[Federal Register: September 22, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 184)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 55356-55367]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22se06-18]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
7 CFR Part 51
[Docket Number FV-06-303]
Potatoes; Grade Standards
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
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SUMMARY: This proposed rule would revise the United States Standards
for Grades of Potatoes. These standards are issued under the
Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946. The use of these grading standards
is voluntary unless potatoes are under a marketing order that provides
for certain requirements set forth in the grade standards or the
potatoes are subject to import requirements under the Agricultural
Marketing Agreement Act of 1937. The changes being proposed are the
results of the detailed work performed by the Joint U.S./Canadian
Potato Council that was charged with harmonizing the U.S. and Canadian
Potato Grade Standards. The purpose for this revision is to update and
revise the standards to more accurately represent today's marketing
practices.
DATES: Comments must be received by November 21, 2006.
ADDRESSES: 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
.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheri Emery, at the above address or
call (202) 720-2185; E-mail Cheri.Emery@usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Executive Order 12866 and 12988
The Office of Management and Budget has waived the review process
required by Executive Order 12866 for this action. This rule has been
reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform. This action
is not intended to have retroactive effect. This rule will not preempt
any state or local laws, regulations, or policies, unless they present
an irreconcilable conflict with this rule. There are no administrative
procedures which must be exhausted prior to any judicial challenge to
the provisions of the rule.
Regulatory Flexibility Act and Paperwork Reduction Act
The Joint U.S./Canadian Council, which was established by the
United
[[Page 55357]]
States 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.
Pursuant to the requirements set forth in the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (RFA), AMS has considered the economic impact of this
action on small entities. The purpose of the RFA is to fit regulatory
actions to the scale of businesses subject to such actions in order
that small businesses will not be unduly or disproportionately
burdened. Accordingly, AMS has prepared this initial regulatory
flexibility analysis. Interested parties are invited to submit
information on the regulatory and informational impacts of this action
on small businesses.
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.
Additional evidence comes from examining the Agricultural Census
acreage breakdown more closely. Out of a total of 9,408 potato farms in
2002, 60 percent were under 5 acres and 76 percent were under 100
acres. An estimate of the number of acres that it would take to produce
a crop valued at $750,000 can be made by dividing the 2002-04 average
crop value of $2.538 billion by three-year average bearing acres (1.227
million), yielding an average potato revenue per acre estimate of
$2,068. Dividing $750,000 by $2,068 shows that farms with at least 363
acres that received at least the average price in 2002-04 would have
produced crops valued at $750,000 or more, and would be therefore be
considered large potato farms under the SBA definition. Looking at farm
numbers for additional census size categories shows that 8,084 potato
farms (86 percent) are under 250 acres and 8,735 (92 percent) are under
500 acres. Since a farm with 363 acres of potatoes falls into middle of
this range, it can be concluded that the proportion of small potato
farms under the SBA definition is likely to be between 86 and 90
percent of all U.S. potato farms.
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 action would make the standard more consistent and
uniform with marketing trends and practices. This proposed action will
not impose any additional reporting or recordkeeping requirements on
either small or large potato producers, handlers, or importers. USDA
has not identified any Federal rules that duplicate, overlap, or
conflict with this rule. However, there are marketing programs which
regulate the handling of potatoes under (7 CFR parts 945-948 and 953).
Potatoes under a marketing order have to meet certain requirements set
forth in the grade standards. In addition, potatoes are subject to
Section 8e import requirements under the Agricultural Marketing Act of
1937, as amended (7 U.S.C. 601-674) which requires imported potatoes to
meet grade, size, and quality under the applicable marketing order (7
CFR part 980).
Alternatives were considered for this action. One alternative would
be to not issue a proposed rule. However, the need for revisions have
increased as a result of changing market characteristics. The proposal
represents approximately 14 years of research, surveys, and other input
from all sectors of the potato industry and government. The purpose of
these proposed standards is to facilitate the marketing of agricultural
commodities.
Background and Proposed Rule
In 1991, the Joint U.S./Canadian Council was established by the
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and the Canadian Minister of Agriculture
to discuss issues concerning cross border marketing and trade of
potatoes. The Council was charged with working towards harmonizing the
U.S. and Canadian Potato Grade Standard. Government representatives
from both countries have been providing technical assistance and
guidance to the Council with regard to the interpretation of the
standards and scoring guides of defects.
The Council formed a Grade Harmonization Committee (Committee) to
work on the harmonization of the two standards. The harmonization
process was divided into several phases. The Committee began by
focusing its attention on defects that could be harmonized with
adjustments that would not involve a revision of the standards. These
defects include those for which the scoring guides were defined in
inspection instruction handbooks or ones for which the scoring guides
are listed in the standards as scorable when ``materially or seriously
affecting the appearance.'' The defining of ``materially or seriously
affecting the appearance'' for certain defects will also provide for
more uniformity with regard to how the U.S. standards are applied
nationwide. The final phase of the harmonization process requires a
revision to the United States Standards for Grades of Potatoes.
