United States Standards for Condition of Food Containers, 57033-57047 [2013-22574]
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57033
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 78, No. 180
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains regulatory documents having general
applicability and legal effect, most of which
are keyed to and codified in the Code of
Federal Regulations, which is published under
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by
the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of
new books are listed in the first FEDERAL
REGISTER issue of each week.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
7 CFR Part 42
[Doc. No. AMS–FV–08–0027; FV–05–332]
RIN 0581–AC52
United States Standards for Condition
of Food Containers
AGENCY:
Agricultural Marketing Service,
USDA.
ACTION:
Final rule.
The Agricultural Marketing
Service (AMS) is amending the
regulations governing the United States
(U.S.) Standards for Condition of Food
Containers. The revisions to existing
tables, removal of operating
characteristic (OC) curves and updating
language in the standards would enable
the standards to be applicable to most
types of food containers and align the
standards to reflect current industry
practices.
SUMMARY:
DATES:
Effective Date: October 17, 2013.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
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Lynne Yedinak, Specialty Crops
Inspection Division, Fruit and Vegetable
Program, Agricultural Marketing
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
1400 Independence Avenue SW., Room
1536, South Building, Stop 0240,
Washington, DC 20250–0240;
Telephone: (202) 720–5021, FAX: (202)
690–1527; or email CIDS@ams.usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Executive Order 12866
This final rule has been determined to
be not significant for purposes of
Executive Order 12866 and therefore,
has not been reviewed by the Office of
Management and Budget.
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Regulatory Flexibility Act and
Paperwork Reduction Act
Pursuant to requirements set forth in
the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5
U.S.C. 601–612), AMS has considered
the economic impact of this action on
small entities. Accordingly, AMS has
prepared this final regulatory flexibility
analysis.
The purpose of the RFA is to fit
regulatory action to the scale of business
subject to such actions so that small
businesses will not be unduly or
disproportionately burdened. Food
manufacturers are determined to be
small businesses in accordance with the
Small Business Size Standards by North
American Industry Classification
Systems (NAICS) codes in Title 13,
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 13
CFR part 121. These businesses may
have fewer than 500, 750, or 1,000
employees depending on their NAICS
code.
There are approximately 22,058
establishments identified in the 2007
Economic Census as belonging to the
North American Industry Classification
System under the classification of ‘‘food
manufacturing’’ and any number of
these establishments could request their
product containers be inspected under
the provisions of the U.S. Standards for
Condition of Food Containers. Only 402
of these establishments would qualify as
small businesses under the definition
provided by the Small Business
Administration.
Under the final rule, utilization of the
U.S. Standards for Condition of Food
Containers continues to be voluntary.
We have examined the economic
implications of this final rule on small
entities. Small entities would only incur
direct costs when purchasers of their
packaged food products stipulate in
their procurement documents that the
food containers should conform to the
requirements of the U.S. Standards for
Condition of Food Containers.
Since the standards were last
amended in May 1983, innovations in
packaging technologies have provided
an increasingly wide variety of
acceptable new food containers.
Accordingly, we believe that the
economic impact of this final rule will
be minimal because the revisions are
necessary in order to provide standards
that reflect current industry practices.
The changes concerning removal of OC
curves and other non-substantive
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changes will have no adverse impact on
small or large entities.
The revisions made herein enable the
standards to be applicable to most types
of food containers and align the
standards to reflect current industry
practices. With regard to alternatives,
this action reflects revisions proposed to
the standards as a result of the second
proposed rule published in the Federal
Register, January 18, 2012 [77 FR 2481].
This rule will not impose any
additional reporting or recordkeeping
requirements on either small or large
establishments under the Paperwork
Reduction Act, (44 U.S.C. chapter 35).
The Department has not identified any
relevant Federal rules that duplicate,
overlap, or conflict with the Standards.
AMS is committed to complying with
the E-Government Act of 2002 (44
U.S.C. 3601–3606; 3541–3549), to
promote the use of the Internet and
other information technologies to
provide increased opportunities for
citizen access to Government
information and services, and for other
purposes.
Executive Order 12988
This rule has been reviewed under
Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice
Reform. This action is not retroactive.
There are no administrative procedures
which must be exhausted prior to any
judicial challenge to the provisions of
this rule.
Background
The U.S. Standards for Condition of
Food Containers (Standards) currently
provides sampling procedures and
acceptance criteria for the inspection of
stationary lots of filled food containers,
which includes skip lot sampling and
inspection procedures. It also provides
on-line sampling and inspection
procedures for food containers during
production.
Stationary lot sampling is the process
of randomly selecting sample units from
a lot whose production has been
completed. This type of lot is usually
stored in a warehouse or in some other
storage facility and is offered for
inspection.
Skip lot sampling is a special
procedure for inspecting stationary lots
in which only a fraction of the
submitted lots are inspected. Skip lot
inspection can only be instituted when
a certain number of lots of essentially
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
the same quality have been
consecutively accepted.
To be acceptable under the
examination criteria in the standards,
lots may contain only a limited number
of defects classified as minor, major, or
critical. Acceptance criteria are based on
sampling plans for different lot sizes
and levels of inspection such as normal,
reduced, or tightened. Defect tables
classify the severity of defects.
On-line sampling and inspection is a
procedure in which subgroups of
sample units or individual containers
are selected randomly from predesignated portions of production. The
acceptability of these portions of
production is determined by inspecting,
at the time of sampling, the subgroups
which represent these portions. For this
type of sampling, only portions of a lot,
rather than a whole lot, may be rejected.
This helps to identify trouble spots in a
production cycle quickly, and enables
the producer to make timely corrections.
This can reduce the corrective action
costs and the amount of product
destroyed as a result of packaging
problems.
These standards were developed for
use by Government agencies when
requested to certify filled primary
containers or shipping cases, or both, for
condition. The standards are
permissive, and they may be used in
their entirety or in part by private
parties.
Revision of the Standards includes:
(1) separating Tables I, I–A, II, II–A,
III, III–A, and III–B of sampling plans for
normal, tightened, and reduced
inspection by the type of sampling plan
used (single or double), as well as
updating the Acceptable Quality Levels
(AQLs) for these tables
(2) updating Table IV—Metal
Containers, (Rigid and Semi-Rigid),
Table VI—Glass Containers, Table VIII—
Rigid and Semi-Rigid Containers
(Corrugated or Solid Fiberboard,
Chipboard, Wood, Paperboard Aseptic
Cartons, Polymeric Trays, etc.), Table
IX—Flexible Containers (Plastic Bags,
Cello, Paper, Textile, Laminated MultiLayer Pouch, Bag, etc.), and Table XI—
Defects of Label, Marking, or Code to
incorporate new defects and revise
existing defects to reflect new packaging
technologies such as aseptic packaging,
metal cans with easy open lids, and
plastic rings that hold several containers
together
(3) adding new defect tables, Table
V—Composite Containers (Semi-Rigid
Laminated or Multi-Layer Paperboard
Body with Metal, Plastic, or
Combination of Metal and Plastic Ends
and a Safety Seal Inside the Cap), Table
VII—Plastic Containers (Rigid and Semi-
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Rigid Bottles, Jars, Tubs, Trays, Pails,
etc.), and Table XII—Interior Can
Defects (a new section 42.114 is added
to provide for procedures for evaluating
interior container defects)
(4) removing the OC curves
(5) other minor non-substantive
changes to clarify the text.
These revisions to existing tables,
addition of new tables, removal of OC
curves, and updating language in the
U.S. Standards for Condition of Food
Containers enables the standards to be
applicable to most types of food
containers and align the standards to
reflect current industry practices.
OC curves found in §§ 42.140, 42.141,
42.142, and 42.143 from Subpart E—
Miscellaneous, are removed. This final
rule reflects the amendatory language
removing these provisions that first
appeared in the proposed rule
published in the November 19, 2009,
Federal Register. While these curves
show the ability of the various sampling
plans to distinguish between accepted
and rejected lots, it is our experience
that the inclusion of these curves is not
critical to use of the standards.
Furthermore, they are readily available
in literature and on the Internet. Also,
Standards for sampling plans including
OC Curves are currently available in 7
CFR Part 43.
Comments
AMS published two proposed rules in
the Federal Register in which six
comments were received. The first
proposed rule was published in the
Federal Register on November 19, 2009
[74 FR 59920], with a sixty-day
comment period which closed on
January 19, 2010. Two comments were
received. One commenter provided a
comment that was determined to be
outside the scope of the rule. Therefore,
no changes were made based on this
comment. The other commenter
supported the proposed rule revision
and provided statements regarding
§ 42.112—Defects of Containers. The
commenter stated that while Table IV of
§ 42.112 has defects for composite cans
listed as a subset of the metal can
defects, composite cans also exhibit
defects listed in Table VI—Rigid and
Semi-rigid containers. The commenter
proposed a separate table be added for
composite cans extracting the composite
can defects from Table IV and Table VI.
Based on this comment, AMS added a
new Table V that contained the
information for composite can defects
from Table IV and Table VI and
removed the composite information in
Table IV. The proposed rule was then
reissued.
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The second proposed rule was
published in the Federal Register on
January 18, 2012 [77 FR 2481] and
provided a comment period of sixty
days which closed on March 19, 2012.
Four comments were received. Two
commenters provided comments that
were determined to be outside the scope
of the rule. Therefore, no changes were
made based on those comments.
The third commenter supported the
revision of the proposed rule with
several changes. Comments were
received regarding: (1) the new
proposed paragraph § 42.114—
Procedures for Evaluating Interior
Container Defects and Table XII—
Interior Container Defects, and (2) the
proposed modifications to two defects
in Table IV—Metal Containers (Rigid
and Semi-rigid). Comments received
regarding Procedures for Evaluating
Interior Container Defects stated that the
last four defects in Table XII were vague
and not defined. AMS determined the
comment had merit and removed major
defect 104 and minor defect 204, and
revised major defect 105 and minor
defect 205 to provide examples of what
‘‘other anomaly(ies)’’ are. The defects
were then renumbered. In subsequent
discussions, the commenter requested
AMS change ‘‘Enamel cracked in metal
container material not affecting
usability’’ in minor defect 203, Table
XII, to ‘‘Enamel breakdown in metal
affecting usability’’ as the terms
‘‘cracked’’ and ‘‘breakdown’’ mean the
same thing. AMS determined that this
had merit and made the change. The
commenter also provided comments on
§ 42.112—Defects of Containers, Table
IV—Rigid and Semi-Rigid Containers.
