Potatoes; Grade Standards
Federal Register: March 21, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 56)
Rules and Regulations
Page 15052-15058
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
DOCID:fr21mr08-2
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service 7 CFR Part 51
Docket AMS-2006-0136; FV-06-303
Potatoes; Grade Standards
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: This rule revises the United States Standards for Grades of
Potatoes. These standards are issued under the Agricultural Marketing
Act of 1946. The rule provides en route or at destination tolerances for the U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. 2 grades, revises current tolerances in all grades, deletes the U.S. Extra No. 1 grade and ``Unclassified'' section, and defines 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 are also revised 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, changes to the current scoring guide for sprouts are being made. In the Internal Defects section, Internal Black Spot is revised by implementing a color chip to assist in the scoring of this defect. Also, Table IV in this section is redesignated as Table I.
Additionally, a revised large size is added as well as the inclusion of
Chef and Creamer sizes. Most of the changes were the result 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. This rule updates and revises the standards to more accurately reflect today's marketing practices.
DATES: Effective April 21, 2008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vincent J. Fusaro, Standardization
Section, Fresh Products Branch, (202) 720-2185. The United States
Standards for Grades of Potatoes are available through the Fresh
Products Branch Web site at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/standards/ stanfrfv.htm.
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 Harmonization Council (Council) which was established by the United States Secretary of Agriculture and the
Canadian Minister of Agriculture, is 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 revisions. The revision 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 (5 U.S.C. 601-612) (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 final regulatory flexibility analysis. Interested parties are invited to submit information on the regulatory and informational impacts of this action on small businesses.
This rule revises the U.S. Standards for Grades of Potatoes that were issued under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627) (Act). Standards issued under the Act are voluntary.
Small agricultural service firms, which include handlers and importers, 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. Additionally, there are approximately 180 handlers of potatoes which are classified as small entities, that may be affected by this rule.
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 therefore be considered large potato
Page 15053
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 the 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.
In addition, an estimated 168 importers of potatoes may be affected by this rule. Many of these importers may be classified as small entities.
This rule develops en route or at destination tolerances for the
U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. 2 grades, revises the current tolerances in all grades, deletes the ``Unclassified'' section, and defines 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 are revised 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 was proposed. In the Internal Defects section, Internal Black Spot is revised by implementing a color chip to assist in the scoring of this defect. Also, Table IV in this section is redesignated as Table I. Additionally, a revised large size as well as a Chef and Creamer sizes are added to the size section of the standard.
The effects of this rule are not expected to be disproportionately greater or smaller for small handlers, producers, or importers than for larger entities. This action would make the standard more consistent and uniform with marketing trends and practices. This 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).
A proposed rule regarding these revisions to the United States
Standards for Grades of Potatoes was published in the Federal Register on September 22, 2006 [71 FR 55356]. A comment period of sixty days was issued which closed on November 21, 2006.
Comments
In response to the request for comments, AMS received comments from twenty-five respondents in regards to the proposed revisions. One response was from a potato committee, and fifteen additional comments were received from the committee's members, all supporting the proposal. Four comments were received from a potato council representing growers and producers of potatoes, of which three of the comments supported the proposal. One supporting comment was from a national trade association representing independent produce receivers, and two supporting comments were received from two State potato committees. One comment was received from a shipper supporting the proposed rule, while another shipper's comments opposed the entire proposed rule. In addition to commenting in support or opposition to the proposed rule, some commentors also proposed additional revisions.
A comment received from a potato shipper opposing the entire proposed rule stated while the shipper supported revisions to the standards that make the inspection process more consistent, the shipper did not agree with relaxing the U.S. standards in order to harmonize them with Canada's standards. The proposed revisions are generally for defects and scoring guidelines that were defined as materially detracting from the appearance of the potato. The intent of these revisions is not to relax the standards or allow for inferior product.
The revised scoring guidelines were adopted by the harmonization committee to make the two standards more consistent and uniform with one another; which would also assist in the importing and exporting of potatoes between the two countries. Accordingly, AMS is proceeding with the revision as proposed.
