surface area (i.e. more than 3/4 inch on a 21/2 inch or 6 ounce potato). Correspondingly lesser or greater areas in smaller or larger potatoesCurrently there is no specific scoring criteria for this defect in the standards. Adding this to the standard, as defined in the inspection instructions, would provide an objective means of evaluating this defect. RUSSETING (On Non Russet Type) Damage: When more than 50 percent of the surface is affected in the aggregate Serious Damage: N/ACurrently there is no specific scoring criteria for this defect in the standards. Adding this to the standard, as defined in the inspection instruction, would provide an objective means of evaluating this defect.SCAB, PITTEDDamage: When materially detracting from appearance of potato. Or, when removal causes loss of more than 5 percent of total weight of potato Serious Damage: When seriously detracting from appearance of potato. Or, when removal causes loss of more than 10 percent of total weight of potatoDamage: When removal causes a loss of more than 5 percent of the total weight of the potato or when scab affects an aggregate area of more than 1/2 inch (based on a potato 21/2 inches in diameter or 6 oz. in weight). Correspondingly lesser or greater areas in smaller or larger potatoes Serious Damage: When the removal causes a loss of more than 10 percent of the total weight of the potato or when scab affects an aggregate area of more than 1 inch (based on a potato 21/2 inches in diameter or 6 oz. in weight). Correspondingly lesser or greater areas in smaller or larger potatoesAdding specific scoring criteria, as currently defined in the inspection instructions, for “materially” and “seriously detracting” would provide an objective means of evaluating this defect.SCAB, RUSSETDamage: When materially detracting from appearance of potato Serious Damage: When seriously detracting from appearance of potatoDamage: When smooth russeting affects more than 1/3 of the surface or when rough russet scab affects more than 10 percent of the surface in the aggregate Serious Damage: When rough russeting affects more than 25 percent of the surface in the aggregateAdding specific scoring criteria, as currently defined in the inspection instruction, for ``materially'' and ``seriously detracting'' would provide an objective means of evaluating this defect.Start Printed Page 55363SCAB, SURFACEDamage: When more than 5 percent of surface affected Serious Damage: When more than 25 percent of surface affectedDamage: When more than 5 percent of the surface in the aggregate is affected Serious Damage: When more than 25 percent of the surface in the aggregate is affectedAdding aggregate to the scoring guide will clarify the guide. SILVER SCURF Damage: When affecting more than 50 percent of the surface area of the potato Serious Damage: When its severity causes a wrinkling of the skin over more than 50 percent of the surfaceCurrently there is no specific scoring criteria for this defect in the standards. Adding this to the standard, as defined in the inspection instructions, would provide an objective means of evaluating this defect.SPROUTSDamage: When more than 10 percent of the potatoes in any lot have any sprout more than 3/4 inch in length or have individual sprouts or cluster of sprouts which materially detract from the appearance of the potatoDamage: Not more than 5 percent of the potatoes in a lot may have individual or clusters of sprouts not more than 1/4 inch at shipping point and 1/2 inch at destination Serious Damage: Not more than 10 percent of the potatoes in a lot may have individual or clusters of sprouts not more than 1/2 inch at shipping point and 1 inch at destinationBased on the request of the committee it is being proposed that the scoring guide be revised. SUNKEN DISCOLORED AREAS SEE TABLE VI.Currently there is no specific scoring criteria for this defect in the standards. Adding this to the standard, as defined in the inspection instructions, would provide an objective means of evaluating this defect. SURFACE CRACKS Areas affected by fine net-like cracking should be ignored Damage: When smooth shallow cracking affects more than 1/3 of the surface or when rough deep cracking affects more than 5 percent of the surface Serious Damage: When rough deep cracking affects more than 10 percent of the surfaceCurrently there is no specific scoring criteria for this defect in the standards. Adding this to the standard, as defined in the inspection instructions, would provide an objective means of evaluating this defect.WIREWORM OR GRASS DAMAGEDamage: When any hole in a