The comment concerned major defect
107 for ‘‘Metal pop-top: (b) Missing or
incomplete score line:’’ and minor
defect 203 for ‘‘Flexible pop-top: (b)
Short pull tab.’’ The commenter stated
that sometimes product design
standards request a partial score for a
metal pop-top or a shortened pull tab for
a flexible pop-top. The commenter
requested that AMS revise the defect
descriptions to specify that these will
not be considered defects when they are
requested in a product specification.
AMS determined the comment had
merit and, to account for this exception,
added the phrase ‘‘(not conforming to a
relevant product specification)’’ to
major defect 107 and minor defect 203.
The fourth commenter stated that
using ‘‘Tetra Pak’’ is a reference to a
company and not the actual type of
packaging. The commenter
recommended that AMS use one of the
specific package trademarks or use the
term ‘‘Tetra Pak cartons.’’ AMS
determined the comment had merit.
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
AMS has revised the package
identification from ‘‘Tetra Pak’’ to
‘‘Paperboard Aseptic Cartons’’ to
accurately identify all packaging made
in a similar manner.
Based on the comments received and
information gathered, AMS believes that
revising these standards will bring the
Standards inline to reflect current
industry practices.
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 42
§ 42.102
Food packaging, reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
Definitions, general.
*
For the reasons set forth in the
preamble, 7 CFR part 42 is amended as
follows:
PART 42—[Amended]
1. The authority citation for part 42
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: Secs. 203, 205, 60 Stat. 1087,
as amended, 1090, as amended (7 U.S.C.
1622, 1624).
■
conformance with the applicable
acceptance criteria. An inspection lot
may differ from a collection of units
designated as a lot for other purposes
(e.g., production lot, shipping lot, etc.).
*
*
*
*
*
Sample size (n). The number of
sample units included in the sample.
*
*
*
*
*
Stationary lot sampling. The process
of randomly selecting sample units from
a lot whose production has been
completed. This type of lot is usually
stored in a warehouse or in some other
storage facility and is offered in its
entirety for inspection.
*
*
*
*
*
a. Removing the definitions ‘‘Lot’’,
‘‘Operating Characteristic Curve (OC
Curve)’’ and ‘‘Probability of
acceptance’’.
■ b. Revising the definitions
‘‘Administrator,’’ ‘‘Sample size (n),’’ and
‘‘Stationary lot sampling’’
■ c. Adding the definition ‘‘Lot or
inspection lot’’ in alphabetical order.
The revisions and addition read as
follows:
■
2. Section 42.102 is amended by:
*
*
*
*
Administrator. The Administrator of
the Agricultural Marketing Service
(AMS) of the Department or any other
officer or employee of the Agency who
is delegated, or who may be delegated
the authority to act in the
Administrator’s stead.
*
*
*
*
*
Lot or inspection lot. A collection of
filled food containers of the same size,
type, and style. The term shall mean
‘‘inspection lot,’’ i.e., a collection of
units of product from which a sample is
to be drawn and inspected to determine
§ 42.106
[Amended]
3. In § 42.106, paragraph (a)(1),
remove the word ‘‘attributed’’ and add
in its place the word ‘‘attributed’’.
■
■
4. Revise § 42.109, to read as follows:
§ 42.109 Sampling plans for normal
condition of container inspection, Tables I
and I–A.
TABLE I—SINGLE SAMPLING PLANS FOR NORMAL CONDITION OF CONTAINER INSPECTION
Acceptable quality levels
Code
CA
CB
CC
CD
CE
......
......
.....
.....
......
Lot size ranges—
Number of containers
in lot
6,000 or less ................
6,001–12,000 ...............
12,001–36,000 .............
Over 36,000 .................
......................................
Origin Inspection
Other Than Origin Inspection
Type of Plan
0.25
Sample
size
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
............
............
............
............
............
Ac
84
168
315
500
800
1.5
Re
0
1
2
3
4
Ac
1
2
3
4
5
3
5
8
12
18
6.5
Re
Ac
4
6
9
13
19
9
16
28
42
64
0.25
Re
Ac
10
17
29
43
65
2.5
Re
0
1
2
3
4
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Ac = Acceptance number.
Re = Rejection number.
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1
2
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7
13
18
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10.0
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5
8
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13
23
41
62
95
Re
14
24
42
63
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Code
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Lot size
--ranges
Number of
containers
in lot
Type of
Plan
Sample Size
0.25
1.5
Ac
CA
CB
CC
CD
(*)
6,000 or less---
6,001-12,000----
12,001-36,000---
Over 36,000-----
Double-----
Double------
Double------
Double------
Reject on one or more defects
Other Than Origin
Inspection
Origin Inspection
1st-------2d--------Total-----1st-------2d--------Total-----1st-------2d--------Total-----1st-------2d--------Total------
36
60
96
120
60
180
168
180
348
228
288
516
Re
Ac
(* )
(* )
0
6.5
Re Ac
4
2
0.25
2.5
Re
Ac
Re
Ac
7
(*)
(* )
0
10.0
Re Ac
4
3
Re
9
- ------ -------- ----- ------ ------ ------ -------- -------- ------ ------ ------ --------
(* )
(*)
3
4
10
11
(*)
(* )
4
5
15
16
0
2
2
6
10
14
0
2
3
7
14
19
------- -------- ----- ------ ------ ------ -------- -------- ------ ------ ------ --------
1
0
------
2
0
------
3
2
5
3
2
-------- -----
3
3
--------
4
9
3
6
7
------
10
9
-----
------
12
13
17
18
12
18
------ ------
31
32
15
24
------ ------
43
44
1
2
0
3
-------- --------
2
3
0
3
-------- --------
3
4
8
9
5
10
------ ------
14
15
25
19
26
26
------
--------
45
46
5
11
23
------ -
-----
------
19
20
64
34
--- -----
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
16:48 Sep 16, 2013
Table I-A--Double Sampling Plans for
Normal Condition of Container Inspection
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■
§ 42.110 Sampling plans for tightened
condition of container inspection; Tables II
and II–A.
5. Revise § 42.110 to read as follows:
TABLE II—SINGLE SAMPLING PLANS FOR TIGHTENED CONDITION OF CONTAINER INSPECTION
Acceptable quality levels
Code
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CB
CC
CD
CE
CF
......
.....
.....
......
......
Lot size ranges—
Number of containers
in lot
6,000 or less ................
6,001–12,000 ...............
12,001–36,000 .............
Over 36,000 .................
......................................
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Origin Inspection
Other Than Origin Inspection
Type of Plan
0.25
Sample
Size
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
............
............
............
............
............
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Ac
168
315
500
800
1,250
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0
1
2
3
4
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Ac
1
2
3
4
5
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4
6
9
13
19
6.5
Re
Ac
5
7
10
14
20
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11
19
28
42
63
0.25
Re
Ac
12
20
29
43
64
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0
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2
3
4
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1
2
3
4
5
5
8
12
18
26
10.0
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6
9
13
19
27
Ac
16
28
42
64
96
Re
17
29
43
65
97
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Code
Origin Inspection
Other Than Origin
Inspection
0.25
Type of
Plan
0.25
Sample Size
1.5
Frm 00006
Ac
CB
6,000 or
less-------
Double--
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(*)
60
180
1st-------
168
180
348
1st-------
228
2d-------Total----CE
120
2d-------Total-----
CC
1st------2d-------Total-----
CD
ER17SE13.005</GPH>
Lot size
ranges -Number of
containers
in lot
288
516
1st-------
456
2d-------Total----Reject on one or more defects
408
864
6,00112,000-----
12,00136,000-----
Over 36,000- - --
-
Double--
Double--
Double--
Re
Ac
(* )
(* )
2
6.5
Re Ac
5
6
2.5
Re
Ac
Re
Ac
10
(* )
(* )
2
10.0
Re Ac
Re
10
14
6
----- -------- -- - - -- ------ ----- ------ ------- -------- ----- ------ ------ -------
(* )
(* )
4
5
12
13
(* )
(* )
5
6
17
18
0
2
1
5
7
13
0
2
2
7
12
18
---- -------- ----- ------ ----- ------ ------- -------- ----- ------ ----- -------
1
2
7
8
21
22
1
2
9
10
31
32
0
3
2
7
8
17
0
3
3
9
15
24
------- -------- ---- --
------ ----- ------ -------
--------
----- ------
------ -------
2
3
9
10
29
30
2
3
12
13
43
44
0
4
5
10
21
28
0
4
8
13
32
41
----- -------- ---- - ------ ----- ------ ------- -------- ----- ------ ------ -------
3
4
14
15
44
45
3
4
19
20
69
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16:48 Sep 16, 2013
Table II-A-Double Sampling Plans for
Tightened Condition of Container Inspection
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■
§ 42.111 Sampling plans for reduced
condition of container inspection, Tables III
and III–A; and limit number for reduced
inspection, Table III–B.
6. Revise § 42.111 to read as follows:
TABLE III—SINGLE SAMPLING PLANS FOR REDUCED CONDITION OF CONTAINER INSPECTION
Acceptable quality levels
Code
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CAA ...
CA ......
CB ......
CC .....
Lot size ranges—
Number of containers
in lot
6,000 or less ................
6,001–36,000 ...............
Over 36,000 .................
......................................
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Origin inspection
Other Than Origin Inspection
Type of Plan
0.25
Sample
Size
Single
Single
Single
Single
............
............
............
............
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29
84
168
315
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CAA
6,000 or
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Sample Size
0.25
1st--------
18
2d---------
Double----
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6,001-36,000
Double----
r--36
1st--------
36
2d---------
60
Total-----CB
Over 36,000-
Double----
1.5
Re
0.25
6.5
2.5
10.0
Ac
Re
Ac
Re
Ac
Re
Ac
Re
Ac
Re
0
2
1
4
0
2
0
3
2
5
18
Total-----CA
Other Than Origin
Inspection
Origin Inspection
Ac
Sfmt 4725
17SER1
ER17SE13.006</GPH>
Lot size
ranges -Number of
containers
in lot
1st-------2d---------
0
-------
~
Total-----0
----------
-------
-------
--------
--------
------ -
-------
------ ------
------
-------
1
2
1
2
5
6
1
2
2
3
6
7
0
2
0
4
2
7
0
2
0
4
3
9
r--- ------96
12
0
60
2
------
-------
1
2
3
4
10
11
1
2
4
5
15
16
0
2
2
6
10
14
0
2
3
7
14
19
----- -
-------
25
26
-------
1
---------- ------- ------- -------- -------- ------- ------- ------ ------
----------
2
-------
5
-------
6
--------
17
--------
18
-------
1
-------
2
------ ------
8
9
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
16:48 Sep 16, 2013
Table III-A--Double Sampling Plans for
Reduced Condition of Container Inspection
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
57041
TABLE III–B—LIMIT NUMBERS FOR REDUCED INSPECTION
Acceptable quality level
Number of sample units from last 10 lots inspected within
6 months
0.25
320–499 ...............................................................................