AMS proposed the deletion of the U.S. Extra No. 1 and the
``Unclassified'' section. One comment was received from a national trade association supporting the deletion of the U.S. Extra No. 1 grade, but was opposed to deleting the ``Unclassified'' section because they believe that it serves a useful purpose in categorizing ungraded lots of potatoes. Some sectors of the industry have assumed that
``Unclassified'' is an actual grade. However, ``Unclassified'' is not an actual grade. Further, unclassified is being deleted from all standards that are revised because this category is not a grade and only serves to show that no grade has been applied to the lot. It is no longer considered necessary. Therefore, to avoid further confusion all references to this term are eliminated.
AMS proposed adding a ``Chef'' and ``Creamer'' size as well as increasing the maximum diameter and weight in the Large size from 4\1/ 4\ inches or 16 ounces to 4\1/2\ inches or 28 ounces. One comment was received from a State committee also supporting the proposal, but recommended the USDA change the creamer maximum diameter from the proposed 1\5/8\ inches to 1\7/8\ inches. The commentor believes the 1\7/8\ inches corresponds to what is currently being used in the industry for ``C'' or creamer type potatoes. The proposed maximum diameter of 1\5/8\ inches was determined to be best suited to be used by the U.S. and Canada for national and international trade.
Additionally, the committee asks that the ``Chef'' designation be reevaluated as it has a very similar size profile encompassing both the medium and the proposed large size. This size was proposed by the industry and has been in practice by some members of both U.S. and
Canadian industry, prior to this proposal. Therefore, AMS is proceeding with the chef and creamer sizes as proposed.
AMS proposed ``en route'' or ``at destination'' tolerances in the
U.S. No. 1 and No. 2 grades as well as deleting the 3 percent tolerance for potatoes which are affected by freezing, southern bacterial wilt, ring rot, late blight, soft rot or wet breakdown. An opposing comment was received from a national trade association stating that its members opposed the en route or at destination tolerances because they believe it would dilute the grades and allow for a lesser quality product to enter the marketplace. We disagree. ``en route'' or ``at destination'' tolerances are generally applicable to all lots and will make this standard consistent with other U.S. standards. The tolerances are intended to better reflect product quality in the marketplace. The comment also stated that good delivery tolerances under the Perishable
Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) already allowed for damage en route or at destination. While there is PACA suitable shipping condition guidelines
Page 15054
in place, they are a separate set of guidelines which are not applicable to these standards. Furthermore, ``en route'' or ``at destination'' tolerances are generally applicable to all lots and will make this standard consistent with other U.S. standards. Therefore, AMS is proceeding with the revisions as proposed.
AMS proposed defining damage and serious damage for the following defects as well as adding them to Table III in 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. Five commenters opposed and requested tighter scoring criteria. One commenter said its members were dissatisfied with the proposed scoring criteria even though the intent is to provide an objective means of evaluating defects, beyond materially/seriously detracting from the appearance of the potato. In their view the proposed changes are too lenient. Additionally, two commenters believed the proposed 50 percent of the surface area allowed for silver scurf was too strict and recommended it be set at 55 percent of the surface area. They also suggested the term aggregate be used when referencing removal of damage caused by root knot nematodes. The proposed scoring guidelines, including silver scurf, as well as the current application of the potato inspection instructions reflect the results of studies conducted under the U.S./Canadian Harmonization Project. As such, the standards should be updated to reflect current market practices. Damage caused by root knot nematodes is currently scored on a waste basis by weight, therefore the use of the term aggregate is not necessary.
Therefore, AMS is proceeding with the revisions as proposed.
AMS also proposed the following defects and scoring guidelines, which are currently listed in Table III of the External Defects section, 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.
One commentor opposed the proposed scoring guide for growth cracks because he believes the depth guide is too lenient and doesn't take into account how growth cracks can alter the shape as to materially detract from the form of the potato. Growth cracks and misshapen tubers are two separate defects with individual scoring guidelines. If the shape of the potato is altered or compromised, the scoring guidelines for shape, which are currently in the standard would apply. Revising the scoring criteria for growth cracks provides an objective means of evaluating this particular defect. Therefore, the scoring guide is revised as proposed.