potato 21/2 inches in diameter or 6 ounces in weight is more than 3/4 inch long, or when the aggregate length of all holes is more than 11/4 inches, or correspondingly shorter or longer holes in smaller or larger potatoes Serious Damage: When any hole in a potato 21/2 inches in diameter or 6 ounces in weight is more than 11/2 inches long, or when the aggregate length of all holes is more than 2 inches, or correspondingly shorter or longer holes in smaller or larger potatoesDamage: When affecting the flesh of the potato and removal causes a loss of more than 5 percent of the total weight of the potato Serious Damage: When affecting the flesh of the potato and removal causes a loss of more than 10 percent of the total weight of the potatoBased on the request of the committee it is being proposed that the scoring guide be revised.INTERNAL BLACK SPOTDamage: Maximum Allowed 5 percent waste Serious Damage: Maximum Allowed 10 percent wasteDamage: When the spot(s) are darker than the official color chip (POT-CC-2) after removing 5 percent of the total weight of the potato Serious Damage: When the spot(s) are darker than the official color chip (POT-CC-2) after removing 10 percent of the total weight of the potatoAMS is proposing to implement color chip POT-CC-2 into the scoring criteria for internal black spot. AMS developed this color chip at the request of the industry to assist in the scoring of this defect. POT-CC-2 is available for review at the Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, South Building, Washington, DC or any of the Fresh Product Branch Field offices.
For reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR part 51 is proposed to be amended as follows: Start Part
PART 51—[AMENDED] 1. The authority citation for part 51 continues to read as follows: Start Authority
§ 51.1540 [Removed and reserved] 2. Remove and reserve § 51.1540. § 51.1544
[Removed and reserved] 3. Remove and reserve § 51.1544 .
[Amended] 4. In § 51.1545, Table I is revised to read as follows:
Size. * * * * *
Start Printed Page 55364
Table ISize designationMinimum diameter 1 or weightMaximum diameter 1 or weightInchesOuncesInchesOuncesCreamer3/4(3)15/8(3)Chef23/4841/228Size A217/8(3)(3)(3)Size B11/2(3)21/4(3)Small13/4(3)21/26Medium21/4531/410Large31041/2281 Diameter means the greatest dimension at right angles to the longitudinal axis, without regard to the position of the stem end.2 In addition to the minimum size specified, a lot of potatoes designated as Size A shall contain at least 40 percent of potatoes which are 21/2 inches in diameter or larger or 6 ounces in weight or larger.3 No requirement.
5. In § 51.1546, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows: § 51.1546 Tolerances. * * * * *
(a) For defects—(1) U.S. No. 1 at shipping point. A total of 8 percent for potatoes in any lot which fail to meet the requirements for the grade: Provided, That included in this tolerance not more than the following percentages shall be allowed for the defects listed: (i) 5 percent for external defects; (ii) 5 percent for internal defects; (iii) Including therein not more than 1 percent for potatoes which are frozen or affected by soft rot or wet breakdown. (2) En route or at destination. A total of 10 percent for potatoes in any lot which fail to meet the requirements for the grade: Provided, That included in this tolerance not more than the following percentages shall be allowed for the defects listed: (i) 7 percent for external defects; (ii) 7 percent for internal defects; (iii) Including therein not more than 2 percent for potatoes which are frozen or affected by soft rot or wet breakdown. See § 51.1547. (3) U.S. commercial. A total of 20 percent for potatoes in any lot which fail to meet the requirements for the grade: Provided, That included in this tolerance not more than the following percentages shall be allowed for the defects listed: (i) 10 percent for potatoes which fail to meet the requirements for U.S. No. 2 grade, including therein not more than: (ii) 6 percent for external defects; (iii) 6 percent for internal defects; or, (iv) Including therein not more than 1 percent for potatoes which are frozen or affected by soft rot or wet breakdown. See § 51.1547. (4) U.S. No. 2 at shipping point: A total of 10 percent for potatoes in any lot which fail to meet the requirements for the grade: Provided, That included in this tolerance not more than the following percentages shall be allowed for the defects listed: (i) 6 percent for external defects; (ii) 6 percent for internal defects; (iii) Including therein not more than 1 percent for potatoes which are frozen or affected by soft rot or wet breakdown. (5) En route or at destination: A total of 12 percent for potatoes in any lot which fail to meet the requirements for the grade: Provided, That included in this tolerance not more than the following percentages shall be allowed for the defects listed: (i) 8 percent for external defects; (ii) 8 percent for internal defects; (iii) Including therein not more than 2 percent for potatoes which are frozen or affected by soft rot or wet breakdown. See § 51.1547. * * * * *