500–799 ...............................................................................
800–1,249 ............................................................................
1,250–1,999 .........................................................................
2,000–3,149 .........................................................................
3,150–4,999 .........................................................................
5,000–7,999 .........................................................................
8,000–12,499 .......................................................................
12,500–19,999 .....................................................................
1.5
(*)
(*)
0
0
2
4
7
14
24
2.5
6.5
1
3
7
13
22
38
63
105
169
4
7
14
24
40
67
110
181
290
10.0
14
25
42
69
115
186
302
491
777
24
40
68
110
181
293
472
765
1207
* Denotes that the number of sample units from the last 10 inspection lots is not sufficient for reduced inspection for this AQL. In this instance
more than 10 inspection lots may be used for the calculations if; the inspection lots used are the most recent ones in sequence within the last 6
months, they have all been on normal inspection, and none has been rejected on original inspection.
7. Section § 42.112 is revised to read
as follows:
■
§ 42.112 Defects of containers: Tables IV,
V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, and X.
TABLE IV—METAL CONTAINERS
[Rigid and semi-rigid]
Categories
Defects
Critical
Major
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
Type or size of container or component parts not as specified ..................................................
Closure incomplete, not located correctly or not sealed, crimped, or fitted properly:
(a) Heat processed primary container ..................................................................................
(b) Non-heat processed primary container ..........................................................................
(c) Other than primary container ..........................................................................................
Dirty, stained, or smeared container ...........................................................................................
Key opening metal containers (when required):
(a) Key missing .....................................................................................................................
(b) Key does not fit tab .........................................................................................................
(c) Tab of opening band insufficient to provide accessibility to key ....................................
(d) Improper scoring (band would not be removed in one continuous strip) ......................
Metal pop-top:
(a) Missing or broken pull tab ..............................................................................................
(b) Missing or incomplete score line (not conforming to a relevant product specification)
Flexible pop-top:
(a) Poor seal (wrinkle, entrapped matter, etc.) ....................................................................
(b) Short pull tab (not conforming to a relevant product specification) ...............................
(c) Missing pull tab ...............................................................................................................
(d) Torn pull tab ....................................................................................................................
Open top with plastic overcap (when required):
(a) Plastic overcap missing ..................................................................................................
(b) Plastic overcap warped (making opening or reapplication difficult) ...............................
Outside tinplate or coating (when required):
(a) Missing or incomplete .....................................................................................................
(b) Blistered, flaked, sagged, or wrinkled .............................................................................
(c) Scratched or scored ........................................................................................................
(d) Fine cracks ......................................................................................................................
Rust (rust stain confined to the top or bottom double seam or rust that can be removed with
a soft cloth is not scored a defect):
(a) Rust stain ........................................................................................................................
(b) Pitted rust ........................................................................................................................
Wet cans (excluding refrigerated containers) ..............................................................................
Dent:
(a) Materially affecting appearance but not usability ...........................................................
(b) Materially affecting usability ............................................................................................
Buckle:
(a) Not involving end seam ..................................................................................................
(b) Extending into the end seam ..........................................................................................
Collapsed container .....................................................................................................................
Paneled side materially affecting appearance but not usability ..................................................
Solder missing when required .....................................................................................................
Cable cut exposing seam ............................................................................................................
Improper side seam .....................................................................................................................
Swell, springer, or flipper (not applicable to gas or pressure packed product nor frozen products) ..........................................................................................................................................
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE IV—METAL CONTAINERS—Continued
[Rigid and semi-rigid]
Categories
Defects
Critical
Leaker or blown container ...........................................................................................................
Frozen products only:
(a) Bulging ends 3⁄16-inch to 1⁄4-inch beyond lip ..................................................................
(b) Bulging ends more than 1⁄4-inch beyond lip ...................................................................
Metal drums: leaking filling seal (bung) swell 1 ...........................................................................
1 Defect
Major
Minor
3
........................
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........................
4
........................
119
120
214
........................
........................
classification depends on the severity of the defect.
TABLE V—COMPOSITE CONTAINERS
[Fiberboard body with metal lids or metal bottoms, plastic or foil top with cap]
Categories
Defects
Critical
Type or size of container or component parts not as specified ..................................................
Closure incomplete, not located correctly or not sealed, crimped, or fitted properly .................
Dirty, stained, or smeared container ...........................................................................................
Easy open closure:
(a) Pull tab:
1. Missing or broken pull tab .........................................................................................
2. Missing or incomplete score line ..............................................................................
(b) Membrane top:
1. Poor seal (wrinkle, entrapped matter, etc.) ..............................................................
2. Short pull tab .............................................................................................................
3. Missing pull tab .........................................................................................................
4. Torn pull tab ..............................................................................................................
(c) Open top with plastic overcap (when required):
1. Plastic overcap missing ............................................................................................
2. Plastic overcap warped (making opening or reapplication difficult) .........................
Outside tinplate or coating on ends (when required):
(a) Missing or incomplete .....................................................................................................
(b) Blistered, flaked, sagged, or wrinkled .............................................................................
(c) Scratched or scored ........................................................................................................
(d) Fine cracks ......................................................................................................................
Collapsed container .....................................................................................................................
Paneled side materially affecting appearance but not usability ..................................................
Leaker ..........................................................................................................................................
Wet or damp:
(a) Materially affecting appearance but not usability ...........................................................
(b) Materially affecting usability ............................................................................................
Crushed or torn area:
(a) Materially affecting appearance but not usability ...........................................................
(b) Materially affecting usability ............................................................................................
Major
Minor
None permitted
1
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........................
201
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204
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207
........................
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208
........................
TABLE VI—GLASS CONTAINERS
[Bottles, Jars]
Categories
Defects
Critical
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
Type or size of container or component parts not as specified ..................................................
Closure not sealed, crimped, or fitted properly:
(a) Heat processed ...............................................................................................................
(b) Non-heat processed ........................................................................................................
Dirty, stained, or smeared container ...........................................................................................
Chip in glass ................................................................................................................................
Stone (unmelted material) in glass ..............................................................................................
Pits in surface of glass ................................................................................................................
Sagging surface ...........................................................................................................................
Bead (bubble within glass):
(a) 1⁄8-inch to 1⁄16-inch in diameter .......................................................................................
(b) Exceeding 1⁄8-inch in diameter ........................................................................................
Checked .......................................................................................................................................
Thin spot in glass ........................................................................................................................
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
57043
TABLE VI—GLASS CONTAINERS—Continued
[Bottles, Jars]
Categories
Defects
Critical
Blister (structural defect) ..............................................................................................................
Bird swing (glass appendage inside container) ..........................................................................
Broken or leaking container .........................................................................................................
Cap (nonheat processed):
(a) Cross-threaded ...............................................................................................................
(b) Loose but not leaking .....................................................................................................
(c) Pitted rust ........................................................................................................................
Cap (heat processed):
(a) Cross-threaded or loose .................................................................................................
(b) Pitted rust ........................................................................................................................
Sealing tape or cello band (when required):
(a) Improperly placed ...........................................................................................................
(b) Not covering juncture of cap and glass ..........................................................................
(c) Ends overlap by less than 1⁄2-inch ..................................................................................
(d) Loose or deteriorating .....................................................................................................
Missing or torn outer safety seal .................................................................................................
Inner safety seal—missing, torn, poor seal .................................................................................
Major
Minor
........................
2
3
105
........................
........................
........................
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........................
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........................
........................
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106
207
208
........................
4
........................
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107
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109
110
111
112
209
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TABLE VII—PLASTIC CONTAINERS
[Rigid and Semi-Rigid, Bottles, Jars, Tubs, Trays, Pails, etc.]
Categories
Defects
Critical
Type or size of container or component parts not as specified ..................................................
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
Closure not sealed, crimped, or fitted properly:
(a) Heat processed ...............................................................................................................
(b) Non-heat processed ........................................................................................................
Dirty, stained, or smeared container ...........................................................................................
Chip in plastic ..............................................................................................................................
Un-melted gels in plastic .............................................................................................................
Pits in surface of plastic ..............................................................................................................
Sagging surface ...........................................................................................................................
Air bubble within plastic:
(a) 1⁄8-inch to 1⁄16-inch in diameter .......................................................................................
(b) Exceeding 1⁄8-inch in diameter ........................................................................................
Checked .......................................................................................................................................
Thin spot in plastic .......................................................................................................................
Blister (structural defect) ..............................................................................................................
Broken or leaking container .........................................................................................................
Cap (non-heat processed):
(a) Cross-threaded ...............................................................................................................
(b) Loose but not leaking .....................................................................................................
Cap (heat processed), cross-threaded or loose ..........................................................................
Security seals:
(a) Closure ring missing .......................................................................................................
(b) Missing or torn outer safety seal ....................................................................................
(c) Inner safety seal—missing, torn, or poor seal .......................................................................
(d) Sealing tape or cello band (when required):
1. Improperly placed ......................................................................................................
2. Not covering juncture of cap and plastic ..................................................................
3. Ends overlap by less than 1⁄2-inch ............................................................................
4. Loose or deteriorating ...............................................................................................
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE VIII—RIGID AND SEMI-RIGID CONTAINERS—CORRUGATED OR SOLID FIBERBOARD, CHIPBOARD, WOOD,
PAPERBOARD ASEPTIC CARTONS, POLYMERIC TRAYS, ETC.
[Excluding metal, glass, and plastic]
Categories
Defects
Critical
Major
Type or size of container or component parts not as specified ..................................................
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
Component part missing ..............................................................................................................
Closure not sealed, crimped, or fitted properly:
(a) Primary container ............................................................................................................
(b) Other than primary container ..........................................................................................
Dirty, stained, or smeared container ...........................................................................................
Wet or damp (excluding ice packs):
(a) Materially affecting appearance but not usability ...........................................................
(b) Materially affecting usability ............................................................................................
Moldy area ...................................................................................................................................
Crushed or torn area:
(a) Materially affecting appearance but not usability ...........................................................
(b) Materially affecting usability ............................................................................................
Separation of lamination (corrugated fiberboard):
(a) Materially affecting appearance but not usability ...........................................................