This proposed rule would: Develop en route or at destination
tolerances for the
[[Page 55358]]
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. 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:
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Current standard Proposed standard Discussion
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Sec. 51.1540 U.S. Extra Sec. 51.1540 A deletion to the
No. 1. (Reserved). U.S. Extra No. 1
``U.S. Extra No. 1'' grade and all
consists of potatoes which reference to the
meet the following U.S. Extra No. 1
requirements:. grade is being
(a) Similar varietal proposed as this
characteristics;. grade is no longer
(b) Firm;................... utilized by the
(c) Clean;.................. industry.
(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 Sec. Sec.
51.1564 and 51.1565..
(i) Size. The potatoes shall
be not less than 2\1/4\
inches in diameter or 5
ounces in weight and shall
not vary more than 1\1/4\
inches in diameter or more
than 6 ounces in weight..
(j) For tolerances see Sec.
51.1546..
Sec. 51.1544 Unclassified. Sec. 51.1544 When changing or
``Unclassified'' consists of (Reserved). updating standards
potatoes which have not in recent years,
been classified in references to
accordance with any of the ``Unclassified''
foregoing grades. The term have been removed
``unclassified'' is not a in an attempt to
grade within the meaning of eliminate the
these standards but is confusion this term
provided as a designation creates. People
to show that no grade has have incorrectly
been applied to the lot.. assumed that
``Unclassified'' is
an actual grade
name. To avoid
further confusion
it is proposed that
all references to
this term be
eliminated.
Sec. 51.1545 Size......... (Revising, See It is being proposed
(See Current Table I)....... Proposed Table I). 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 4\1/2\ inches
or 28 ounces based
on a request by the
Committee.
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Current Table I
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Minimum diameter \1\ or Maximum diameter \1\ or
weight weight
Size designation ------------------------------------------------------
Inches Ounces Inches Ounces
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Size A \2\............................................... 1\7/8\ (\3\) (\3\) (\3\)
Size B................................................... 1\1/2\ (\3\) 2\1/4\ (\3\)
Small.................................................... 1\3/4\ (\3\) 2\1/2\ 6
Medium................................................... 2\1/4\ 5 3\1/4\ 10
Large.................................................... 3 10 4\1/4\ 16
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\1\ 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 2\1/2\ inches in diameter or larger or 6 ounces in weight or larger.
[[Page 55359]]
\3\ No requirement.
Proposed Table I
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Minimum diameter \1\ or Maximum diameter \1\ or
weight weight
Size designation ------------------------------------------------------
Inches Ounces Inches Ounces
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Creamer.................................................. \3/4\ (\3\) 1\5/8\ (\3\)
Chef..................................................... 2\3/4\ 8 4\1/2\ 28
Size A \2\............................................... 1\7/8\ (\3\) (\3\) (\3\)
Size B................................................... 1\1/2\ (\3\) 2\1/4\ (\3\)
Small.................................................... 1\3/4\ (\3\) 2\1/2\ 6
Medium................................................... 2\1/4\ 5 3\1/4\ 10
Large.................................................... 3 10 4\1/2\ 28
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\1\ 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 2\1/2\ inches in diameter or larger or 6 ounces in weight or larger.
\3\ No requirement.
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Current standard Proposed standard Discussion
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Sec. 51.1546 Tolerances... Sec. 51.1546 Due to the deletion
To allow for variations Tolerances. of the U.S. Extra
incident to proper grading To allow for No. 1 grade,
and handling in each of the variations incident paragraph (2) will
foregoing grades, the to proper grading be redesignated as
following tolerances by and handling in paragraph (1).
weight or equivalent basis, each of the Based on the
are provided as specified. foregoing grades, harmonizing of the
(a) For defects--(1) U.S. the following U.S. and Canadian
Extra No. 1. A total of 5 tolerances by standard it is
percent for potatoes in any weight or being proposed that
lot which fail to meet the equivalent basis, the 3 percent
requirements for the grade: are provided as restrictive
Provided, That not more specified. tolerance for
than two-fifths of this (a) For defects--(1) freezing, southern
tolerance, or 2 percent, U.S. No. 1.. bacterial wilt,
shall be allowed for Shipping Point: A ring rot, late
potatoes which are affected total of 8 percent blight, soft rot or
by freezing, southern for potatoes in any wet breakdown be
bacterial wilt, ring rot, lot which fail to deleted. Also, the
late blight, soft rot or meet the proposed
wet breakdown, including requirements for establishment of an
therein not more than one- the grade: ``En Route or At
half of 1 percent for Provided, That Destination''
potatoes which are frozen included in this tolerance to the
or affected by soft rot or tolerance not more U.S. No. 1 grade
wet breakdown. See Sec. than the following will be consistent
51.1547. percentages shall with similar
(2) U.S. No. 1. A total of 8 be allowed for the standards.
percent for potatoes in any defects listed:.
lot which fail to meet the (i) 5 percent for
requirements for the grade: external defects;.
