CFR > Title 7 - Agriculture > SUBTITLE B—Regulations of the Department of Agriculture > CHAPTER I—AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards, Inspections, Marketing Practices), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (parts 27 to 206) > SUBCHAPTER C—REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT OF 1946 (parts 51 to 75) > PART 52—PROCESSED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, PROCESSED PRODUCTS THEREOF, AND CERTAIN OTHER PROCESSED FOOD PRODUCTS 1 > SUBPART —Regulations Governing Inspection and Certification (§52.1 to §52.83) > 52.38—Sampling plans and procedures for determining lot compliance.

52.38—Sampling plans and procedures for determining lot compliance.

(a) Except as otherwise provided for in this section in connection with in-plant inspection and unless otherwise approved by the Administrator, samples shall be selected from each lot in the exact number of sample units indicated for the lot size in the applicable sampling plans. The lot size is to correspond to a sample size with a maximum of 29 sample units: Provided, that at the discretion of the inspection service, the number of sample units selected may be increased to the exact number of sample units indicated for any one of the larger sample sizes provided for in the appropriate plans. The samples size may be increased beyond 29 sample units in accordance with the following sampling plan:
Sample Size 38 48 60
Acceptance Number 5 6 7
(b) Under the sampling plans with respect to any specified requirement:
(1) If the number of deviants (as defined in connection with the specific requirement) in the sample does not exceed the acceptance number prescribed for the sample size, the lot meets the requirement;
(2) If the number of deviants (as defined in connection with the specific requirement) in the sample exceeds the acceptance number prescribed for the sample size, the lot fails the requirement.
(c) If in the conduct of on-line in-plant inspection of a product covered by a grade standard which does not contain sampling plans, the sample is examined before the lot size is known and the number of sample units exceeds the prescribed sample size for such lot, but does not equal any of the prescribed larger sample sizes, the lot may be deemed to meet or fail a specific requirement in accordance with the following procedure:
(1) If the number of deviants (as defined in connection with the specific requirement) in the nonprescribed sample does not exceed the acceptance number of the next smaller sample size, the lot meets the requirement;
(2) If the number of deviants (as defined in connection with the specific requirement) in the nonprescribed sample equals the acceptance number prescribed for the next larger sample size, additional sample units shall be selected to increase the sample to the next larger prescribed sample size;
(3) If the number of deviants (as defined in connection with the specific requirement) in the nonprescribed sample exceeds the acceptance number prescribed for the next larger sample size, the lot fails the requirement.
(d) In the conduct of on-line in-plant inspection, sampling may be performed on a time interval basis. The sampling frequency shall be specified in an applicable grade standard or other procedural instruction approved by the Administrator.
(e) In the event that the lot compliance determination provisions of a standard or specification are based on the number of specified deviations instead of deviants the procedures set forth in this section may be applied by substituting the word “deviation” for the word “deviant” wherever it appears.
(f) Sampling plans referred to in this section are those contained in Tables I, II, III, IV, and V and (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this section which follow or any other plans which are applicable. For processed products not included in these tables, the minimum sample size shall be the exact number of sample units prescribed in the table, container group, and lot size that, as determined by the inspector, most closely resembles the product, type, container, size and amount of product to be sampled. The maximum sample size in tables I, II, III, IV, V, (g)(1), (g)(2) and processed products not included in these tables is 29 sample units.
(g) (1) Sampling plan for dried figs. For each 10,000 pounds (or fraction of 10,000 pounds) of product—6 sample units of approximately 35 figs each accumulated into 1 composite (at least 200 figs). Each composite will be examined separately, and all must meet the requirement for the U.S. Grade.
(2) Sampling plan for dried fruits other than dates and figs. For each 15,000 pounds (or fraction of 15,000 pounds) of product—sample units of approximately 16 ounces each accumulated into 1 composite (at least 100 ounces) Each composite will be examined separately and all must meet the requirements for the U.S. Grade.
Table I—Canned or Similarly Processed Fruits, Vegetables, and Products Containing Units of Such Size and Character as To Be Readily Separable
Container size group Lot size (number of containers) 1
Group 1: Any type container of a volume not exceeding that of a No. 303 size can 3,000 or less 3,001 to 12,000 12,001 to 39,000 39,001 to 84,000 84,001 to 145,000
Group 2: Any type of container of a volume exceeding that of a No. 303 size can but not exceeding that of a No. 3 cylinder size can 1,500 or less 1,501 to 6,000 6,001 to 19,500 19,501 to 42,000 42,001 to 72,500
Group 3: Any type of container of a volume exceeding that of a No. 3 cylinder size can, but not exceeding that of a No. 12 size can 750 or less 751 to 3,000 3,001 to 9,750 9,751 to 21,000 21,001 to 36,250
Group 4: Any type of container of a volume exceeding that of a No. 12 size can.
Convert to equivalent number of 6-lb. net weight containers and use group 3
Code of Federal Regulations 533
Lot inspection sample size (no. of sample units) 2 3 6 13 21 29
Acceptance number 0 1 2 3 4
On-line in-plant inspection sample size (no. of sample units) 2 3 6 6 13 21
Acceptance number 0 1 1 2 3
1 Under on-line in-plant inspection, a 5% overrun in number of containers may be permitted by the inspector before going to the next larger sample size.