(b) Materially affecting usability ............................................................................................
Product sifting or leaking .............................................................................................................
Nails or staples (when required):
(a) Not as required, insufficient number or improperly positioned .......................................
(b) Nails or staples protruding ..............................................................................................
Glue or adhesive (when required); not holding properly, not covering area specified, or not
covering sufficient area to hold properly:
(a) Primary container ............................................................................................................
(b) Other than primary container ..........................................................................................
Flap:
(a) Projects beyond edge of container more than 1⁄4-inch ...................................................
(b) Does not meet properly, allowing space of more than 1⁄4-inch ......................................
Sealing tape or strapping (when required):
(a) Missing ............................................................................................................................
(b) Improperly placed or applied ..........................................................................................
Missing component (straw, etc.) ..................................................................................................
Paperboard Aseptic Cartons:
(a) Missing re-sealable cap or tab .......................................................................................
(b) Inner or outer safety seal—missing, torn, poor seal ......................................................
Thermostabilized polymeric trays:
Tray body:
(a) Swollen container ............................................................................................................
(b) Tear, crack, hole, abrasion through more than one layer of multi-layer laminate for
the tray ..............................................................................................................................
(c) Presence of delamination in multi-layered laminate .......................................................
(d) Presence of any permanent deformation, such that deformed area is discolored or
roughened in texture .........................................................................................................
Lid material:
(a) Closure seal not continuous along tray flange surface ..................................................
(b) Foldover wrinkle in seal area extends into the closure seal such that the closure seal
is reduced to less than 1⁄8-inch .........................................................................................
(c) Any impression or design on the seal surfaces which conceals or impairs visual detection of seal defects .......................................................................................................
(d) Areas of ‘‘wave-like’’ striations or wrinkles along the seal area that spans the entire
width of seal ......................................................................................................................
(e) Abrasion of lid material:
1. Within 1⁄16-inch of food product edge of seal such that barrier layer is exposed ....
2. Greater than 1⁄16-inch from food product edge of seal that barrier layer is exposed
(f) Presence of entrapped matter within 1⁄16-inch of the food product edge of seal or entrapped moisture or vapor with 1⁄16-inch of the food product edge of seal that results in
less than 1⁄16-inch of defect free seal width at the outside edge .....................................
(g) Presence of any seal defect or anomaly (for example, entrapped moisture, gases,
etc.) within 1⁄16-inch of food product edge of seal ............................................................
(h) Closure seal width less than 1⁄8-inch ..............................................................................
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57045
TABLE IX—FLEXIBLE CONTAINERS
[Plastic, Cellophane, Paper, Textile, Laminated Multi-Layer Pouch, Bag, etc.]
Categories
Defects
Critical
Major
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
Type or size of container or component parts not as specified ..................................................
Closure not sealed, crimped, stitched, or fitted properly:
(a) Heat processed primary container ..................................................................................
(b) Non-heat processed primary container ..........................................................................
(c) Other than primary container ..........................................................................................
Dirty, stained, or smeared container ...........................................................................................
Unmelted gels in plastic ..............................................................................................................
Torn or cut container or abrasion (non-leaker):
(a) Materially affecting appearance but not usability ...........................................................
(b) Materially affecting usability ............................................................................................
Moldy area ...................................................................................................................................
Individual packages sticking together or to shipping case (tear when separated) .....................
Not fully covering product ............................................................................................................
Wet or damp (excluding ice packs):
(a) Materially affecting appearance but not usability ...........................................................
(b) Materially affecting usability ............................................................................................
Over wrap (when required):
(a) Missing ............................................................................................................................
(b) Loose, not sealed, or closed ..........................................................................................
(c) Improperly applied ...........................................................................................................
Sealing tape, strapping, or adhesives (when required):
(a) Missing ............................................................................................................................
(b) Improperly placed, applied, torn, or wrinkled .................................................................
Tape over bottom and top closures (when required):
(a) Not covering stitching .....................................................................................................
(b) Torn (exposing stitching) ................................................................................................
(c) Wrinkled (exposing stitching) ..........................................................................................
(d) Not adhering to bag:
1. Exposing stitching .....................................................................................................
2. Not exposing stitching ...............................................................................................
(e) Improper placement ........................................................................................................
Product sifting or leaking:
(a) Non-heat processed ........................................................................................................
(b) Heat processed ...............................................................................................................
Flexible pop-top:
(a) Poor seal (wrinkle, entrapped matter, etc.) reducing intact seal to less than 1⁄16-inch
(b) Short pull tab (materially affecting usability) ...................................................................
(c) Missing pull tab ...............................................................................................................
(d) Torn pull tab (materially affecting usability) ....................................................................
Missing component (straw, etc.) ..................................................................................................
Two part container (poly lined box or bag in box):
(a) Outer case torn ...............................................................................................................
(b) Poly liner:
1. Missing ......................................................................................................................
2. Improper closure .......................................................................................................
Missing ‘‘zip lock’’ (re-sealable containers) .................................................................................
Loss of vacuum (in vacuum-packed) ..........................................................................................
Pre-formed containers:
(a) Dented or crushed area ..................................................................................................
(b) Deformed container ........................................................................................................
Missing re-sealable cap ...............................................................................................................
Inner or outer safety seal—missing, torn, poor seal ...................................................................
Air bubble in plastic .....................................................................................................................
Thermostabilized products (includes but not limited to tubes, pouches, etc.):
Foldover wrinkle in seal area (thermostabilized pouches):
(a) Extends through all plies across seal area or reduces seal less than 1⁄16-inch ............
(b) Does not extend through all plies and effective seal is 1⁄16-inch or greater ..................
Incomplete seal (thermostabilized pouches) ...............................................................................
Non-bonding seal (thermostabilized pouches) ............................................................................
Laminate separation in body of pouch or in seal within 1⁄16-inch of food product edge:
(a) If food contact layer is exposed ......................................................................................
(b) If food contact surface is exposed after manipulation or laminate separation expands
after manipulation .............................................................................................................
(c) If lamination separation is limited to isolated spots that do not propagate with manipulation or is outer ply separation in seal within 1⁄16-inch of food product edge of seal ...
Flex cracks (cracks in foil layer only) ..........................................................................................
Swollen container ........................................................................................................................
Blister (in seal) reducing intact seal to less than 1⁄16-inch ..........................................................
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9
........................
........................
........................
........................
........................
219
........................
........................
10
........................
........................
........................
118
........................
........................
........................
11
12
........................
........................
........................
........................
220
221
........................
........................
E:\FR\FM\17SER1.SGM
17SER1
57046
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE IX—FLEXIBLE CONTAINERS—Continued
[Plastic, Cellophane, Paper, Textile, Laminated Multi-Layer Pouch, Bag, etc.]
Categories
Defects
Critical
Compressed seal (overheated to bubble or expose inner layer) reducing intact seal to less
than 1⁄16-inch ............................................................................................................................
Stringy seal (excessive plastic threads showing at edge of seal area) ......................................
Contaminated seal (entrapped matter) reducing intact seal to less than 1⁄16-inch .....................
Seal creep (product in pouch ‘‘creeping’’ into seal) reducing intact seal to less than 1⁄16 inch
Misaligned or crooked seal reducing intact seal to less than 1⁄16-inch .......................................
Seal formed greater than 1-inch from edge of pouch (unclosed edge flaps) .............................
Waffling (embossing on surface from retort racks; not scorable unless severe) .......................
Poor or missing tear notch (when required) ................................................................................
Major
Minor
13
........................
14
15
16
........................
........................
........................
........................
........................
........................
........................
........................
........................
........................
........................
........................
222
........................
........................
........................
223
224
225
TABLE X—UNITIZING
[Plastic or other type of casing/unitizing]
Categories
Defects
Major
Not specified method ...............................................................................................................................................
Missing tray (when required) ...................................................................................................................................
Missing shrink wrap (when required) ......................................................................................................................
Loose or improperly applied wrap ...........................................................................................................................
Torn or mutilated .....................................................................................................................................................
Off-center wrap (does not overlap both ends) ........................................................................................................
8. Section 42.113 is revised to read as
follows:
■
§ 42.113
code.
Minor
101
102
103
........................
........................
........................
........................
........................
........................
201
202
203
Defects of label, marking, or
TABLE XI—LABEL, MARKING, OR CODE
Categories
Defects
Major
Not specified method ...............................................................................................................................................
Missing (when required) ..........................................................................................................................................
Loose or improperly applied ....................................................................................................................................
Torn or mutilated .....................................................................................................................................................
Torn or scratched, obliterating any markings on the label ......................................................................................
Text illegible or incomplete ......................................................................................................................................
Incorrect ...................................................................................................................................................................
In wrong location .....................................................................................................................................................
9. Add § 42.114 to subpart B to read
as follows:
■
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
§ 42.114 Procedures for evaluating interior
container defects.
(a) Sections 42.101–42.136 provide
procedures for determining lot
conformance with the U.S. Standards
for Condition of Food Containers. This
determination is based on the
examination of the external
characteristics of the food containers.
(b) As an option, if a user of the
inspection service requests to have the
interior characteristics of containers
examined, and apply these results in the
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:48 Sep 16, 2013
Jkt 229001
determination of lot acceptability, the
defects listed in Table XII may be used.
(c) The determination of lot
acceptability based on internal
container defects shall be independent
of the determination of lot acceptability
for U.S. Standards for Condition of Food
Containers. A user of the inspection
service may choose to require
inspection for internal can defects as
well as inspection for U.S. Standards for
Condition of Food Containers.
(d) If a user of the inspection service
requests an examination for internal
container defects in addition to an
official USDA/USDC inspection for
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Minor
101
102
........................
........................
103
........................
104
........................
........................
........................
201
202
........................
203
........................
204
product quality and/or U.S. grade, the
containers opened by the official
inspection service for inspection of
product quality and/or U.S. grade will
be used for examination of interior
container defects. The minimum sample
size for evaluation of interior container
defects will be 13 containers. As a
result, additional containers will be
required if the inspection for quality or
U.S. grade calls for fewer than 13
containers. Table XIII provides
acceptance numbers for internal
container defects for selected sample
sizes.
E:\FR\FM\17SER1.SGM
17SER1
57047
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 17, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE XII—INTERIOR CONTAINER DEFECTS
Categories
Defects
Major
De-tinning in metal container materially affecting usability .....................................................................................
De-tinning in metal container not materially affecting usability ...............................................................................
Black spots in metal container ................................................................................................................................
Enamel missing (when required) in metal container ...............................................................................................