Provided, That included in (ii) 5 percent for
this tolerance not more internal defects;.
than the following (iii) including
percentages shall be therein not more
allowed for the defects than 1 percent for
listed:. potatoes which are
(i) 5 percent for external frozen or affected
defects;. by soft rot or wet
(ii) 5 percent for internal breakdown.
defects; or,. En route or at
(iii) 3 percent for potatoes Destination: A
which are affected by total of 10 percent
freezing, southern for potatoes in any
bacterial wilt, ring rot, lot which fail to
late blight, soft rot or meet the
wet breakdown, including requirements for
therein not more than 1 the grade:
percent for potatoes which Provided, That
are frozen or affected by included in this
soft rot or wet breakdown. tolerance not more
See Sec. 51.1547. 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 Sec.
51.1547.
(3) U.S. Commercial. A total (2) U.S. Commercial. Due to the
of 20 percent for potatoes A total of 20 redesignating of
in any lot which fail to percent for paragraph (2),
meet the requirements for potatoes in any lot paragraph (3) will
the grade: Provided, That which fail to meet be redesignated as
included in this tolerance the requirements paragraph (2).
not more than the following for the grade: Based on the
percentages shall be Provided, That harmonizing of the
allowed for the defects included in this U.S. and Canadian
listed: tolerance not more standards it is
(i) 10 percent for potatoes than the following being proposed that
which fail ito meet the percentages shall the 3 percent
requirements for U.S. No. 2 be allowed for the restrictive
grade, including therein defects listed: tolerance for
not more than:. (i) 10 percent for freezing, southern
(ii) 6 percent for external potatoes which fail bacterial wilt,
defects;. to meet the ring rot, late
(iii) 6 percent for internal requirements for blight, soft rot or
defects; or,. U.S. No. 2 grade, wet breakdown be
(iv) 3 percent for potatoes including including deleted.
which are affected by therein not more
freezing, southern than:.
bacterial wilt, ring rot, (ii) 6 percent for
late blight, soft rot or external defects;.
wet breakdown, including (iii) 6 percent for
therein not more than 1 internal defects;
percent for potatoes which or,.
are frozen or affected by (iv) Including
soft rot or wet breakdown. therein not more
See Sec. 51.1547. than 1 percent for
potatoes which are
frozen or affected
by soft rot or wet
breakdown. See Sec.
51.1547.
[[Page 55360]]
(4) U.S. No. 2. A total of (3) U.S. No. 2...... Due to the
10 percent for potatoes in Shipping Point: A redesignating of
any lot which fail to meet total of 10 percent paragraph (3),
the requirements for the for potatoes in any paragraph (4) will
grade: Provided, That lot which fail to be redesignated as
included in this tolerance meet the paragraph (3).
not more than the following requirements for Based on the
percentages shall be the grade: harmonizing of the
allowed for the defects Provided, That U.S. and Canadian
listed: included in this standards it is
(i) 6 percent for external tolerance not more being proposed that
defects;. than the following the 3 percent
(ii) 6 percent for internal percentages shall restrictive
defects; or,. be allowed for the tolerance for
(iii) 3 percent for potatoes defects listed:. freezing, southern
which are affected by (i) 6 percent for bacterial wilt,
freezing, southern external defects;. ring rot, late
bacterial wilt, ring rot, (ii) 6 percent for blight, soft rot or
late blight, soft rot or internal defects;. wet breakdown be
wet breakdown, including (iii) Including deleted. Also, the
therein not more than 1 therein not more proposed
percent for potatoes which than 1 percent establishment of an
are frozen or affected by which are frozen or ``En Route or At
soft rot or wet breakdown. affected by soft Destination''
See Sec. 51.1547. rot or wet tolerance to the
breakdown. U.S. No. 2 grade
En route or at will be consistent
Destination: A with similar
total of 12 percent standards.
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.
Sec. 51.1564 External Damage: When removal Adding specific
Defects. causes a loss of scoring criteria,
AIR CRACKS.................. more than 5 percent as currently
Damage: When materially of the total weight defined in the
detracting from appearance of the potato or inspection
of potato. when the air instructions, for
Serious Damage: When crack(s) affects materially and
seriously detracting from more than \1/3\ the seriously
appearance of potato. length or diameter detracting would
of the potato provide an
(whichever is objective means of
greater) in the evaluating this
aggregate. defect.
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
aggregate.
BRUISES..................... BRUISES (not Revising the scoring
Damage: When materially including pressure criteria, as
detracting from appearance bruises and sunken currently defined
of potato. Or, when removal discolored areas). in the inspection
causes loss of more than 5 Damage: When instructions, would
percent of total weight of materially provide an
potato. detracting from objective means of
Serious Damage: When appearance of evaluating this
seriously detracting from potato or when defect.
appearance of potato. Or, removal causes loss
when removal causes loss of of more than 5
more than 10 percent of percent of the
total weight of potato. 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 2\1/
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. 1\1/
4\ inches on a 2\1/
2\ inch or 6 oz.
potato).
Correspondingly
lesser or greater
areas in smaller or
larger potatoes.
