Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 39, September 25, 2024
(a)
General.
These standards apply only to selected and hybrid varieties
of the high-bush blueberry (Vaccinium australe Small and Vaccinium corymbosum
L.) produced under cultivation, but not to other species of the genus Vaccinium
nor to the true huckleberries of the genus Gaylussacia.
(b)
Definitions.
(1)
Similar varietal
characteristics means that the berries are similar in color and
shape.
(2)
Clean
means that the individual berry is practically free from dirt, grass or other
foreign material.
(3)
Well-colored means that more than one-half of the surface of
the individual berry is blue, bluish-purple, purple, or bluish-black.
(4)
Overripe means that the
individual berry is overmature soft and past commercial utility.
(5)
Wet means that the
individual berry is wet from juice from crushed, leaking or decayed
berries.
(6)
Injury means any specific defect described in this section; or
an equally objectionable variation of any one of these defects, any other
defect, or any combination of defects which more than slightly affects the
appearance or the edible or marketing quality of the blueberries. The following
specific defects shall be considered as injury:
(i) berries which are not clean;
(ii) clusters when there are three or more
joined capstems with at least one berry attached;
(iii) berries with stems attached;
(iv) russeting when readily
noticeable;
(v) scales when readily
noticeable;
(vi) scars when readily
noticeable; and
(vii) berries which
are not well colored.
(7)
Damage means any specific defect defined in this section, or
an equally objectionable variation of any one of these defects, any other
defect, or any combination of defects, which materially affects the appearance,
or the edible or marketing quality of the blueberries. The following specific
defects shall be considered as damage:
(i)
broken skins when caused by stem cracks, bird tears, water splits, punctures,
or mechanical means;
(ii) green
berries when one-half or more of the berry is green;
(iii) wet berries;
(iv) shriveled when the skin is wrinkled and
the shape of the berry is distorted; and
(v) overripe berries.
(8)
Serious damage means any
specific defect defined in this section, or an equally objectionable variation
of any one of these defects, any other defect, or any combination of defects,
which seriously affects the appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of
the blueberries. The following specific defects shall be considered as serious
damage:
(i) decay;
(ii) moldy berries;
(iii) mushy berries;
(iv) mummified berries; and
(v) when any insect larva is present or there
is other visible evidence of the presence of any insects.
(c)
Grade.
New York State Seal of Quality blueberries shall be of
similar varietal characteristics which are clean, well colored, not overripe,
wet, or affected by decay; provided, that defective berries are within the
allowances specified. Count shall not exceed 189 berries per 1/2 pint.
(d)
Size.
The following size classifications may be used in
specifying size of blueberries in connection with the grade.
(1) Extra large-Less than 90 berries per
standard 1/2 pint.
(2) Large-90 to
129 berries per standard 1/2 pint.
(3) Medium-130 to 189 berries per standard
1/2 pint.
(e)
Tolerances.
(1) Defects.
In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading
and handling, based on sample inspection, the number of defective specimens in
the individual sample, and the number of defective specimens in the lot, shall
be within the limitations specified.
| No. of samples |
Total berries |
Total defects (including serious damage
and injury) |
Damage (including serious
damage) |
Serious damage (including
decay) |
| 6 |
600 |
56 |
25 |
3 |
| 8 |
800 |
73 |
32 |
4 |
| 10 |
1,000 |
90 |
39 |
5 |
| 12 |
1,200 |
106 |
46 |
6 |
| 15 |
1,500 |
130 |
56 |
7 |
| 18 |
1,800 |
154 |
66 |
8 |
| Total defective berries permitted in
individual 100 berry sample |
13 |
7 |
1 |
(2)
Off-size.
In order to allow for variations incident to proper sizing
not more than 10 percent of the samples in any lot or one sample, whichever is
the greater number, may fail to meet the range in count specified for one of
the size classifications or the maximum count specified.
(g)
Packing.
(1) Blueberries shall
be packed in new 12-1 pint flats or other new standard packaging subject to
approval by the Department of Agriculture and Markets, which should include
name and address of grower, packer or shipper and volume. Package approval
shall be based upon the ability of the package to maintain the quality
standards and integrity of the product.
(2) In addition to the marking requirements
mentioned above blueberries packaged and offered for sale under the Seal of
Quality program shall have affixed the official seal
designation.
(h)
Markings.
Containers of blueberries packaged and offered for sale
under the Seal of Quality program shall have affixed the official seal
designation.