Enamel breakdown in metal container material affecting usability .........................................................................
Enamel breakdown in metal container material not affecting usability ...................................................................
Other defect(s) of the interior of the container (metal, plastic, paper, rigid, etc.) e.g., interior damage, tear,
delamination, missing layer, off-odor, interior blisters, etc. that materially affects usability ...............................
Defect(s) of the interior of the container (metal, plastic, paper, rigid, etc.) e.g., interior damage, tear,
delamination, missing layer, off-odor, interior blisters, etc. that materially affects appearance but not usability
Minor
101
........................
........................
102
103
........................
........................
201
202
........................
........................
203
104
........................
........................
204
TABLE XIII—ACCEPTANCE NUMBERS FOR INTERNAL CONTAINER DEFECTS
Major
Interior Defects
Sample Size (n = number of containers)
Total
Interior Defects
Ac
n—13
n—21
n—29
n—38
n—48
n—60
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
Dated: September 11, 2013.
Rex A. Barnes,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural
Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–22574 Filed 9–16–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–02–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2013–0119; Directorate
Identifier 2011–SW–034–AD; Amendment
39–17541; AD 2013–16–03]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter
France Helicopters
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for
Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model
AS350 and AS355 helicopters, to
require inspecting for a crack in the
control lever attachment yokes, and if
needed, replacing the tail rotor gearbox
(TGB). This AD is prompted by
improper casting of TGB casing
assemblies, which may lead to cracking.
A crack in the control lever attachment
yokes could cause a loss of tail rotor
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
16:48 Sep 16, 2013
0
1
1
2
2
2
pitch control, and consequently, loss of
control of the helicopter.
DATES: This AD is effective October 22,
2013.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain documents listed in this AD
as of October 22, 2013.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this AD, contact American
Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 N. Forum
Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone (972) 641–0000 or (800) 232–
0323; fax (972) 641–3775; or at https://
www.eurocopter.com/techpub. You may
review the referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort
Worth, Texas 76137.
Examining the AD Docket
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
Re
Jkt 229001
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov or in person at the
Docket Operations Office between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this AD, the foreign
authority’s AD, any incorporated-byreference service information, the
economic evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for the Docket Operations
Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations Office, M–30, West Building
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Ac
1
2
2
3
3
3
Re
2
3
4
5
6
7
3
4
5
6
7
8
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Robert Grant, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Safety Management Group, FAA, 2601
Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas
76137; telephone 817–222–5110; email
robert.grant@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On February 11, 2013, at 78 FR 9634,
the Federal Register published our
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM),
which proposed to amend 14 CFR part
39 to include an AD that would apply
to Eurocopter Model AS350 and AS355
helicopters. The NPRM proposed to
require inspecting for a crack in the
control lever attachment yokes, and if
needed, replacing the TGB. The
proposed requirements were intended to
prevent a crack in the control lever
attachment yokes, which could cause a
loss of tail rotor pitch control, and
consequently, loss of control of the
helicopter.
The NPRM was prompted by AD No.
2011–0104, dated May 27, 2011, issued
by the European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, to correct an unsafe condition
for the Eurocopter Model AS 350 and
AS 355 helicopters. EASA advises that
cracks were found on some TGB casing
E:\FR\FM\17SER1.SGM
17SER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 180 (Tuesday, September 17, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57033-57047]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-22574]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each
week.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 180 / Tuesday, September 17, 2013 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 57033]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Agricultural Marketing Service
7 CFR Part 42
[Doc. No. AMS-FV-08-0027; FV-05-332]
RIN 0581-AC52
United States Standards for Condition of Food Containers
AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is amending the
regulations governing the United States (U.S.) Standards for Condition
of Food Containers. The revisions to existing tables, removal of
operating characteristic (OC) curves and updating language in the
standards would enable the standards to be applicable to most types of
food containers and align the standards to reflect current industry
practices.
DATES: Effective Date: October 17, 2013.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lynne Yedinak, Specialty Crops
Inspection Division, Fruit and Vegetable Program, Agricultural
Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW., Room 1536, South Building, Stop 0240, Washington, DC 20250-
0240; Telephone: (202) 720-5021, FAX: (202) 690-1527; or email
CIDS@ams.usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Executive Order 12866
This final rule has been determined to be not significant for
purposes of Executive Order 12866 and therefore, has not been reviewed
by the Office of Management and Budget.
Regulatory Flexibility Act and Paperwork Reduction Act
Pursuant to requirements set forth in the Regulatory Flexibility
Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601-612), AMS has considered the economic impact of
this action on small entities. Accordingly, AMS has prepared this final
regulatory flexibility analysis.
The purpose of the RFA is to fit regulatory action to the scale of
business subject to such actions so that small businesses will not be
unduly or disproportionately burdened. Food manufacturers are
determined to be small businesses in accordance with the Small Business
Size Standards by North American Industry Classification Systems
(NAICS) codes in Title 13, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 13 CFR
part 121. These businesses may have fewer than 500, 750, or 1,000
employees depending on their NAICS code.
There are approximately 22,058 establishments identified in the
2007 Economic Census as belonging to the North American Industry
Classification System under the classification of ``food
manufacturing'' and any number of these establishments could request
their product containers be inspected under the provisions of the U.S.
Standards for Condition of Food Containers. Only 402 of these
establishments would qualify as small businesses under the definition
provided by the Small Business Administration.
Under the final rule, utilization of the U.S. Standards for
Condition of Food Containers continues to be voluntary. We have
examined the economic implications of this final rule on small
entities. Small entities would only incur direct costs when purchasers
of their packaged food products stipulate in their procurement
documents that the food containers should conform to the requirements
of the U.S. Standards for Condition of Food Containers.
Since the standards were last amended in May 1983, innovations in
packaging technologies have provided an increasingly wide variety of
acceptable new food containers. Accordingly, we believe that the
economic impact of this final rule will be minimal because the
revisions are necessary in order to provide standards that reflect
current industry practices. The changes concerning removal of OC curves
and other non-substantive changes will have no adverse impact on small
or large entities.
The revisions made herein enable the standards to be applicable to
most types of food containers and align the standards to reflect
current industry practices. With regard to alternatives, this action
reflects revisions proposed to the standards as a result of the second
proposed rule published in the Federal Register, January 18, 2012 [77
FR 2481].
This rule will not impose any additional reporting or recordkeeping
requirements on either small or large establishments under the
Paperwork Reduction Act, (44 U.S.C. chapter 35). The Department has not
identified any relevant Federal rules that duplicate, overlap, or
conflict with the Standards.
AMS is committed to complying with the E-Government Act of 2002 (44
U.S.C. 3601-3606; 3541-3549), to promote the use of the Internet and
other information technologies to provide increased opportunities for
citizen access to Government information and services, and for other
purposes.
Executive Order 12988
This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil
Justice Reform. This action is not retroactive. There are no
administrative procedures which must be exhausted prior to any judicial
challenge to the provisions of this rule.
Background
The U.S. Standards for Condition of Food Containers (Standards)
currently provides sampling procedures and acceptance criteria for the
inspection of stationary lots of filled food containers, which includes
skip lot sampling and inspection procedures. It also provides on-line
sampling and inspection procedures for food containers during
production.
Stationary lot sampling is the process of randomly selecting sample
units from a lot whose production has been completed. This type of lot
is usually stored in a warehouse or in some other storage facility and
is offered for inspection.
Skip lot sampling is a special procedure for inspecting stationary
lots in which only a fraction of the submitted lots are inspected. Skip
lot inspection can only be instituted when a certain number of lots of
essentially
[[Page 57034]]
the same quality have been consecutively accepted.
To be acceptable under the examination criteria in the standards,
lots may contain only a limited number of defects classified as minor,
major, or critical. Acceptance criteria are based on sampling plans for
different lot sizes and levels of inspection such as normal, reduced,
or tightened. Defect tables classify the severity of defects.
On-line sampling and inspection is a procedure in which subgroups
of sample units or individual containers are selected randomly from
pre-designated portions of production. The acceptability of these
portions of production is determined by inspecting, at the time of
sampling, the subgroups which represent these portions. For this type
of sampling, only portions of a lot, rather than a whole lot, may be
rejected. This helps to identify trouble spots in a production cycle
quickly, and enables the producer to make timely corrections. This can
reduce the corrective action costs and the amount of product destroyed
as a result of packaging problems.
These standards were developed for use by Government agencies when
requested to certify filled primary containers or shipping cases, or
both, for condition. The standards are permissive, and they may be used
in their entirety or in part by private parties.
Revision of the Standards includes:
(1) separating Tables I, I-A, II, II-A, III, III-A, and III-B of
sampling plans for normal, tightened, and reduced inspection by the
type of sampling plan used (single or double), as well as updating the
Acceptable Quality Levels (AQLs) for these tables
(2) updating Table IV--Metal Containers, (Rigid and Semi-Rigid),
Table VI--Glass Containers, Table VIII--Rigid and Semi-Rigid Containers
(Corrugated or Solid Fiberboard, Chipboard, Wood, Paperboard Aseptic
Cartons, Polymeric Trays, etc.), Table IX--Flexible Containers (Plastic
Bags, Cello, Paper, Textile, Laminated Multi-Layer Pouch, Bag, etc.),
and Table XI--Defects of Label, Marking, or Code to incorporate new
defects and revise existing defects to reflect new packaging
technologies such as aseptic packaging, metal cans with easy open lids,
and plastic rings that hold several containers together
(3) adding new defect tables, Table V--Composite Containers (Semi-
Rigid Laminated or Multi-Layer Paperboard Body with Metal, Plastic, or
Combination of Metal and Plastic Ends and a Safety Seal Inside the
Cap), Table VII--Plastic Containers (Rigid and Semi-Rigid Bottles,
Jars, Tubs, Trays, Pails, etc.), and Table XII--Interior Can Defects (a
new section 42.114 is added to provide for procedures for evaluating
interior container defects)
(4) removing the OC curves
(5) other minor non-substantive changes to clarify the text.
These revisions to existing tables, addition of new tables, removal
of OC curves, and updating language in the U.S. Standards for Condition
of Food Containers enables the standards to be applicable to most types
of food containers and align the standards to reflect current industry
practices.
OC curves found in Sec. Sec. 42.140, 42.141, 42.142, and 42.143
from Subpart E--Miscellaneous, are removed. This final rule reflects
the amendatory language removing these provisions that first appeared
in the proposed rule published in the November 19, 2009, Federal
Register. While these curves show the ability of the various sampling
plans to distinguish between accepted and rejected lots, it is our
experience that the inclusion of these curves is not critical to use of
the standards. Furthermore, they are readily available in literature
and on the Internet. Also, Standards for sampling plans including OC
Curves are currently available in 7 CFR Part 43.