§ 51.1564 [Amended] 6. In § 51.1564, Table III is revised and a new Table IV, Table V, and Table VI are added to read as follows: § 51.1564 External defects. * * * * *
Table III.—External DefectsDefectDamageSerious damageAir CracksWhen removal causes a loss of more than 5 percent of the total weight of the potato or when the air crack(s) affects more than 1/3 the length or diameter of the potato (whichever is greater) in the aggregateWhen removal causes a loss of more than 10 percent of the total weight of the potato or when the air crack(s) affects more than 3/4 the length or diameter of the potato (whichever is greater) in the aggregate.Artificial ColoringWhen unsightly or when concealing any defect causing damage or when penetrating the flesh and removal causes loss of more than 5 percent of total weight of potatoWhen concealing a serious defect or when penetrating into the flesh and removal causes loss of more than 10 percent of total weight of potato.Bruises (Not including pressure bruise and sunken discolored areas)When materially detracting from appearance of potato or when removal causes a loss of more than 5 percent of the total weight of the potato or when the area affected is more than 5 percent of the surface in the aggregate (i.e.
3/4 inch on a 21/2 inch or 6 oz. potato). Correspondingly lesser or greater areas in smaller or larger potatoesWhen seriously detracting from appearance of potato or when removal causes a loss of more than 10 percent of the total weight of the potato or when the area affected is more than 10 percent of the surface in the aggregate (i.e. 11/4 inches on a 21/2 inch or 6 oz. potato). Correspondingly lesser or greater areas in smaller or larger potatoes.CutsWhen one smooth cut affects more than 5 percent of the surface areaCut(s) that affect more than 10 percent of the surface area in the aggregate or when a single side cut extends beyond 1/2 the length of the potato.Start Printed Page 55365DirtWhen materially detracting from the appearance of the potatoWhen seriously detracting from the appearance of the potato.Elephant HideWhen affecting over 10 percent of the surface area of the potatoWhen affecting over 25 percent of the surface area.Enlarged LenticelsWhen materially detracting from the appearance of the potatoWhen seriously detracting from the appearance of the potato.External Discoloration (Areas that are light tan or lighter in color and blends should be ignored.)When more than 30 percent of the surface is affected by light tan or light brown colors which do not blend or when more than 15 percent of the surface is affected by colors darker than light tan or light brownWhen more than 60 percent of the surface is affected by light tan or light brown colors which do not blend or when more than 30 percent of the surface is affected by colors darker than light tan or light brown.Flattened or Depressed Areas/Pressure BruisesWhen removal of underlying discolored flesh causes a loss of more than 5 percent of the total weight of the potato or when the flattened or depressed area(s) covers more surface area than allowed in Table IV. (See Table IV.)When removal of underlying discolored flesh causes a loss of more than 10 percent of the weight of the potato or when the flattened depressed area(s) covers more surface area than allowed in the Table IV. (See Table IV.)Flea Beetle InjuryWhen materially detracting from the appearance or when removal causes a loss of more than 5 percent of the total weight of the potato or when the area affected is more than 5 percent of the surface in the aggregateWhen seriously detracting from the appearance of the potato or when removal causes a loss of more than 10 percent of the weight of the potato or when the area affected is more than 10 percent of the surface in the aggregate.GreeningWhen removal causes a loss of more than 5 percent of the total weight of the potato or when green color affects more than 25 percent of the surface in the aggregateWhen removal causes a loss of more than 10 percent of the weight of the potato or when green