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 43 - Tomatoes
Section 1472.2 - Tomatoes, Catfaces

Catfaces generally affect the blossom end of the tomato, and they take such varied twists and gnarls that only a general principle is suggested.

In some instances, scarred tissue considered damaged can be removed by slicing it off; if so, such flesh or tissue can be added to determine if 10 percent, by weight, has been damaged from this defect. In other instances when you cannot see the full depth of the catface, it may be necessary to halve the tomato and with a slanting cut (similar in some respects to that suggested for growth cracks), slice off from each half the affected portion and add it to the weight of the defective tissue.

In either method, only include in the defective portion, the pulp or tissue which has the abnormal rough growth characteristic of a catface. Distortion in the shape of the tomato alone cannot be considered as damage.

1. Renumbering from Section 1471.1 filed 1-21-75; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 75, No. 4).
2. Editorial correction adding NOTE filed 4-27-83 (Register 83, No. 18).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 407 and 42684, Food and Agricultural Code. Reference: Section 42941, Food and Agricultural Code.