A comment was received suggesting AMS review the scoring criteria in the proposal for both grub damage and rodent or bird damage due to each defect having the same criteria for damage and serious damage.
After reviewing these proposed scoring criteria, AMS has identified errors that were made in the proposed scoring criteria for serious damage. The scoring criteria for serious damage in both defects incorrectly stated ``i.e. more than \3/4\ inch on a 2\1/2\ inch or 6 ounce potato.'' Therefore, the scoring criteria has been corrected to read, ``i.e. more than 1\1/4\ inch on a 2\1/2\ inch or 6 ounce potato.'' This final rule reflects these changes.
Four comments suggested that AMS remove all references to
``appearance'' or ``when materially detracting from appearance of the potato'' when determining scoring criteria for any defect. In their view, this would provide an objective means of evaluating the defects and would avoid the subjectivity of opinion. AMS is removing all references to ``appearance'' or ``when materially detracting from appearance of the potato'' when possible. However, these references can not be removed from all the defects or their scoring guidelines due to several factors associated with these defects and their progression.
For example, some defects will progress more rapidly than others when they are exposed to any moisture, therefore making it more difficult to meet specific scoring criteria when more time is needed during storage and/or transportation. Also, the proposed references to ``appearance'' or ``when materially detracting from appearance of the potato'' in the scoring criteria for bruising, were made in error. Therefore, AMS is removing in this final rule, the references to ``appearance'' or ``when materially detracting from appearance of the potato'' in the scoring guidelines for bruising.
One comment received concerned internal black spot. The comment asked for a comment period to be opened on color chip POT-CC-2
(internal black spot). The comments asserted that it would be difficult for the industry to make a reasonable comment on the chip itself when there are no alternatives. Prior to the developing of this rule, AMS,
Fresh Product Branch field offices presented three alternative color chips were distributed to a large number of potato growers, packers, and wholesale marketers to determine which color chip was appropriate to use in the standards. The color chip that was selected reflects a consensus of industry feedback. Therefore, the color chip POT-CC-2 will be referenced as stated in the proposal.
Several commenters also suggested that color chips or visual aids be developed for external discoloration, greening, and elephant hide.
They believe this would be a useful tool for identifying and scoring these defects. AMS develops color chips or visual aids continuously and will evaluate the needs for developing color chips or visual aids for the proposed defects. Color chips for the suggested defects above require additional research which can not be addressed in this action.
However, AMS will review and evaluate the issue at a later date.
AMS proposed revising the scoring guidelines for sprouts to read as follows: Score as damage when 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. Score as serious damage when 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. AMS received four comments opposing this revision. They believe the existence of a \3/4\ inch sprout constitutes a level of damage unacceptable to the industry. They also believe there should be no distinction between shipping point and destination. While there are measures in place throughout the marketing chain to control the development of sprouts, sprouts can nonetheless naturally progress while potatoes are in transit. An en route or at destination tolerance takes into account the natural progression of this defect, but should not compromise the quality of the U.S. No. 1 grade. Therefore, AMS is revising the scoring guideline for sprouts as proposed.
Additionally, a comment was received suggesting AMS give special consideration to allow for packing a U.S. No. 1 mixed variety of potato. This change is outside the scope of this rulemaking but will be considered separately at a later time.
Based on all the comments received and information gathered, AMS believes these revisions to the standards will foster marketing of fresh potatoes.
The official grade of a lot of potatoes covered by these standards are determined by the procedures set forth
Page 15055
in the Regulations Governing Inspection, Certification, and Standards of Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and Other Products (Sec. 51.1 to 51.61).
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 51
Agricultural commodities, Food grades and standards, Fruits, Nuts,
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Trees, Vegetables.
PART 51--[AMENDED] 0
For reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR part 51 is amended as follows: 0 1. The authority citation for part 51 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621--1627.
Subpart--United States Standards for Grades of Potatoes Sec. 51.1540 [Removed and Reserved] 0 2. Remove and reserve Sec. 51.1540.