color affects more than 50 percent of the surface in the aggregate.Growth CracksWhen the growth crack(s) affects more than 1/2 the length of the potato in the aggregate on round varieties or more than 1/3 the length in the aggregate on long varieties; or, when the depth is greater than that as outlined in Table V. (See Table V.)When the growth crack(s) affects more than 3/4 the length of the potato in the aggregate or when the depth is greater than that as outlined in Table V. (See Table V.)Grub DamageWhen removal causes a loss of more than 5 percent of the total weight of the potato or when affecting more than 5 percent of the surface area (i.e. more than 3/4 inch on a 21/2 inch or 6 ounce potato). Correspondingly lesser or greater areas in smaller or larger potatoesWhen removal causes a loss of more than 10 percent of the total weight of the potato or when affecting more than 10 percent of the surface area (i.e. more than 3/4 inch on a 21/2 inch or 6 ounce potato). Correspondingly lesser or greater areas in smaller or larger potatoes.Insects or Worms(See Serious Damage.)When present inside the potato.Nematode (Root Knot)When removal causes loss of more than 5 percent of total weight of potatoWhen removal causes loss of more than 10 percent of total weight of potato.RhizoctoniaWhen affecting more than 15 percent of the surface in the aggregateWhen affecting more than 50 percent of the surface in the aggregate.Rodent or Bird DamageWhen removal causes a loss of more than 5 percent of the total weight of the potato or when affecting more than 5 percent of the surface area (i.e. more than3/4 inch on a 21/2 inch or 6 ounce potato). Correspondingly lesser or greater areas in smaller or larger potatoesWhen removal causes a loss of more than 10 percent of the total weight of the potato or when affecting more than 10 percent of the surface area (i.e. more than 3/4 inch on a 21/2 inch or 6 ounce potato). Correspondingly lesser or greater areas in smaller or larger potatoes.Russeting (On Non Russet Type)When more than 50 percent of the surface is affected in the aggregateN/AScab, PittedWhen removal causes a loss of more than 5 percent of the total weight of the potato or when scab affects an aggregate area of more than 1/2 inch. (Based on a potato 21/2 inches in diameter or 6 oz. in weight.) Correspondingly lesser or greater areas in smaller or larger potatoesWhen the removal causes a loss of more than 10 percent of the total weight of the potato or when scab affects an aggregate area of more than 1 inch. (Based on a potato 21/2 inches in diameter or 6 oz. in weight.) Correspondingly lesser or greater areas in smaller or larger potatoes.Scab, RussetSmooth and affecting more than 1/3 of the surface or rough russet scab which affects more than 10 percent of the surface in the aggregateRough and affecting more than 25 percent of the surface in the aggregate.Scab, SurfaceWhen more than 5 percent of the surface in the aggregate is affectedWhen more than 25 percent of the surface in the aggregate is affected.Second GrowthWhen materially detracting from the appearance of the potatoWhen seriously detracting from the appearance of the potato.Silver ScurfWhen affecting more than 50 percent of the surface area of the potatoWhen its severity causes a wrinkling of the skin over more than 50 percent of the surface.SproutsNot more than 5 percent of the potatoes in a lot may have individual or clusters of sprouts not more than 1/4 inch at shipping point and 1/2 inch at destinationNot more than 10 percent of the potatoes in a lot may have individual or clusters of sprouts not more than 1/2 inch at shipping point and 1 inch at destination.SunburnWhen removal causes loss of more than 5 percent of total weight of potatoWhen removal causes loss of more than 10 percent of total weight of potato.Sunken Discolored AreasSee Table VISee Table VI.Start Printed Page 55366Surface Cracks (Areas affected by fine net-like cracking should be ignored)When smooth shallow cracking affects more than 1/3 of the surface or when rough deep cracking affects more than 5 percent of the surfaceWhen rough deep cracking affects more than 10 percent of the surface.Wireworm or Grass DamageWhen affecting the flesh of the potato and removal causes loss of more than 5 percent of total weight of potatoWhen affecting the flesh of the potato and removal causes loss of more than 10 percent of total weight of potato.The following defects are considered serious damage when present in any degree: 1. Freezing. 2. Late blight. 3. Ring rot. 4. Southern bacterial wilt. 5. Soft rot. 6. Wet breakdown.