CUTS
Damage: When one Currently there is
smooth cut affects no specific scoring
more than 5 percent criteria for this
of the surface area. defect in the
Serious Damage: standards. Adding
Cut(s) that affect this to the
more than 10 standard, as
percent of the defined in the
surface area in the inspection
aggregate or when a instructions, would
single side cut provide an
extends beyond \1/ objective means of
2\ the length of evaluating this
the potato. defect.
ELEPHANT HIDE
Damage: When Currently there is
affecting over 10 no specific scoring
percent of the criteria for this
surface area of the defect in the
potato. standards. Adding
Serious Damage: When this to the
affecting over 25 standard, as
percent of the defined in the
surface area. inspection
instructions, would
provide an
objective means of
evaluating this
defect.
[[Page 55361]]
EXTERNAL DISCOLORATION...... Areas that are light Adding specific
Damage: When materially tan or lighter in scoring criteria,
detracting from appearance color and blends as currently
of potato. should be ignored. defined in the
Serious Damage: When Damage: When more inspection
seriously detracting from than 30 percent of instructions, for
appearance of potato. the surface is ``materially'' and
affected by light ``seriously
tan or light brown detracting'' would
colors which do not provide an
blend or when more objective means of
than 15 percent of evaluating this
the surface is defect.
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 brown.
FLATTENED OR
DEPRESSED AREAS/
PRESSURE BRUISES
Damage: When removal Currently there is
of underlying no specific scoring
discolored flesh criteria for this
causes a loss of defect in the
more than 5 percent standards. Adding
of the total weight this to the
of the potato or standard, as
when the flattened defined in the
or depressed inspection
area(s) covers more instructions, would
surface area than provide an
allowed in Table objective means of
IV. (See Table IV.) evaluating this
Serious Damage: When defect.
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 BEATLE INJURY
Damage: When materially Damage: When removal Adding specific
detracting from appearance causes a loss of scoring criteria,
of potato. Or, when removal more than 5 percent as currently
causes loss of more than 5 of the total weight defined in the
percent of total weight of of the potato or inspection
potato. when the area instructions, for
Serious Damage: When affected is more ``materially'' and
seriously detracting from than 5 percent of ``seriously
appearance of potato. Or, the surface in the detracting'' would
when removal causes loss of aggregate. provide an
more than 10 percent of Serious Damage: When objective means of
total weight of potato. removal causes a evaluating this
loss of more than defect.
10 percent of the
weight of the
potato or when the
area affected is
more than 10
percent of the
surface in the
aggregate.
GREENING
Damage: When materially Damage: When removal Adding specific
detracting from appearance causes a loss of scoring criteria,
of potato. Or, when removal more than 5 percent as currently
causes loss of more than 5 of the total weight defined in the
percent of total weight of of the potato or inspection
potato. when green color instructions, for
Serious Damage: When affects more than ``materially'' and
seriously detracting from 25 percent of the ``seriously
appearance of potato. Or, surface in the detracting'' would
when removal causes loss of aggregate. provide an
more than 10 percent of Serious Damage: When objective means of
total weight of potato. removal causes a evaluating this
loss of more than defect.
10 percent of the
weight of the
potato or when the
green color affects
more than 50
percent of the
surface in the
aggregate.
GROWTH CRACKS
Damage: When materially Damage: When the Adding specific
detracting from appearance growth crack(s) scoring criteria,
of potato. affects more than as currently
Serious Damage: When \1/2\ the length of defined in the
seriously detracting from the potato in the inspection
appearance of potato. aggregate on round instructions, for
varieties or more ``materially'' and
than \1/3\ the ``seriously
length in the detracting'' would
aggregate on long provide an
varieties or when objective means of
the depth is evaluating this
greater than that defect.
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.).
GRUB DAMAGE.........
[[Page 55362]]
Damage: When removal Currently there is
causes a loss of no specific scoring
more than 5 percent criteria for this
of the total weight defect in the
of the potato or standards. Adding
when affecting more this to the
than 5 percent of standard, as
the surface area defined in the
(i.e. more than \3/ inspection
4\ inch on a 2\1/2\ instructions, would
inch or 6 ounce provide an
potato). objective means of
Correspondingly evaluating this
lesser or greater defect.
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 2\1/2\
inch or 6 ounce
potato).
Correspondingly
lesser or greater
areas in smaller or
larger potatoes.
NEMATODE (ROOT KNOT)
Damage: When removal Currently there is
causes a loss of no specific scoring
more than 5 percent criteria for this
of the total weight defect in the
of the potato. standards. Adding
Serious Damage: When this to the
removal causes a standard, as
loss of more than defined in the
10 percent of the inspection
total weight of the instructions, would
potato. provide an
objective means of
evaluating this
defect.
RHIZOCTONIA (BLACK SCURF)
Damage: When materially Damage: When Adding specific
detracting from appearance affecting more than scoring criteria,
of potato. 15 percent of the as currently
Serious Damage: When surface in the defined in the
seriously detracting from aggregate. inspection
appearance of potato. Serious Damage: When instructions, for
affecting more than ``materially'' and
50 percent of the ``seriously
surface in the detracting'' would
aggregate.. provide an
objective means of
evaluating this
defect.
