1 CRR-NY 162.19NY-CRR
1 CRR-NY 162.19
1 CRR-NY 162.19
162.19 Iceberg lettuce standards.
(a) General.
New York State Seal of Quality iceberg lettuce shall be heads of lettuce that are of similar varietal characteristics, fresh, green, not soft, not burst; free from decay, worm injury, russet spotting, doubles; free from damage by tipburn, downy mildew, field freezing, discoloration, or any other cause. Each head shall be fairly well trimmed.
(b) Definitions.
(1) Similar varietal characteristics means that the heads in any container have the same characteristic leaf growth. For example, lettuce of the Iceberg and Big Boston types shall not be mixed.
(2) Fresh means that the head as a whole has normal succulence and the wrapper leaves and the outermost head leaves are not more than slightly wilted.
(3) Green means that one-half or more of the exterior surface of the head, exclusive of the wrapper leaves, has at least a light green color.
(4) Burst means that the head is split or broken open.
(5) Doubles means two heads on the same stem.
(6) Closely trimmed means that the butt is trimmed off closely below the point of attachment of the outer leaves, and that on a head of Iceberg type lettuce, wrapper leaves does not exceed three in number.
(7) Cap leaf is the first head leaf. This is the outermost leaf which fairly closely enfolds the compact portion of the head, some portion of which extends to the top of the crown. The tip of the leaf may be separated from the head: provided, that the separation does not exceed more than 1 ΒΌ inches (31.8 mm) in height from the compact portion of the head.
(i) All leaves outside of the cap leaf are wrapper leaves.
(ii) On enlongated or pointed heads the inner leaves that closely enfold the head three-fourths of their length are head leaves.
(8) Damage means any specific defect or any combination of defects which materially detracts from the appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the lettuce.
(9) Serious damage means any specific defect or any combination of defects, which seriously detracts from the appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the lettuce.
(c) Tolerances.
In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling, the following tolerances, by count, shall be permitted in any lot:
(1) For defects. Eight percent for heads of lettuce which fail to meet the requirements of the specifications: provided, that included in the amount not more than three percent shall be allowed for soft heads; and provided further, that not more than four percent shall be allowed for defects causing serious damage; included in this latter amount not more than two percent for heads which are affected by decay on the wrapper leaves and not more than one percent for heads which are affected by decay on the compact portion of the head.
(d) Application of tolerances.
In order to meet the requirements of the specifications, the average percentage of defective specimens in the lot, based on sample inspection shall be within the tolerance specified, and the number of defective specimens in individual packages shall be within the limitations set forth in the following table:
| Lot tolerance, percent | Total number of defective heads permitted in any package | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | 18 or 20 | 30 | over 30 | |
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| 5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 8 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 7 |
(e) Solidity.
Solidity of lettuce may be specified in connection with the grade in accordance with any of the following classifications:
(1) Hard means that the head is compact and solid. This term represents the highest degree of solidity.
(2) Firm means that head is compact, but may yield slightly to moderate pressure.
(3) Fairly firm means that although the head is not firm, it is not soft and spongy, and has good head formation.
(4) Soft means that the head is easily compressed or spongy.
(f) Packing.
The following terms should be used in describing the tightness of pack. Lettuce shall be vacuum cooled and in new closed standard cartons.
(1) Excessively tight means that the heads are so tightly packed that they are damaged by pressure causing distortion or crushing of the heads or breaking of the midribs. The term should be used only when such is the case.
(2) Tight means that the layers are completely and tightly filled without injury to the heads. This represents the most desirable pack.
(3) Fairly tight means that the layers are filled, but the pack is somewhat loosely arranged, and in cartons usually additional heads, but not a complete row, can be inserted.
(4) Slack means that the pack is very loose in layers and in standard cartons an additional row or layer can be added.
All packages are subject to approval by the Department of Agriculture and Markets. Package approval shall be based upon the ability of the package to maintain the quality standards and integrity of the product.
(g) Markings.
Iceberg lettuce packaged and offered for sale under the Seal of Quality program shall have affixed the official seal designation.
1 CRR-NY 162.19
Current through January 15, 2022
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IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING CONTENT CURRENCY: JULY 31, 2023, is the date of the most recently produced official NYCRR supplement covering this rule section. For later updates to this section, if any, please: consult editions of the NYS Register published after this date; or contact the NYS Department of State Division of Admisnistrative Rules at [email protected]. See Help for additional information on the currency of this unofficial version of the NYS Rules.