Table IV.—Flattened or Depressed Areas—Pressure Bruises Maximum Area AllowedDiameterWeightNo. 1 (aggregate area)No. 2 (aggregate area)Potato is:Potato is:Not more than:Not more than:Less than 2 inLess than 4 oz1/2 in1 in.2 to 21/2 in4 to 6 oz1 in11/2 in.More than 21/2 to 3 inMore than 6 to 8 oz11/4 in13/4 in.More than 3 to 31/2 inMore than 8 to 14 oz11/2 in17/8 in.More than 31/2 to 4 inMore than 14 to 20 oz13/4 in2 in.More than 4 to 41/2 inMore than 20 to 28 oz2 in21/4 in.More than 41/2 to 5 inMore than 28 to 36 oz21/4 in23/4 in.More than 5 inMore than 36 oz21/2 in31/4 in.
Table V.—Depth Allowed for Growth CracksDiameterWeightNo. 1 (depth)No. 2 (depth)Potato is:Potato is:Not more than:Not more than:Less than 2 inLess than 4 oz1/8 in1/4 in.2 to 21/2 in4 oz to 6 oz1/4 in3/8 in.More than 21/2 to 3 inMore than 6 oz to 8 oz3/8 in1/2 in.More than 3 inMore than 8 oz1/2 in5/8 in.
Table VI.—Sunken Discolored Areas Maximum Area AllowedDiameterWeightNo. 1 (aggregate area)No. 2 (aggregate area)Potato is:Potato is:Not more than:Not more than:Less than 2 inLess than 4 oz3/8 in3/4 in.2 to 21/2 in4 to 6 oz3/4 in1 in.More than 21/2 to 3 inMore than 6 to 8 oz1 in11/4 in.More than 3 to 31/2 inMore than 8 to 14 oz11/4 in11/2 in.More than 31/2 to 4 inMore than 14 to 20 oz11/2 in13/4 in.More than 4 to 41/2 inMore than 20 to 28 oz13/4 in2 in.More than 41/2 to 5 inMore than 28 to 36 oz2 in21/4 in.More than 5 inMore than 36 oz21/4 in21/2 in.
7. In § 51.1565, Table IV is redesignated as Table I and revised to read as follows: § 51.1565 Internal defects. * * * * *
Table I.—Internal DefectsDefectsDamage maximum allowedSerious damage maximum allowedOccurring outside of or not entirely confined to the vascular ringIngrown Sprouts, Internal Discoloration, Vascular Browning, Fusarium Wilt, Net Necrosis, Other Necrosis, Stem End Browning5 percent waste10 percent waste.Start Printed Page 55367Internal Black SpotWhen the spot(s) are darker than the official color chip (POT-CC-2) after removing 5 percent of the total weight of the potato.When the spot(s) are darker than the official color chip (POT-CC-2) after removing 10 percent of the total weight of the potato.Occurring entirely within the vascular ringHollow Heart or Hollow Heart with Discoloration.Area affected not to exceed that of a circle 1/2 inch in diameter in a potato 21/2 inches in diameter or 6 ounces in weight.1Area affected not to exceed that of a circle 3/4 inch in diameter in a potato 21/2 inches in diameter or 6 ounces in weight.1Light Brown Discoloration (Brown Center).Area affected not to exceed that of a circle 1/2 inch in diameter in a potato 21/2 inches in diameter or 6 ounces in weight.1Area affected not to exceed that of a circle 3/4 inch in diameter in a potato 21/2 inches in diameter or 6 ounces in weight.1Internal Brown Spot and Similar Discoloration (Heat Necrosis).Not more than the equivalent of 3 scattered spots 1/8 inch in diameter in a potato 21/2 inches in diameter or 6 ounces in weight.1Not more than the equivalent of 6 scattered spots 1/8 inch in diameter in a potato 21/2 inches in diameter or 6 ounces in weight.11 Note: Correspondingly lesser or greater areas in smaller or larger potatoes.