RODENT AND BIRD
DAMAGE
Damage: When removal Currently there is
causes a loss of no specific scoring
more than 5 percent criteria for this
of the total weight defect in the
of the potato or standards. Adding
when affecting more this to the
than 5 percent of standard, as
the surface area defined in the
(i.e. more than \3/ inspection
4\ inch on a 2\1/2\ instructions, would
inch or 6 ounce provide an
potato). objective means of
Correspondingly evaluating this
lesser or greater defect.
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 2\1/2\
inch or 6 ounce
potato).
Correspondingly
lesser or greater
areas in smaller or
larger potatoes.
RUSSETING (On Non
Russet Type).
Damage: When more Currently there is
than 50 percent of no specific scoring
the surface is criteria for this
affected in the defect in the
aggregate. standards. Adding
Serious Damage: N/A. this to the
standard, as
defined in the
inspection
instruction, would
provide an
objective means of
evaluating this
defect.
SCAB, PITTED
Damage: When materially Damage: When removal Adding specific
detracting from appearance causes a loss of scoring criteria,
of potato. Or, when removal more than 5 percent as currently
causes loss of more than 5 of the total weight defined in the
percent of total weight of of the potato or inspection
potato. when scab affects instructions, for
Serious Damage: When an aggregate area ``materially'' and
seriously detracting from of more than \1/2\ ``seriously
appearance of potato. Or, inch (based on a detracting'' would
when removal causes loss of potato 2\1/2\ provide an
more than 10 percent of inches in diameter objective means of
total weight of potato. or 6 oz. in evaluating this
weight). defect.
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
2\1/2\ inches in
diameter or 6 oz.
in weight).
Correspondingly
lesser or greater
areas in smaller or
larger potatoes.
SCAB, RUSSET
Damage: When materially Damage: When smooth Adding specific
detracting from appearance russeting affects scoring criteria,
of potato. more than \1/3\ of as currently
Serious Damage: When the surface or when defined in the
seriously detracting from rough russet scab inspection
appearance of potato. affects more than instruction, for
10 percent of the ``materially'' and
surface in the ``seriously
aggregate. detracting'' would
Serious Damage: When provide an
rough russeting objective means of
affects more than evaluating this
25 percent of the defect.
surface in the
aggregate.
[[Page 55363]]
SCAB, SURFACE
Damage: When more than 5 Damage: When more Adding aggregate to
percent of surface affected. than 5 percent of the scoring guide
Serious Damage: When more the surface in the will clarify the
than 25 percent of surface aggregate is guide.
affected. affected.
Serious Damage: When
more than 25
percent of the
surface in the
aggregate is
affected.
SILVER SCURF
Damage: When Currently there is
affecting more than no specific scoring
50 percent of the criteria for this
surface area of the defect in the
potato. standards. Adding
Serious Damage: When this to the
its severity causes standard, as
a wrinkling of the defined in the
skin over more than inspection
50 percent of the instructions, would
surface. provide an
objective means of
evaluating this
defect.
SPROUTS
Damage: When more than 10 Damage: Not more Based on the request
percent of the potatoes in than 5 percent of of the committee it
any lot have any sprout the potatoes in a is being proposed
more than \3/4\ inch in lot may have that the scoring
length or have individual individual or guide be revised.
sprouts or cluster of clusters of sprouts
sprouts which materially not more than \1/4\
detract from the appearance inch at shipping
of the potato. 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
destination.
SUNKEN DISCOLORED Currently there is
AREAS no specific scoring
SEE TABLE VI........ 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 Currently there is
affected by fine no specific scoring
net-like cracking criteria for this
should be ignored. defect in the
Damage: When smooth standards. Adding
shallow cracking this to the
affects more than standard, as
\1/3\ of the defined in the
surface or when inspection
rough deep cracking instructions, would
affects more than 5 provide an
percent of the objective means of
surface. evaluating this
Serious Damage: When defect.
rough deep cracking
affects more than
10 percent of the
surface.
WIREWORM OR GRASS DAMAGE
Damage: When any hole in a Damage: When Based on the request
potato 2\1/2\ inches in affecting the flesh of the committee it
diameter or 6 ounces in of the potato and is being proposed
weight is more than \3/4\ removal causes a that the scoring
inch long, or when the loss of more than 5 guide be revised.
aggregate length of all percent of the
holes is more than 1\1/4\ total weight of the
inches, or correspondingly potato.
shorter or longer holes in Serious Damage: When
smaller or larger potatoes. affecting the flesh
Serious Damage: When any of the potato and
hole in a potato 2\1/2\ removal causes a
inches in diameter or 6 loss of more than
ounces in weight is more 10 percent of the
than 1\1/2\ inches long, or total weight of the
when the aggregate length potato.
of all holes is more than 2
inches, or correspondingly
shorter or longer holes in
smaller or larger potatoes.