Comments
AMS published two proposed rules in the Federal Register in which
six comments were received. The first proposed rule was published in
the Federal Register on November 19, 2009 [74 FR 59920], with a sixty-
day comment period which closed on January 19, 2010. Two comments were
received. One commenter provided a comment that was determined to be
outside the scope of the rule. Therefore, no changes were made based on
this comment. The other commenter supported the proposed rule revision
and provided statements regarding Sec. 42.112--Defects of Containers.
The commenter stated that while Table IV of Sec. 42.112 has defects
for composite cans listed as a subset of the metal can defects,
composite cans also exhibit defects listed in Table VI--Rigid and Semi-
rigid containers. The commenter proposed a separate table be added for
composite cans extracting the composite can defects from Table IV and
Table VI. Based on this comment, AMS added a new Table V that contained
the information for composite can defects from Table IV and Table VI
and removed the composite information in Table IV. The proposed rule
was then reissued.
The second proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on
January 18, 2012 [77 FR 2481] and provided a comment period of sixty
days which closed on March 19, 2012. Four comments were received. Two
commenters provided comments that were determined to be outside the
scope of the rule. Therefore, no changes were made based on those
comments.
The third commenter supported the revision of the proposed rule
with several changes. Comments were received regarding: (1) the new
proposed paragraph Sec. 42.114--Procedures for Evaluating Interior
Container Defects and Table XII--Interior Container Defects, and (2)
the proposed modifications to two defects in Table IV--Metal Containers
(Rigid and Semi-rigid). Comments received regarding Procedures for
Evaluating Interior Container Defects stated that the last four defects
in Table XII were vague and not defined. AMS determined the comment had
merit and removed major defect 104 and minor defect 204, and revised
major defect 105 and minor defect 205 to provide examples of what
``other anomaly(ies)'' are. The defects were then renumbered. In
subsequent discussions, the commenter requested AMS change ``Enamel
cracked in metal container material not affecting usability'' in minor
defect 203, Table XII, to ``Enamel breakdown in metal affecting
usability'' as the terms ``cracked'' and ``breakdown'' mean the same
thing. AMS determined that this had merit and made the change. The
commenter also provided comments on Sec. 42.112--Defects of
Containers, Table IV--Rigid and Semi-Rigid Containers. The comment
concerned major defect 107 for ``Metal pop-top: (b) Missing or
incomplete score line:'' and minor defect 203 for ``Flexible pop-top:
(b) Short pull tab.'' The commenter stated that sometimes product
design standards request a partial score for a metal pop-top or a
shortened pull tab for a flexible pop-top. The commenter requested that
AMS revise the defect descriptions to specify that these will not be
considered defects when they are requested in a product specification.
AMS determined the comment had merit and, to account for this
exception, added the phrase ``(not conforming to a relevant product
specification)'' to major defect 107 and minor defect 203.
The fourth commenter stated that using ``Tetra Pak'' is a reference
to a company and not the actual type of packaging. The commenter
recommended that AMS use one of the specific package trademarks or use
the term ``Tetra Pak cartons.'' AMS determined the comment had merit.
[[Page 57035]]
AMS has revised the package identification from ``Tetra Pak'' to
``Paperboard Aseptic Cartons'' to accurately identify all packaging
made in a similar manner.
Based on the comments received and information gathered, AMS
believes that revising these standards will bring the Standards inline
to reflect current industry practices.
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 42
Food packaging, reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR part 42 is amended
as follows:
PART 42--[Amended]
0
1. The authority citation for part 42 continues to read as follows:
Authority: Secs. 203, 205, 60 Stat. 1087, as amended, 1090, as
amended (7 U.S.C. 1622, 1624).
0
2. Section 42.102 is amended by:
0
a. Removing the definitions ``Lot'', ``Operating Characteristic Curve
(OC Curve)'' and ``Probability of acceptance''.
0
b. Revising the definitions ``Administrator,'' ``Sample size (n),'' and
``Stationary lot sampling''
0
c. Adding the definition ``Lot or inspection lot'' in alphabetical
order.
The revisions and addition read as follows:
Sec. 42.102 Definitions, general.
* * * * *
Administrator. The Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing
Service (AMS) of the Department or any other officer or employee of the
Agency who is delegated, or who may be delegated the authority to act
in the Administrator's stead.
* * * * *
Lot or inspection lot. A collection of filled food containers of
the same size, type, and style. The term shall mean ``inspection lot,''
i.e., a collection of units of product from which a sample is to be
drawn and inspected to determine conformance with the applicable
acceptance criteria. An inspection lot may differ from a collection of
units designated as a lot for other purposes (e.g., production lot,
shipping lot, etc.).
* * * * *
Sample size (n). The number of sample units included in the sample.
* * * * *
Stationary lot sampling. The process of randomly selecting sample
units from a lot whose production has been completed. This type of lot
is usually stored in a warehouse or in some other storage facility and
is offered in its entirety for inspection.
* * * * *
Sec. 42.106 [Amended]
0
3. In Sec. 42.106, paragraph (a)(1), remove the word ``attributed''
and add in its place the word ``attributed''.
0
4. Revise Sec. 42.109, to read as follows:
Sec. 42.109 Sampling plans for normal condition of container
inspection, Tables I and I-A.
Table I--Single Sampling Plans for Normal Condition of Container Inspection
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acceptable quality levels
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lot size ranges-- Origin Inspection Other Than Origin Inspection
Code Number of Type of Plan ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
containers in 0.25 1.5 6.5 0.25 2.5 10.0
lot Sample -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
size Ac Re Ac Re Ac Re Ac Re Ac Re Ac Re
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CA....... 6,000 or less.... Single.......... 84 0 1 3 4 9 10 0 1 4 5 13 14
CB....... 6,001-12,000..... Single.......... 168 1 2 5 6 16 17 1 2 7 8 23 24
CC....... 12,001-36,000.... Single.......... 315 2 3 8 9 28 29 2 3 13 14 41 42
CD....... Over 36,000...... Single.......... 500 3 4 12 13 42 43 3 4 18 19 62 63
CE....... ................. Single.......... 800 4 5 18 19 64 65 4 5 27 28 95 96
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ac = Acceptance number.
Re = Rejection number.
[[Page 57036]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17SE13.004
[[Page 57037]]
0
5. Revise Sec. 42.110 to read as follows:
Sec. 42.110 Sampling plans for tightened condition of container
inspection; Tables II and II-A.
Table II--Single Sampling Plans for Tightened Condition of Container Inspection
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acceptable quality levels
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lot size ranges-- Origin Inspection Other Than Origin Inspection
Code Number of Type of Plan ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
containers in 0.25 1.5 6.5 0.25 2.5 10.0
lot Sample -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Size Ac Re Ac Re Ac Re Ac Re Ac Re Ac Re
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CB....... 6,000 or less.... Single.......... 168 0 1 4 5 11 12 0 1 5 6 16 17
CC....... 6,001-12,000..... Single.......... 315 1 2 6 7 19 20 1 2 8 9 28 29
CD....... 12,001-36,000.... Single.......... 500 2 3 9 10 28 29 2 3 12 13 42 43
CE....... Over 36,000...... Single.......... 800 3 4 13 14 42 43 3 4 18 19 64 65
CF....... ................. Single.......... 1,250 4 5 19 20 63 64 4 5 26 27 96 97
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 57038]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17SE13.005
[[Page 57039]]
0
6. Revise Sec. 42.111 to read as follows:
Sec. 42.111 Sampling plans for reduced condition of container
inspection, Tables III and III-A; and limit number for reduced
inspection, Table III-B.
Table III--Single Sampling Plans for Reduced Condition of Container Inspection
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acceptable quality levels
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lot size ranges-- Origin inspection Other Than Origin Inspection
Code Number of Type of Plan ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
containers in 0.25 1.5 6.5 0.25 2.5 10.0
lot Sample -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Size Ac Re Ac Re Ac Re Ac Re Ac Re Ac Re
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAA...... 6,000 or less.... Single.......... 29 1 2 1 2 4 5 1 2 2 3 5 6
CA....... 6,001-36,000..... Single.......... 84 1 2 3 4 9 10 1 2 4 5 13 14
CB....... Over 36,000...... Single.......... 168 1 2 5 6 16 17 1 2 7 8 23 24
CC....... ................. Single.......... 315 2 3 8 9 28 29 2 3 13 14 41 42
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 57040]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR17SE13.006
[[Page 57041]]
Table III-B--Limit Numbers for Reduced Inspection
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of sample units from last Acceptable quality level
10 lots inspected within 6 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
months 0.25 1.5 2.5 6.5 10.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
320-499......................... (*) 1 4 14 24
500-799......................... (*) 3 7 25 40
800-1,249....................... 0 7 14 42 68
1,250-1,999..................... 0 13 24 69 110
2,000-3,149..................... 2 22 40 115 181
3,150-4,999..................... 4 38 67 186 293
5,000-7,999..................... 7 63 110 302 472
8,000-12,499.................... 14 105 181 491 765
12,500-19,999................... 24 169 290 777 1207
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Denotes that the number of sample units from the last 10 inspection lots is not sufficient for reduced
inspection for this AQL. In this instance more than 10 inspection lots may be used for the calculations if;
the inspection lots used are the most recent ones in sequence within the last 6 months, they have all been on
normal inspection, and none has been rejected on original inspection.
0
7. Section Sec. 42.112 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 42.112 Defects of containers: Tables IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX,
and X.
Table IV--Metal Containers
[Rigid and semi-rigid]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Categories
Defects -----------------------------------------------
Critical Major Minor
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type or size of container or component parts not as specified... None permitted
-----------------------------------------------
Closure incomplete, not located correctly or not sealed,
crimped, or fitted properly:
(a) Heat processed primary container........................ 1 .............. ..............
(b) Non-heat processed primary container.................... .............. 101 ..............
(c) Other than primary container............................ .............. .............. 201
Dirty, stained, or smeared container............................ .............. .............. 202
Key opening metal containers (when required):
(a) Key missing............................................. .............. 102 ..............
(b) Key does not fit tab.................................... .............. 103 ..............
(c) Tab of opening band insufficient to provide .............. 104 ..............
accessibility to key.......................................
(d) Improper scoring (band would not be removed in one .............. 105 ..............
continuous strip)..........................................