Sec. 51.1544 [Removed and Reserved] 0 3. Remove and reserve Sec. 51.1544. 0 4. In Sec. 51.1545, Table I is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 51.1545 Size.
* * * * *
Table I
Minimum diameter \1\ or
Maximum diameter weight
\1\ or 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.
* * * * * 0 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.
* * * * * 0 6. In Sec. 51.1564, Table III is revised, and new Tables IV, V, and 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.
Page 15056
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 removal causes When removal causes pressure bruise and sunken a loss of more than a loss of more than discolored areas).
5 percent of the
10 percent of the total weight of the 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.
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
the causes a loss more than 5 percent of 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
of the length 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 1\1/4\ 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.
Russeting (On Non Russet
When more than 50
N/A.
Type).
percent of the surface is affected in the 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\
more than 1\1/4\ 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.
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.
Page 15057
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 more than 10 percent of total
percent of total weight of potato.
weight of potato.
Sunken Discolored Areas..... SEE TABLE VI........ SEE TABLE VI.
Surface Cracks (Areas
When smooth shallow When rough deep affected by fine net-like
cracking affects
cracking affects cracking should be
more than \1/3\ of more than 10 ignored.).
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
1\1/4\ in................
1\3/4\ in oz.
More than 3 to 3\1/2\ in....
More than 8 to
1\1/2\ in................
1\7/8\ in 14 oz.
More than 3\1/2\ to 4 in....
More than 14 to
1\3/4\ in................
2 in 20 oz.
More than 4 to 4\1/2\ in....
More than 20 to
2 in.....................
2\1/4\ in 28 oz.
More than 4\1/2\ to 5 in....
More than 28 to
2\1/4\ in................
2\3/4\ in 36 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
\3/8\ in.................
\1/2\ in to 8 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
1 in.....................
1\1/4\ in oz.
More than 3 to 3\1/2\ in....
More than 8 to
1\1/4\ in................
1\1/2\ in 14 oz.
More than 3\1/2\ to 4 in....
More than 14 to
1\1/2\ in................
1\3/4\ in 20 oz.
More than 4 to 4\1/2\ in....
More than 20 to
1\3/4\ in................
2 in 28 oz.
More than 4\1/2\ to 5 in....
More than 28 to
2 in.....................
2\1/4\ in 36 oz.
More than 5 in..............
More than 36 oz.
2\1/4\ in................
2\1/2\ in
Page 15058
0 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.
Internal Black Spot............. When the spot(s)
When the spot(s) are darker than
are darker than the official
the official color chip (POT- color chip (POT-
CC-2) after
CC-2) after removing 5
removing 10 percent of the
percent of the total weight of
total weight of the potato.
the potato.
Occurring entirely within the vascular ring
Hollow Heart or Hollow Heart
Area affected not Area affected not with Discoloration.
to exceed that of to exceed that of a circle \1/2\
a circle \3/4\ inch in diameter inch in diameter in a potato 2\1/ in a potato 2\1/ 2\-inches in
2\-inches in diameter or 6
diameter or 6 ounces in
ounces in weight.\1\
weight.\1\
Light Brown Discoloration (Brown Area affected not Area affected not
Center).
to exceed that of to exceed a a circle \1/2\
circle \3/4\ inch inch in diameter in diameter in a in a potato 2\1/ potato 2-\1/2\ 2\-inches in
inches in diameter or 6
diameter or 6 ounces in that of ounces in weight.\1\
weight.\1\
Occurring entirely within the vascular ring
Internal Brown Spot and Similar Not more than the Not more than the
Discoloration (Heat Necrosis). equivalent of 3
equivalent of 6 scattered spots
scattered spots
\1/8\ inch in
\1/8\ inch in diameter in a
diameter in a potato 2\1/2\-
potato 2\1/2\- inches in
inches in diameter or 6
diameter or 6 ounces in
ounces in weight.\1\
weight.\1\
\1\Note: Correspondingly lesser or greater areas in smaller or larger potatoes.
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.
Dated: March 17, 2008.
Lloyd C. Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
FR Doc. 08-1058 Filed 3-18-08; 2:27 pm
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
