Florida Administrative Code › 5 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES › 5G - Division of Fruit and Vegetables › Chapter 5G-3 - FLORIDA UNIFORM STANDARDS FOR GRADES OF FLORIDA GROWN FRESH TOMATOES › Section 5G-3.008 - Definitions

Current through Reg. 50, No. 138; July 16, 2024
When used in the context of this rule chapter, the following
				  terminology is defined as follows:
(1)
				"Similar varietal characteristics' means that the tomatoes are alike as to
				firmness of flesh and shade of color (for example, soft-fleshed, early maturing
				varieties are not mixed with firm-fleshed, midseason or late varieties, or
				bright red varieties mixed with varieties having a purplish tinge).
(2) "Mature" means that the tomato has
				reached the stage of development which will insure a proper completion of the
				ripening process, and that the contents of two or more seed cavities have
				developed a jelly-like consistency and the seeds are well developed.
(3) "Soft" means that the tomato yields
				readily to slight pressure.
(4)
				"Clean" means that the tomato is practically free from dirt or other foreign
				material.
(5) "Well developed"
				means that the tomato shows normal growth. Tomatoes which are ridged and peaked
				at the stem end, contain dry tissue, and usually contain open spaces below the
				level of the stem scar, are not considered well developed.
(6) "Fairly well formed" means that the
				tomato is not more than moderately kidney-shaped, lop-sided, elongated,
				angular, or otherwise moderately deformed.
(7) "Fairly smooth" means that the tomato is
				not conspicuously ridged or rough.
(8) "Damage" means any specific defect
				described in Rule 5G-3.009, F.A.C., Table II; or
				an equally objectionable variation of any one of these defects, any other
				defect, or any combination of defects, which materially detracts from the
				appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the tomato.
(9) "Reasonably well formed" means that the
				tomato is not decidedly kidney-shaped, lop-sided, elongated, angular, or
				otherwise decidedly deformed.
(10)
				"Slightly rough" means that the tomato is not decidedly ridged or
				grooved.
(11) "Serious damage"
				means any specific defect described in Rule
				5G-3.009, F.A.C., Table II; or
				an equally objectionable variation of any one of these defects, any other
				defect, or any combination of defects, which seriously detracts from the
				appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the tomato.
(12) "Misshapen" means that the tomato is
				decidedly kidney-shaped, lop-sided, elongated, angular or otherwise decidedly
				deformed provided that the shape is not affected to an extent that the
				appearance or the edible quality of the tomato is very seriously
				affected.
(13) "Very serious
				damage" means any specific defect described in Rule
				5G-3.009, F.A.C., Table II; or
				an equally objectionable variation of any one of these defects, any other
				defect, or any combination of defects, which very seriously detracts from the
				appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the
				tomato.
Rulemaking Authority 570.56 FS., Chapter 80-12, Laws of
					 Florida. Law Implemented 570.56 FS., Chapter 80-12, Laws of
					 Florida.
New 8-17-80, Formerly
					 5G-3.08.