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Updated: 2005-11-29

Sec. 570.300 Peanut Butter - Adulteration with Filth; Grit (CPG 7112.03)

REGULATORY ACTION GUIDANCE:

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

  1. Filth
    1. The peanut butter contains an average of 30 or more insect fragments per 100 grams;
    2. or
    3. The peanut butter contains an average of 1 or more rodent hairs per 100 grams.
  2. Grit

    The peanut butter is gritty to the taste and the Water-Insoluble Inorganic Residue (W.I.I.R.) is more than 25 milligrams per 100 grams.

REMARKS:

If there is reason to believe that a lot was packed under the supervision of or certified by the U. S. Department of Agriculture, *e-mail* or FAX the following information to CFSAN/Office of *Compliance*/Division of Enforcement (HFS-605) and await reply before proceeding:

Sample NumberDate of Shipment
Article InvolvedDealer
Amount of LotShipper
CodesAnalytical Conclusions

SPECIMEN CHARGES:

The article was adulterated when introduced into, while in, 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 insect fragments (rodent hair), or that it is unfit for food because it contains grit and is gritty to the taste.

NOTE: Use direct citation authority only when prosecution is anticipated and evidence to support a prosecution is included with the adulteration charge. Evidence necessary to support a procedures issuances.

*Material between asterisks is new or revised.*

Issued: 10/7/79
12/2/88, 3/95, 5/2005