INTERNAL BLACK SPOT
Damage: Maximum Allowed 5 Damage: When the AMS is proposing to
percent waste. spot(s) are darker implement color
Serious Damage: Maximum than the official chip POT-CC-2 into
Allowed 10 percent waste. color chip (POT-CC- the scoring
2) after removing 5 criteria for
percent of the internal black
total weight of the spot. AMS developed
potato. this color chip at
Serious Damage: When the request of the
the spot(s) are industry to assist
darker than the in the scoring of
official color chip this defect. POT-CC-
(POT-CC-2) after 2 is available for
removing 10 percent review at the Fresh
of the total weight Products Branch,
of the potato. Fruit and Vegetable
Programs, AMS,
South Building,
Washington, DC or
any of the Fresh
Product Branch
Field offices.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 51
Agricultural commodities, Food grades and standards, Fruits, Nuts,
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Trees, Vegetables.
For reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR part 51 is proposed to
be amended as follows:
PART 51--[AMENDED]
1. The authority citation for part 51 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.
Sec. 51.1540 [Removed and reserved]
2. Remove and reserve Sec. 51.1540.
Sec. 51.1544 [Removed and reserved]
3. Remove and reserve Sec. 51.1544 .
Sec. 51.1545 [Amended]
4. In Sec. 51.1545, Table I is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 51.1545 Size.
* * * * *
[[Page 55364]]
Table I
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minimum diameter \1\ or Maximum diameter \1\ or
weight weight
Size designation ---------------------------------------------------
Inches Ounces Inches Ounces
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Creamer.................................................... \3/4\ (\3\) 1\5/8\ (\3\)
Chef........................................................ 2\3/4\ 8 4\1/2\ 28
Size A\2\................................................... 1\7/8\ (\3\) (\3\) (\3\)
Size B...................................................... 1\1/2\ (\3\) 2\1/4\ (\3\)
Small....................................................... 1\3/4\ (\3\) 2\1/2\ 6
Medium...................................................... 2\1/4\ 5 3\1/4\ 10
Large....................................................... 3 10 4\1/2\ 28
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ 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 2\1/2\ inches in diameter or larger or 6 ounces in weight or larger.
\3\ No requirement.
* * * * *
Sec. 51.1546 [Amended]
5. In Sec. 51.1546, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 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 Sec. 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 Sec. 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 Sec. 51.1547.
* * * * *
Sec. 51.1564 [Amended]
6. In Sec. 51.1564, Table III is revised and a new Table IV, Table
V, and Table VI are added to read as follows:
Sec. 51.1564 External defects.
* * * * *
Table III.--External Defects
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Defect Damage Serious damage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air Cracks.................. When removal causes When removal causes
a loss of more than a loss of more than
5 percent of the 10 percent of the
total weight of the total weight of the
potato or when the potato or when the
air crack(s) air crack(s)
affects more than affects more than
\1/3\ the length or \3/4\ the length or
diameter of the diameter of the
potato (whichever potato (whichever
is greater) in the is greater) in the
aggregate. aggregate.
Artificial Coloring......... When unsightly or When concealing a
when concealing any serious defect or
defect causing when penetrating
damage or when into the flesh and
penetrating the removal causes loss
flesh and removal of more than 10
causes loss of more percent of total
than 5 percent of weight of potato.
total weight of
potato.
Bruises (Not including When materially When seriously
pressure bruise and sunken detracting from detracting from
discolored areas). appearance of appearance of
potato or when potato or when
removal causes a removal causes a
loss of more than 5 loss of more than
percent of the 10 percent of the
total weight of the total weight of the
potato or when the potato or when the
area affected is area affected is
more than 5 percent more than 10
of the surface in percent of the
the aggregate (i.e. surface in the
\3/4\ inch on a 2\1/ aggregate (i.e. 1\1/
2\ inch or 6 oz. 4\ inches on a 2\1/
potato). 2\ inch or 6 oz.
Correspondingly potato).
lesser or greater Correspondingly
areas in smaller or lesser or greater
larger potatoes. areas in smaller or
larger potatoes.
Cuts........................ When one smooth cut Cut(s) that affect
affects more than 5 more than 10
percent of the percent of the
surface area. surface area in the
aggregate or when a
single side cut
extends beyond \1/
2\ the length of
the potato.
[[Page 55365]]
Dirt........................ When materially When seriously
detracting from the detracting from the
appearance of the appearance of the
potato. potato.
Elephant Hide............... When affecting over When affecting over
10 percent of the 25 percent of the
surface area of the surface area.
potato.
Enlarged Lenticels.......... When materially When seriously
detracting from the detracting from the
appearance of the appearance of the
potato. potato.
External Discoloration When more than 30 When more than 60
(Areas that are light tan percent of the percent of the
or lighter in color and surface is affected surface is affected
blends should be ignored.). by light tan or by light tan or
light brown colors light brown colors
which do not blend which do not blend
or when more than or when more than
15 percent of the 30 percent of the
surface is affected surface is affected
by colors darker by colors darker
than light tan or than light tan or
light brown. light brown.