Metal pop-top:
(a) Missing or broken pull tab.............................. .............. 106 ..............
(b) Missing or incomplete score line (not conforming to a .............. 107 ..............
relevant product specification)............................
Flexible pop-top:
(a) Poor seal (wrinkle, entrapped matter, etc.)............. .............. 108 ..............
(b) Short pull tab (not conforming to a relevant product .............. .............. 203
specification).............................................
(c) Missing pull tab........................................ .............. 109 ..............
(d) Torn pull tab........................................... .............. .............. 204
Open top with plastic overcap (when required):
(a) Plastic overcap missing................................. .............. 110 ..............
(b) Plastic overcap warped (making opening or reapplication .............. 111 ..............
difficult).................................................
Outside tinplate or coating (when required):
(a) Missing or incomplete................................... .............. .............. 205
(b) Blistered, flaked, sagged, or wrinkled.................. .............. .............. 206
(c) Scratched or scored..................................... .............. .............. 207
(d) Fine cracks............................................. .............. .............. 208
Rust (rust stain confined to the top or bottom double seam or
rust that can be removed with a soft cloth is not scored a
defect):
(a) Rust stain.............................................. .............. .............. 209
(b) Pitted rust............................................. .............. 112 ..............
Wet cans (excluding refrigerated containers).................... .............. .............. 210
Dent:
(a) Materially affecting appearance but not usability....... .............. .............. 211
(b) Materially affecting usability.......................... .............. 113 ..............
Buckle:
(a) Not involving end seam.................................. .............. .............. 212
(b) Extending into the end seam............................. .............. 114 ..............
Collapsed container............................................. .............. 115 ..............
Paneled side materially affecting appearance but not usability.. .............. .............. 213
Solder missing when required.................................... .............. 116 ..............
Cable cut exposing seam......................................... .............. 117 ..............
Improper side seam.............................................. .............. 118 ..............
Swell, springer, or flipper (not applicable to gas or pressure 2 .............. ..............
packed product nor frozen products)............................
[[Page 57042]]
Leaker or blown container....................................... 3 .............. ..............
Frozen products only:
(a) Bulging ends \3/16\-inch to \1/4\-inch beyond lip....... .............. .............. 214
(b) Bulging ends more than \1/4\-inch beyond lip............ .............. 119 ..............
Metal drums: leaking filling seal (bung) swell \1\.............. 4 120 ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Defect classification depends on the severity of the defect.
Table V--Composite Containers
[Fiberboard body with metal lids or metal bottoms, plastic or foil top with cap]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Categories
Defects -----------------------------------------------
Critical Major Minor
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type or size of container or component parts not as specified... None permitted
-----------------------------------------------
Closure incomplete, not located correctly or not sealed, 1 .............. ..............
crimped, or fitted properly....................................
Dirty, stained, or smeared container............................ .............. .............. 201
Easy open closure:
(a) Pull tab: .............. .............. ..............
1. Missing or broken pull tab........................... .............. 101 ..............
2. Missing or incomplete score line..................... .............. 102 ..............
(b) Membrane top: .............. .............. ..............
1. Poor seal (wrinkle, entrapped matter, etc.).......... .............. 103 ..............
2. Short pull tab....................................... .............. 104 ..............
3. Missing pull tab..................................... .............. 105 ..............
4. Torn pull tab........................................ .............. 106 ..............
(c) Open top with plastic overcap (when required): .............. .............. ..............
1. Plastic overcap missing.............................. .............. 107 ..............
2. Plastic overcap warped (making opening or .............. 108 ..............
reapplication difficult)...............................
Outside tinplate or coating on ends (when required):
(a) Missing or incomplete................................... .............. .............. 202
(b) Blistered, flaked, sagged, or wrinkled.................. .............. .............. 203
(c) Scratched or scored..................................... .............. .............. 204
(d) Fine cracks............................................. .............. .............. 205
Collapsed container............................................. .............. 109 ..............
Paneled side materially affecting appearance but not usability.. .............. .............. 206
Leaker.......................................................... 2 .............. ..............
Wet or damp:
(a) Materially affecting appearance but not usability....... .............. .............. 207
(b) Materially affecting usability.......................... .............. 110 ..............
Crushed or torn area:
(a) Materially affecting appearance but not usability....... .............. .............. 208
(b) Materially affecting usability.......................... .............. 111 ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table VI--Glass Containers
[Bottles, Jars]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Categories
Defects -----------------------------------------------
Critical Major Minor
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type or size of container or component parts not as specified... None permitted
-----------------------------------------------
Closure not sealed, crimped, or fitted properly:
(a) Heat processed.......................................... 1 .............. ..............
(b) Non-heat processed...................................... .............. 101
Dirty, stained, or smeared container............................ .............. .............. 201
Chip in glass................................................... .............. .............. 202
Stone (unmelted material) in glass.............................. .............. .............. 203
Pits in surface of glass........................................ .............. .............. 204
Sagging surface................................................. .............. .............. 205
Bead (bubble within glass):
(a) \1/8\-inch to \1/16\-inch in diameter................... .............. .............. 206
(b) Exceeding \1/8\-inch in diameter........................ .............. 102 ..............
Checked......................................................... .............. 103 ..............
Thin spot in glass.............................................. .............. 104 ..............
[[Page 57043]]
Blister (structural defect)..................................... .............. 105 ..............
Bird swing (glass appendage inside container)................... 2 .............. ..............
Broken or leaking container..................................... 3 .............. ..............
Cap (nonheat processed):
(a) Cross-threaded.......................................... .............. .............. 207
(b) Loose but not leaking................................... .............. .............. 208
(c) Pitted rust............................................. .............. 106 ..............
Cap (heat processed):
(a) Cross-threaded or loose................................. 4 .............. ..............
(b) Pitted rust............................................. .............. 107 ..............
Sealing tape or cello band (when required):
(a) Improperly placed....................................... .............. .............. 209
(b) Not covering juncture of cap and glass.................. .............. 108 ..............
(c) Ends overlap by less than \1/2\-inch.................... .............. 109 ..............
(d) Loose or deteriorating.................................. .............. 110 ..............
Missing or torn outer safety seal............................... .............. 111 ..............
Inner safety seal--missing, torn, poor seal..................... .............. 112 ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table VII--Plastic Containers
[Rigid and Semi-Rigid, Bottles, Jars, Tubs, Trays, Pails, etc.]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Categories
Defects -----------------------------------------------
Critical Major Minor
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type or size of container or component parts not as specified... None permitted
-----------------------------------------------
Closure not sealed, crimped, or fitted properly:
(a) Heat processed.......................................... 1 .............. ..............
(b) Non-heat processed...................................... .............. 101 ..............
Dirty, stained, or smeared container............................ .............. .............. 201
Chip in plastic................................................. .............. .............. 202
Un-melted gels in plastic....................................... .............. .............. 203
Pits in surface of plastic...................................... .............. .............. 204
Sagging surface................................................. .............. .............. 205
Air bubble within plastic:
(a) \1/8\-inch to \1/16\-inch in diameter................... .............. .............. 206
(b) Exceeding \1/8\-inch in diameter........................ .............. 102 ..............
Checked......................................................... .............. 103 ..............
Thin spot in plastic............................................ .............. 104 ..............
Blister (structural defect)..................................... .............. 105 ..............
Broken or leaking container..................................... 2 .............. ..............
Cap (non-heat processed):
(a) Cross-threaded.......................................... .............. .............. 207
(b) Loose but not leaking................................... .............. .............. 208
Cap (heat processed), cross-threaded or loose................... 3 .............. ..............
Security seals:
(a) Closure ring missing.................................... .............. 106 ..............
(b) Missing or torn outer safety seal....................... .............. 107 ..............
(c) Inner safety seal--missing, torn, or poor seal.............. .............. 108 ..............
(d) Sealing tape or cello band (when required):
1. Improperly placed.................................... .............. .............. 209
2. Not covering juncture of cap and plastic............. .............. 109 ..............
3. Ends overlap by less than \1/2\-inch................. .............. 110 ..............
4. Loose or deteriorating............................... .............. 111 ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 57044]]
Table VIII--Rigid and Semi-Rigid Containers--Corrugated or Solid Fiberboard, Chipboard, Wood, Paperboard Aseptic
Cartons, Polymeric Trays, etc.
[Excluding metal, glass, and plastic]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Categories
Defects -----------------------------------------------
Critical Major Minor
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type or size of container or component parts not as specified... None permitted
-----------------------------------------------
Component part missing.......................................... .............. 101 ..............
-----------------------------------------------
Closure not sealed, crimped, or fitted properly:
(a) Primary container....................................... 1 .............. ..............
(b) Other than primary container............................ .............. .............. 201
Dirty, stained, or smeared container............................ .............. .............. 202
Wet or damp (excluding ice packs):
(a) Materially affecting appearance but not usability....... .............. .............. 203
(b) Materially affecting usability.......................... .............. 102 ..............
Moldy area...................................................... 2 .............. ..............
Crushed or torn area:
(a) Materially affecting appearance but not usability....... .............. .............. 204
(b) Materially affecting usability.......................... .............. 103 ..............
Separation of lamination (corrugated fiberboard):
(a) Materially affecting appearance but not usability....... .............. .............. 205
(b) Materially affecting usability.......................... .............. 104 ..............
Product sifting or leaking...................................... .............. 105 ..............
Nails or staples (when required):
(a) Not as required, insufficient number or improperly .............. .............. 206
positioned.................................................
(b) Nails or staples protruding............................. .............. 106 ..............
Glue or adhesive (when required); not holding properly, not
covering area specified, or not covering sufficient area to
hold properly:
(a) Primary container....................................... .............. 107 ..............
(b) Other than primary container............................ .............. .............. 207
Flap:
(a) Projects beyond edge of container more than \1/4\-inch.. .............. .............. 208
(b) Does not meet properly, allowing space of more than \1/ .............. .............. 209
4\-inch....................................................
Sealing tape or strapping (when required):
(a) Missing................................................. .............. 108 ..............
(b) Improperly placed or applied............................ .............. .............. 210
Missing component (straw, etc.)................................. .............. .............. 211
Paperboard Aseptic Cartons:
(a) Missing re-sealable cap or tab.......................... .............. 109 ..............
(b) Inner or outer safety seal--missing, torn, poor seal.... 3 .............. ..............
Thermostabilized polymeric trays:
Tray body:
(a) Swollen container....................................... 4 .............. ..............
(b) Tear, crack, hole, abrasion through more than one layer 5 .............. ..............
of multi-layer laminate for the tray.......................
