Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 39, September 25, 2024
(a)
General.
New York State Seal of Quality iceberg lettuce shall be
heads of lettuce that are of similar varietal characteristics, fresh, green,
not soft, not burst; free from decay, worm injury, russet spotting, doubles;
free from damage by tipburn, downy mildew, field freezing, discoloration, or
any other cause. Each head shall be fairly well trimmed.
(b)
Definitions.
(1)
Similar varietal
characteristics means that the heads in any container have the same
characteristic leaf growth. For example, lettuce of the Iceberg and Big Boston
types shall not be mixed.
(2)
Fresh means that the head as a whole has normal succulence and
the wrapper leaves and the outermost head leaves are not more than slightly
wilted.
(3)
Green
means that one-half or more of the exterior surface of the head, exclusive of
the wrapper leaves, has at least a light green color.
(4)
Burst means that the
head is split or broken open.
(5)
Doubles means two heads on the same stem.
(6)
Closely trimmed means
that the butt is trimmed off closely below the point of attachment of the outer
leaves, and that on a head of Iceberg type lettuce, wrapper leaves does not
exceed three in number.
(7)
Cap leaf is the first head leaf. This is the outermost leaf
which fairly closely enfolds the compact portion of the head, some portion of
which extends to the top of the crown. The tip of the leaf may be separated
from the head: provided, that the separation does not exceed more than 1 1/4
inches (31.8 mm) in height from the compact portion of the head.
(i) All leaves outside of the cap leaf are
wrapper leaves.
(ii) On enlongated
or pointed heads the inner leaves that closely enfold the head three-fourths of
their length are head leaves.
(8)
Damage means any
specific defect or any combination of defects which materially detracts from
the appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the lettuce.
(9)
Serious damage means any
specific defect or any combination of defects, which seriously detracts from
the appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the lettuce.
(c)
Tolerances.
In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading
and handling, the following tolerances, by count, shall be permitted in any
lot:
(1) For defects. Eight percent
for heads of lettuce which fail to meet the requirements of the specifications:
provided, that included in the amount not more than three percent shall be
allowed for soft heads; and provided further, that not more than four percent
shall be allowed for defects causing serious damage; included in this latter
amount not more than two percent for heads which are affected by decay on the
wrapper leaves and not more than one percent for heads which are affected by
decay on the compact portion of the head.
(d)
Application of tolerances.
In order to meet the requirements of the specifications,
the average percentage of defective specimens in the lot, based on sample
inspection shall be within the tolerance specified, and the number of defective
specimens in individual packages shall be within the limitations set forth in
the following table:
| Lot tolerance,
percent |
Total number of
defective heads permitted in any package |
|
24 |
18 or 20 |
30 |
over 30 |
| 1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
| 2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
| 3 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
| 4 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
| 5 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 8 |
5 |
4 |
6 |
7 |
(e)
Solidity.
Solidity of lettuce may be specified in connection with the
grade in accordance with any of the following classifications:
(1)
Hard means that the head
is compact and solid. This term represents the highest degree of
solidity.
(2)
Firm
means that head is compact, but may yield slightly to moderate
pressure.
(3)
Fairly
firm means that although the head is not firm, it is not soft and
spongy, and has good head formation.
(4)
Soft means that the head
is easily compressed or spongy.
(f)
Packing.
The following terms should be used in describing the
tightness of pack. Lettuce shall be vacuum cooled and in new closed standard
cartons.
(1)
Excessively
tight means that the heads are so tightly packed that they are damaged
by pressure causing distortion or crushing of the heads or breaking of the
midribs. The term should be used only when such is the case.
(2)
Tight means that the
layers are completely and tightly filled without injury to the heads. This
represents the most desirable pack.
(3)
Fairly tight means that
the layers are filled, but the pack is somewhat loosely arranged, and in
cartons usually additional heads, but not a complete row, can be
inserted.
(4)
Slack means that the pack is very loose in layers and in
standard cartons an additional row or layer can be added.
All packages are subject to approval by the Department of
Agriculture and Markets. Package approval shall be based upon the ability of
the package to maintain the quality standards and integrity of the
product.
(g)
Markings.
Iceberg lettuce packaged and offered for sale under the
Seal of Quality program shall have affixed the official seal
designation.