Flattened or Depressed Areas/ When removal of When removal of
Pressure Bruises. underlying underlying
discolored flesh discolored flesh
causes a loss of causes a loss of
more than 5 percent more than 10
of the total weight percent of the
of the potato or weight of the
when the flattened potato or when the
or depressed flattened depressed
area(s) covers more area(s) covers more
surface area than surface area than
allowed in Table allowed in the
IV. (See Table IV.). Table IV. (See
Table IV.)
Flea Beetle Injury.......... When materially When seriously
detracting from the detracting from the
appearance or when appearance of the
removal causes a potato or when
loss of more than 5 removal causes a
percent of the loss of more than
total weight of the 10 percent of the
potato or when the weight of the
area affected is potato or when the
more than 5 percent area affected is
of the surface in more than 10
the aggregate. percent of the
surface in the
aggregate.
Greening.................... When removal causes When removal causes
a loss of more than a loss of more than
5 percent of the 10 percent of the
total weight of the weight of the
potato or when potato or when
green color affects green color affects
more than 25 more than 50
percent of the percent of the
surface in the surface in the
aggregate. aggregate.
Growth Cracks............... When the growth When the growth
crack(s) affects crack(s) affects
more than \1/2\ the more than \3/4\ the
length of the length of the
potato in the potato in the
aggregate on round aggregate or when
varieties or more the depth is
than \1/3\ the greater than that
length in the as outlined in
aggregate on long Table V. (See Table
varieties; or, when V.)
the depth is
greater than that
as outlined in
Table V. (See Table
V.).
Grub Damage................. When removal causes When removal causes
a loss of more than a loss of more than
5 percent of the 10 percent of the
total weight of the total weight of the
potato or when potato or when
affecting more than affecting more than
5 percent of the 10 percent of the
surface area (i.e. surface area (i.e.
more than \3/4\ more than \3/4\
inch on a 2\1/2\ inch on a 2\1/2\
inch or 6 ounce inch or 6 ounce
potato). potato).
Correspondingly Correspondingly
lesser or greater lesser or greater
areas in smaller or areas in smaller or
larger potatoes. larger potatoes.
Insects or Worms............ (See Serious When present inside
Damage.). the potato.
Nematode (Root Knot)........ When removal causes When removal causes
loss of more than 5 loss of more than
percent of total 10 percent of total
weight of potato. weight of potato.
Rhizoctonia................. When affecting more When affecting more
than 15 percent of than 50 percent of
the surface in the the surface in the
aggregate. aggregate.
Rodent or Bird Damage....... When removal causes When removal causes
a loss of more than a loss of more than
5 percent of the 10 percent of the
total weight of the total weight of the
potato or when potato or when
affecting more than affecting more than
5 percent of the 10 percent of the
surface area (i.e. surface area (i.e.
more than\3/4\ inch more than \3/4\
on a 2\1/2\ inch or inch on a 2\1/2\
6 ounce potato). inch or 6 ounce
Correspondingly potato).
lesser or greater Correspondingly
areas in smaller or lesser or greater
larger potatoes. areas in smaller or
larger potatoes.
Russeting (On Non Russet When more than 50 N/A
Type). percent of the
surface is affected
in the aggregate.
Scab, Pitted................ When removal causes When the removal
a loss of more than causes a loss of
5 percent of the more than 10
total weight of the percent of the
potato or when scab total weight of the
affects an potato or when scab
aggregate area of affects an
more than \1/2\ aggregate area of
inch. (Based on a more than 1 inch.
potato 2\1/2\ (Based on a potato
inches in diameter 2\1/2\ inches in
or 6 oz. in diameter or 6 oz.
weight.) in weight.)
Correspondingly Correspondingly
lesser or greater lesser or greater
areas in smaller or areas in smaller or
larger potatoes. larger potatoes.
Scab, Russet................ Smooth and affecting Rough and affecting
more than \1/3\ of more than 25
the surface or percent of the
rough russet scab surface in the
which affects more aggregate.
than 10 percent of
the surface in the
aggregate.
Scab, Surface............... When more than 5 When more than 25
percent of the percent of the
surface in the surface in the
aggregate is aggregate is
affected. affected.
Second Growth............... When materially When seriously
detracting from the detracting from the
appearance of the appearance of the
potato. potato.
Silver Scurf................ When affecting more When its severity
than 50 percent of causes a wrinkling
the surface area of of the skin over
the potato. more than 50
percent of the
surface.
Sprouts..................... Not more than 5 Not more than 10
percent of the percent of the
potatoes in a lot potatoes in a lot
may have individual may have individual
or clusters of or clusters of
sprouts not more sprouts not more
than \1/4\ inch at than \1/2\ inch at
shipping point and shipping point and
\1/2\ inch at 1 inch at
destination. destination.
Sunburn..................... When removal causes When removal causes
loss of more than 5 loss of more than
percent of total 10 percent of total
weight of potato. weight of potato.
Sunken Discolored Areas..... See Table VI........ See Table VI.
[[Page 55366]]
Surface Cracks (Areas When smooth shallow When rough deep
affected by fine net-like cracking affects cracking affects
cracking should be ignored). more than \1/3\ of more than 10
the surface or when percent of the
rough deep cracking surface.
affects more than 5
percent of the
surface.