(c) Presence of delamination in multi-layered laminate...... .............. .............. 212
(d) Presence of any permanent deformation, such that .............. .............. 213
deformed area is discolored or roughened in texture........
Lid material:
(a) Closure seal not continuous along tray flange surface... 6 .............. ..............
(b) Foldover wrinkle in seal area extends into the closure 7 .............. ..............
seal such that the closure seal is reduced to less than \1/
8\-inch....................................................
(c) Any impression or design on the seal surfaces which .............. 110 ..............
conceals or impairs visual detection of seal defects.......
(d) Areas of ``wave-like'' striations or wrinkles along the .............. .............. 214
seal area that spans the entire width of seal..............
(e) Abrasion of lid material:
1. Within \1/16\-inch of food product edge of seal such 8 .............. ..............
that barrier layer is exposed..........................
2. Greater than \1/16\-inch from food product edge of .............. .............. 215
seal that barrier layer is exposed.....................
(f) Presence of entrapped matter within \1/16\-inch of the 9 .............. ..............
food product edge of seal or entrapped moisture or vapor
with \1/16\-inch of the food product edge of seal that
results in less than \1/16\-inch of defect free seal width
at the outside edge........................................
(g) Presence of any seal defect or anomaly (for example, .............. 111 ..............
entrapped moisture, gases, etc.) within \1/16\-inch of food
product edge of seal.......................................
(h) Closure seal width less than \1/8\-inch................. .............. .............. 216
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 57045]]
Table IX--Flexible Containers
[Plastic, Cellophane, Paper, Textile, Laminated Multi-Layer Pouch, Bag, etc.]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Categories
Defects -----------------------------------------------
Critical Major Minor
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type or size of container or component parts not as specified... None permitted
-----------------------------------------------
Closure not sealed, crimped, stitched, or fitted properly:
(a) Heat processed primary container........................ 1 .............. ..............
(b) Non-heat processed primary container.................... .............. 101 ..............
(c) Other than primary container............................ .............. .............. 201
Dirty, stained, or smeared container............................ .............. .............. 202
Unmelted gels in plastic........................................ .............. .............. 203
Torn or cut container or abrasion (non-leaker):
(a) Materially affecting appearance but not usability....... .............. .............. 204
(b) Materially affecting usability.......................... .............. 102 ..............
Moldy area...................................................... 2 .............. ..............
Individual packages sticking together or to shipping case (tear .............. 103 ..............
when separated)................................................
Not fully covering product...................................... .............. 104 ..............
Wet or damp (excluding ice packs):
(a) Materially affecting appearance but not usability....... .............. .............. 205
(b) Materially affecting usability.......................... .............. 105 ..............
Over wrap (when required):
(a) Missing................................................. .............. 106 ..............
(b) Loose, not sealed, or closed............................ .............. .............. 206
(c) Improperly applied...................................... .............. .............. 207
Sealing tape, strapping, or adhesives (when required):
(a) Missing................................................. .............. 107 ..............
(b) Improperly placed, applied, torn, or wrinkled........... .............. .............. 208
Tape over bottom and top closures (when required):
(a) Not covering stitching.................................. .............. 108 ..............
(b) Torn (exposing stitching)............................... .............. 109 ..............
(c) Wrinkled (exposing stitching)........................... .............. 110 ..............
(d) Not adhering to bag: .............. .............. ..............
1. Exposing stitching................................... .............. 111 ..............
2. Not exposing stitching............................... .............. .............. 209
(e) Improper placement...................................... .............. .............. 210
Product sifting or leaking:
(a) Non-heat processed...................................... .............. 112 ..............
(b) Heat processed.......................................... 3 .............. ..............
Flexible pop-top:
(a) Poor seal (wrinkle, entrapped matter, etc.) reducing 4 .............. ..............
intact seal to less than \1/16\-inch.......................
(b) Short pull tab (materially affecting usability)......... .............. .............. 212
(c) Missing pull tab........................................ .............. 113 ..............
(d) Torn pull tab (materially affecting usability).......... .............. .............. 213
Missing component (straw, etc.)................................. .............. .............. 214
Two part container (poly lined box or bag in box):
(a) Outer case torn......................................... .............. .............. 215
(b) Poly liner: .............. .............. ..............
1. Missing.............................................. 5 .............. ..............
2. Improper closure..................................... .............. 114 ..............
Missing ``zip lock'' (re-sealable containers)................... .............. .............. 216
Loss of vacuum (in vacuum-packed)............................... .............. 115 ..............
Pre-formed containers:
(a) Dented or crushed area.................................. .............. .............. 217
(b) Deformed container...................................... .............. .............. 218
Missing re-sealable cap......................................... .............. 116 ..............
Inner or outer safety seal--missing, torn, poor seal............ 6 .............. ..............
Air bubble in plastic........................................... .............. 117 ..............
Thermostabilized products (includes but not limited to tubes,
pouches, etc.):
Foldover wrinkle in seal area (thermostabilized pouches):
(a) Extends through all plies across seal area or reduces 7 .............. ..............
seal less than \1/16\-inch.................................
(b) Does not extend through all plies and effective seal is .............. .............. 219
\1/16\-inch or greater.....................................
Incomplete seal (thermostabilized pouches)...................... 8 .............. ..............
Non-bonding seal (thermostabilized pouches)..................... 9 .............. ..............
Laminate separation in body of pouch or in seal within \1/16\-
inch of food product edge:
(a) If food contact layer is exposed........................ 10 .............. ..............
(b) If food contact surface is exposed after manipulation or .............. 118 ..............
laminate separation expands after manipulation.............
(c) If lamination separation is limited to isolated spots .............. .............. 220
that do not propagate with manipulation or is outer ply
separation in seal within \1/16\-inch of food product edge
of seal....................................................
Flex cracks (cracks in foil layer only)......................... .............. .............. 221
Swollen container............................................... 11 .............. ..............
Blister (in seal) reducing intact seal to less than \1/16\-inch. 12 .............. ..............
[[Page 57046]]
Compressed seal (overheated to bubble or expose inner layer) 13 .............. ..............
reducing intact seal to less than \1/16\-inch..................
Stringy seal (excessive plastic threads showing at edge of seal .............. .............. 222
area)..........................................................
Contaminated seal (entrapped matter) reducing intact seal to 14 .............. ..............
less than \1/16\-inch..........................................
Seal creep (product in pouch ``creeping'' into seal) reducing 15 .............. ..............
intact seal to less than \1/16\ inch...........................
Misaligned or crooked seal reducing intact seal to less than \1/ 16 .............. ..............
16\-inch.......................................................
Seal formed greater than 1-inch from edge of pouch (unclosed .............. .............. 223
edge flaps)....................................................
Waffling (embossing on surface from retort racks; not scorable .............. .............. 224
unless severe).................................................
Poor or missing tear notch (when required)...................... .............. .............. 225
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table X--Unitizing
[Plastic or other type of casing/unitizing]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Categories
Defects -------------------------------
Major Minor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not specified method.................... 101 ..............
Missing tray (when required)............ 102 ..............
Missing shrink wrap (when required)..... 103 ..............
Loose or improperly applied wrap........ .............. 201
Torn or mutilated....................... .............. 202
Off-center wrap (does not overlap both .............. 203
ends)..................................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0
8. Section 42.113 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 42.113 Defects of label, marking, or code.
Table XI--Label, Marking, or Code
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Categories
Defects -------------------------------
Major Minor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not specified method.................... 101 ..............
Missing (when required)................. 102 ..............
Loose or improperly applied............. .............. 201
Torn or mutilated....................... .............. 202
Torn or scratched, obliterating any 103 ..............
markings on the label..................
Text illegible or incomplete............ .............. 203
Incorrect............................... 104 ..............
In wrong location....................... .............. 204
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0
9. Add Sec. 42.114 to subpart B to read as follows:
Sec. 42.114 Procedures for evaluating interior container defects.
(a) Sections 42.101-42.136 provide procedures for determining lot
conformance with the U.S. Standards for Condition of Food Containers.
This determination is based on the examination of the external
characteristics of the food containers.
(b) As an option, if a user of the inspection service requests to
have the interior characteristics of containers examined, and apply
these results in the determination of lot acceptability, the defects
listed in Table XII may be used.
(c) The determination of lot acceptability based on internal
container defects shall be independent of the determination of lot
acceptability for U.S. Standards for Condition of Food Containers. A
user of the inspection service may choose to require inspection for
internal can defects as well as inspection for U.S. Standards for
Condition of Food Containers.
(d) If a user of the inspection service requests an examination for
internal container defects in addition to an official USDA/USDC
inspection for product quality and/or U.S. grade, the containers opened
by the official inspection service for inspection of product quality
and/or U.S. grade will be used for examination of interior container
defects. The minimum sample size for evaluation of interior container
defects will be 13 containers. As a result, additional containers will
be required if the inspection for quality or U.S. grade calls for fewer
than 13 containers. Table XIII provides acceptance numbers for internal
container defects for selected sample sizes.
[[Page 57047]]
Table XII--Interior Container Defects
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Categories
Defects -------------------------------
Major Minor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
De-tinning in metal container materially 101 ..............
affecting usability....................
De-tinning in metal container not .............. 201
materially affecting usability.........
Black spots in metal container.......... .............. 202
Enamel missing (when required) in metal 102 ..............
container..............................
Enamel breakdown in metal container 103 ..............
material affecting usability...........
Enamel breakdown in metal container .............. 203
material not affecting usability.......
Other defect(s) of the interior of the 104 ..............
container (metal, plastic, paper,
rigid, etc.) e.g., interior damage,
tear, delamination, missing layer, off-
odor, interior blisters, etc. that
materially affects usability...........
Defect(s) of the interior of the .............. 204
container (metal, plastic, paper,
rigid, etc.) e.g., interior damage,
tear, delamination, missing layer, off-
odor, interior blisters, etc. that
materially affects appearance but not
usability..............................
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table XIII--Acceptance Numbers for Internal Container Defects
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Major Total
---------------------------------------------------------------
Sample Size (n = number of containers) Interior Defects Interior Defects
---------------------------------------------------------------
Ac Re Ac Re
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
n--13........................................... 0 1 2 3
n--21........................................... 1 2 3 4
n--29........................................... 1 2 4 5
n--38........................................... 2 3 5 6
n--48........................................... 2 3 6 7
n--60........................................... 2 3 7 8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dated: September 11, 2013.
Rex A. Barnes,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-22574 Filed 9-16-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P