2 When a standard sample size is not specified in the U.S. grade standards, the sample units for the various container size groups are as follows: Groups 1, 2, and 3—1 container and its entire contents. Group 4 that approximately 2 pounds of product. When determined by the inspector that a 2-pound sample unit is inadequate, a larger sample unit may be substituted.
Table II—Frozen or Similarly Processed Fruits, Vegetables, and Products Containing Units of Such Size and Character as To Be Readily Separable
Container size group Lot size (number of containers) 1
Group 1: Any type of container of 1 lb. or less 2,400 or less 2,401 to 9,600 9,601 to 31,200 31,201 to 67,200 67,201 to 116,000
Group 2: Any type of container over 1 lb. but not over 2-1/2 lbs. net weight 1,200 or less 1,201 to 4,800 4,801 to 15,600 15,601 to 33,600 33,601 to 58,000
Group 3: Any type of container over 2-1/2 lbs.
Convert to equivalent number of 2-1/2 lb. containers and use group 2
Lot inspection sample size (no. of sample units) 2 3 6 13 21 29
Acceptance number 0 1 2 3 4
On-line in-plant inspection sample size (no. of sample units) 2 3 6 6 13 21
Acceptance number 0 1 1 2 3
1 Under on-line in-plant inspection, a 5% overrun in number of containers may be permitted by the inspector before going to the next larger sample size.
2 When a standard sample unit size is not specified in the U.S. grade standards, the sample units for the various container size groups are as follows: Groups 1 and 2—1 container and its entire contents. Group 3 containers up to 10 lbs.—approximately 3 pounds of product. When determined by the inspector that a 3-pound sample unit is inadequate, a larger sample unit or 1 or more containers and their entire contents may be substituted for 1 or more sample units of 3 lbs.
Table III—Canned, Frozen, or Otherwise Processed Fruits, Vegetables, Related Products of a Comminuted, Fluid or Homogeneous State
Container size group Lot size (number of containers) 1
Group 1: Any type of container of 1 lb. or less 4,500 or less 4,501 to 18,000 18,001 to 56,000 58,501 to 126,000 126,001 to 217,000
Group 2: Any type of container exceeding 1 lb. but not exceeding 60 ounces. 3,000 or less 3,001 to 12,000 12,001 to 39,000 39,001 to 84,000 84,001 to 145,000
Group 3: Any type of container exceeding 60 ounces but not exceeding 10 lbs. 1,500 or less 1,501 to 6,000 6,001 to 19,500 19,501 to 42,000 42,001 to 72,500
Group 4: Any type of container of a volume exceeding 10 lbs.
Convert to equivalent number of 6-lb. containers and use group 3
Lot inspection sample size (no. of sample units) 2 3 6 13 21 29
Acceptance number 0 1 2 3 4
On-line in-plant inspection sample size (no. of sample units) 2 3 6 6 13 21
Acceptance number 0 1 1 2 3
1 Under on-line in-plant inspection, a 5% overrun in number of containers may be permitted by the inspector before going to the next larger sample size.
2 When a standard sample size is not specified in the U.S. grade standards, the sample units for the various container size groups are as follows: Groups 1, 2, and 3—1 container and its entire contents. A smaller sample unit may be substituted in Group 3 at the inspector's discretion. Group 4—approximately 16 ounces of product. When determined by the inspector that a 16 ounce sample unit is inadequate, a larger sample unit may be substituted.
Table IV—Dehydrated (Low-Moisture) Fruits, and Vegetables
Container size group Lot size (number of containers) 1
Group 1: Any type of container of 1 lb. or less 1,800 or less 1,801 to 7,200 7,201 to 23,400 23,401 to 50,400 50,401 to 87,000
Group 2: Any type of container over 1 lb. but not over 6 lbs. net weight 600 or less 601 to 2,400 2,401 to 7,800 7,801 to 16,800 16,801 to 29,000
Group 3: Any type of container over 6 lbs.
Convert to equivalent number of 5 lb. containers and use group 2
Lot inspection sample size (no. of sample units) 2 3 6 13 21 29
Acceptance number 0 1 2 3 4
On-line in-plant inspection sample size (no. of sample units) 2 3 6 6 13 21
Acceptance number 0 1 1 2 3
1 Under on-line in-plant inspection, a 5% overrun in number of containers may be permitted by the inspector before going to the next larger sample size.
2 When a standard sample unit size is not specified in the U.S. grade standards, the sample units for the various container size groups are as follows: Group 1—1 container and its entire contents. Groups 2 and 3—1 container and its entire contents or a smaller sample unit when determined by the inspector to be adequate.
Table V—Dates
Container size group Lot size (number of containers) 1
Group 1: Any type of container of 1 lb. or less net weight 2,400 or less 2,401 to 9,600 9,601 to 31,200 31,201 to 67,000 67,201 to 116,000
Group 2: Any type of container over 1 lb. but not over 5 lbs. net weight 800 or less 801 to 3,200 3,201 to 10,400 10,401 to 22,400 22,401 to 33,667
Group 3: Any type of container over 5 lbs.
Convert to equivalent number of 5 lb. containers and use group 2
Lot inspection sample size (no. of sample units) 2 3 6 13 21 29
Acceptance number 0 1 2 3 4
On-line in-plant inspection sample size (no. of sample units) 2 3 6 6 13 21
Acceptance number 0 1 1 2 3
1 Under on-line in-plant inspection, a 5% overrun in number of containers may be permitted by the inspector before going to the next larger sample size.
2 When a standard sample size is not specified in the U.S. grade standards, the sample units for the various container size groups are as follows: Groups 1 and 2—1 container and its entire contents. Group 3 containers up to 10 pounds—1 container and its entire contents. Group 3 containers over 10 pounds—approximately three pounds of product. When determined by the inspector that a 3-pound sample unit is inadequate, a larger sample unit or 1 or more containers and their entire contents may be substituted for 1 or more sample units of 3 pounds.

Code of Federal Regulations

[38 FR 25166, Sept. 12, 1973; 38 FR 26903, Sept. 27, 1973. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977 and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, and amended at 51 FR 20439, June 5, 1986; 63 FR 50747, Sept. 23, 1998]