Wireworm or Grass Damage.... When affecting the When affecting the
flesh of the potato flesh of the potato
and removal causes and removal causes
loss of more than 5 loss of more than
percent of total 10 percent of total
weight of potato. 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 Allowed
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diameter Weight No. 1 (aggregate area) No. 2 (aggregate area)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Potato is: Potato is: Not more than: Not more than:
Less than 2 in................... Less than 4 oz...... \1/2\ in............ 1 in.
2 to 2\1/2\ in................... 4 to 6 oz........... 1 in................ 1\1/2\ in.
More than 2\1/2\ to 3 in......... More than 6 to 8 oz. 1\1/4\ in........... 1\3/4\ in.
More than 3 to 3\1/2\ in......... More than 8 to 14 oz 1\1/2\ in........... 1\7/8\ in.
More than 3\1/2\ to 4 in......... More than 14 to 20 1\3/4\ in........... 2 in.
oz.
More than 4 to 4\1/2\ in......... More than 20 to 28 2 in................ 2\1/4\ in.
oz.
More than 4\1/2\ to 5 in......... More than 28 to 36 2\1/4\ in........... 2\3/4\ in.
oz.
More than 5 in................... More than 36 oz..... 2\1/2\ in........... 3\1/4\ in.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table V.--Depth Allowed for Growth Cracks
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diameter Weight No. 1 (depth) No. 2 (depth)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Potato is: Potato is: Not more than: Not more than:
Less than 2 in................... Less than 4 oz...... \1/8\ in............ \1/4\ in.
2 to 2\1/2\ in................... 4 oz to 6 oz........ \1/4\ in............ \3/8\ in.
More than 2\1/2\ to 3 in......... More than 6 oz to 8 \3/8\ in............ \1/2\ in.
oz.
More than 3 in................... More than 8 oz...... \1/2\ in............ \5/8\ in.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table VI.--Sunken Discolored Areas Maximum Area Allowed
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diameter Weight No. 1 (aggregate area) No. 2 (aggregate area)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Potato is: Potato is: Not more than: Not more than:
Less than 2 in................... Less than 4 oz...... \3/8\ in............ \3/4\ in.
2 to 2\1/2\ in................... 4 to 6 oz........... \3/4\ in............ 1 in.
More than 2\1/2\ to 3 in......... More than 6 to 8 oz. 1 in................ 1\1/4\ in.
More than 3 to 3\1/2\ in......... More than 8 to 14 oz 1\1/4\ in........... 1\1/2\ in.
More than 3\1/2\ to 4 in......... More than 14 to 20 1\1/2\ in........... 1\3/4\ in.
oz.
More than 4 to 4\1/2\ in......... More than 20 to 28 1\3/4\ in........... 2 in.
oz.
More than 4\1/2\ to 5 in......... More than 28 to 36 2 in................ 2\1/4\ in.
oz.
More than 5 in................... More than 36 oz..... 2\1/4\ in........... 2\1/2\ in.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. In Sec. 51.1565, Table IV is redesignated as Table I and
revised to read as follows:
Sec. 51.1565 Internal defects.
* * * * *
Table I.--Internal Defects
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Damage maximum Serious damage
Defects allowed maximum allowed
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Occurring outside of or not entirely confined to the vascular ring
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ingrown Sprouts, Internal 5 percent waste..... 10 percent waste.
Discoloration, Vascular
Browning, Fusarium Wilt,
Net Necrosis, Other
Necrosis, Stem End Browning
[[Page 55367]]
Internal Black Spot......... When the spot(s) are When the spot(s) are
darker than the darker than the
official color chip official color chip
(POT-CC-2) after (POT-CC-2) after
removing 5 percent removing 10 percent
of the total weight of the total weight
of the potato. of the potato.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Occurring entirely within the vascular ring
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hollow Heart or Hollow Heart Area affected not to Area affected not to
with Discoloration. exceed that of a exceed that of a
circle \1/2\ inch circle \3/4\ inch
in diameter in a in diameter in a
potato 2\1/2\ potato 2\1/2\
inches in diameter inches in diameter
or 6 ounces in or 6 ounces in
weight.\1\ weight.\1\
Light Brown Discoloration Area affected not to Area affected not to
(Brown Center). exceed that of a exceed that of a
circle \1/2\ inch circle \3/4\ inch
in diameter in a in diameter in a
potato 2\1/2\ potato 2\1/2\
inches in diameter inches in diameter
or 6 ounces in or 6 ounces in
weight.\1\ weight.\1\
Internal Brown Spot and Not more than the Not more than the
Similar Discoloration (Heat equivalent of 3 equivalent of 6
Necrosis). scattered spots \1/ scattered spots \1/
8\ inch in diameter 8\ inch in diameter
in a potato 2\1/2\ in a potato 2\1/2\
inches in diameter inches in diameter
or 6 ounces in or 6 ounces in
weight.\1\ weight.\1\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Note: Correspondingly lesser or greater areas in smaller or larger
potatoes.
Dated: September 14, 2006.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 06-7819 Filed 9-21-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-M