California Code of Regulations
Title 3 - Food and Agriculture
Division 3 - Economics
Chapter 1 - Fruit and Vegetable Standardization
Subchapter 4 - Fresh Fruits, Nuts and Vegetables
Article 28 - Melons, Other than Cantaloupes
Section 1442.13 - Watermelons, Rind Rot

A rejection shall only be based on those melons in which the defect occurs in the edible portion, and particularly not based on outside indications such as bumps, welts, or off-color. To determine that the edible portion is damaged to the extent that the melon is rejectable, cut the melon in any direction, but there must be a distinct brown color or decay in the edible flesh and it must be a realistic amount. If there are outside indications of damage from rind rot, cut the melon through these welts or spots; it may also be necessary to cut the melon lengthwise, or peel the rind off the melon in such a way that it makes the line between the edible flesh and the rind more visible.

1. Renumbering from Section 1477 filed 1-21-75; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 75, No. 4).