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Sec. 585.675 Popcorn - Adulteration with Rodent Filth and Field Corn (CPG 7114.19)

REGULATORY ACTION GUIDANCE:

The following represents the criteria for direct reference seizure to *Chief Counsel* through the Division of Compliance Management and Operations (HFC-210) and for direct citation by District Offices:

If upon examination of 10/225 gm subs or 6/10 oz. consumer size packages one of the following conditions is met:

1. One or more rodent excreta pellets are found in one or more subs and one or more rodent hairs are found in a least two other subs.

or

2. Examination shows two or more rodent hairs/lb., and rodent hair are found in 50% or more of the subs.

or

3. Examination shows 20 or more gnawed kernels/lb., and rodent hair are found in 50% or more of the subs.

or

4. Examination shows 5% or more by weight of field corn.

SPECIMEN CHARGE:

The article was adulterated when introduced into and while in interstate commerce, and is adulterated while held for sale after shipment in interstate commerce within the meaning of said Act 21 U.S.C. 342(a)(3) in that it consists in part of a filthy substance by reason of the presence therein of rodent excreta pellets, rodent hair, and by reason of being rodent gnawed.

If the adulteration is due to the presence of field corn, cite, "within the meaning of 21 U.S.C. 342(b)(2) in that field corn has been substituted in part for popcorn."

NOTES:

1. If the evidence establishes that the article became adulterated after receipt in interstate commerce, then charge only that the article "is adulterated while held for sale after shipment in interstate commerce."

2. If the evidence does not establish where the article became adulterated and the violation is such that it could have occurred anywhere, i.e. it is not a manufacturing defect, then also charge only that the article "is adulterated while held for sale after shipment in interstate commerce."

3. Use direct reference citation authority only when prosecution is anticipated and evidence to support a prosecution is included with the adulteration charge. Evidence to support a prosecution is specified in existing regulatory procedures issuances.

*Material between asterisks is new or revised.*

Issued: 10/1/80

Revised: 7/1/83, 12/8/88, 8/96