Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 110.110 allows the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish maximum levels of natural or unavoidable defects in foods for human use that present no health hazard. These "Food Defect Action Levels" listed in this booklet are set on this premise--that they pose no inherent hazard to health.
Poor manufacturing practices may result in enforcement action without regard to the action level. Likewise, the mixing of blending of food with a defect at or above the current defect action level with another lot of the same or another food is not permitted. That practice renders the final food unlawful regardless of the defect level of the finished food.
The FDA set these action levels because it is economically impractical to grow, harvest, or process raw products that are totally free of non-hazardous, naturally occurring, unavoidable defects. Products harmful to consumers are subject to regulatory action whether or not they exceed the action levels.
It is incorrect to assume that because the FDA has an established defect action level for a food commodity, the food manufacturer need only stay just below that level. The defect levels do no represent an average of the defects that occur in any of the products--the averages are actually much lower. The levels represent limits at which FDA will regard the food product "adulterated"; and subject to enforcement action under Section 402(a)(3) of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act.
As technology improves, the FDA may review and change defect action levels on this list. Also, products may be added to the list. The FDA publishes these revisions as Notices in the Federal Register. It is the responsibility of the user of this booklet to stay current with any changes to this list.
If there is no defect action level for a product, or when findings show levels or types of defects that do not appear to fit the action level criteria, FDA evaluates the samples and decides on a case-by-case basis. In this procedure, FDA's technical and regulatory experts in filth and extraneous materials use a variety of criteria, often in combination, in determining the significance and regulatory impact of the findings.
The criteria considered is based on the reported findings (e.g., lengths of hairs, sizes of insect fragments, distribution of filth in the sample, and combinations of filth types found). Moreover, FDA interprets the findings considering available scientific information (e.g., ecology of animal species represented) and the knowledge of how a product is grown, harvested, and processed.
It is FDA's position that pesticides are not the alternative to preventing food defects. The use of chemical substances to control insects, rodents and other natural contaminants has little, if any impact on natural and unavoidable defects in foods. The primary use of pesticides in the field is to protect food plants from being ravaged by destructive plant pests (leaf feeders, stem borers, etc.).
A secondary use of pesticides is for cosmetic purposes--to prevent some food products from becoming so severely damaged by pests that it becomes unfit to eat.
This edition of The Food Defect Action Level includes the source of each defect and the significance of it (i.e., how the defect affects the food). Food processors may find this information helpful as a quality control tool in their operation.
Food commodities (Product) are listed alphabetically. Each listing indicates the analytical methodology (Defect Method) used, as well as the parameters for the defect (Defect Action Level).
The Macroanalytical Procedures Manual (MPM) is out of print. However, it is available at the web site: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/mpm-toc.html
For information on the availability of the Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) you may contact them at:
AOAC
481 North Frederick Avenue, Suite 500
Gaithersburg, MD 20877-2504
Telephone: 301-924-7077
The Glossary describes terms used throughout this booklet.
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Product | DEFECT (Method) |
Action Level |
---|
ALLSPICE, GROUND | Insect Filth (AOAC 981.21) |
Average of 30 or more insect fragments per 10 grams |
Rodent filth (AOAC 981.21) |
Average of 1 or more rodent hairs per 10 grams |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect fragments - pre/post harvest and
processing insect infestation. Rodent hair - post harvest and/or processing contamination
with animal hair or excreta
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
ALLSPICE, WHOLE | Mold (MPM-V32) |
Average of 5% or more berries by weight are moldy |
DEFECT SOURCE: : Preharvest and/or post harvest infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Potential health hazard - may contain mycotoxin
producing fungi
APPLE BUTTER | Mold (AOAC 975.51) |
Average of mold count is 12% or more |
Rodent filth (AOAC 945.76) |
Average of 4 or more rodent hairs per 100 grams of apple butter | |
Insects (AOAC 945.76) |
Average of 5 or more whole or equivalent insects (not counting mites, aphids, thrips, or scale insects) per 100 grams of apple butter |
DEFECT SOURCE: Mold - post harvest infection. Rodent hair -
post harvest and/or processing contamination with animal hair. Whole
or equivalent insects - preharvest, and/or post harvest and/or
processing insect infestation,
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
APRICOTS, CANNED | Insect filth (MPM-V51) |
Average of 2% or more by count has been damaged or infected by insects |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest insect infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
ASPARAGUS, CANNED OR FROZEN | Insect filth (MPM-V93) |
10% by count of spears or pieces are infested with 6 or more attached asparagus beetle eggs and/or sacs |
Insects (MPM-V93) |
Asparagus contains an average of 40 or more thrips per 100 grams
OR Insects (whole or equivalent) of 3mm or longer have an average aggregate length of 7mm or longer per 100 grams of asparagus |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest insect infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
BAY (LAUREL) LEAVES | Mold (MPM-V32) * |
Average of 5% or more pieces by weight are moldy |
Insect filth (MPM-V32) |
Average of 5% or more pieces by weight are insect-infested | |
Mammalian excreta (MPM-V32) |
Average of 1 mg or more mammalian excreta per pound after processing |
DEFECT SOURCE: Mold - preharvest infection. Insect infestation -
preharvest and/or post harvest and/or processing insect infestation.
Mammalian excreta - post harvest and/or processing animal
contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
BEETS, CANNED | Rot | Average of 5% or more pieces by weight with dry rot |
DEFECT SOURCE: Preharvest mold infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
BERRIES | ||
Drupelet, Canned and Frozen (blackberries, raspberries, etc.) | Mold (AOAC 955.47) |
Average mold count is 60% or more |
Insects and larvae (AOAC 981.20) |
Average of 4 or more larvae per 500
grams OR Average of 10 or more whole insects or equivalent per 500 grams (excluding thrips, aphids and mites) |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insects and larvae - preharvest insect infestation. Mold - post
harvest infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
Lingon, Canned (European cranberry) | Insect larvae (MPM-V64) |
Average of 3 or more larvae per pound in a minimum of 12 subsamples |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insects-pre-harvest insect infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
Multer, Canned | Insects (MPM-V64) |
Average of 40 or more thrips per No.2 can in all subsamples and 20% of subsamples are materially infested |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insects-pre-harvest insect infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
BROCCOLI, FROZEN | Insects and mites (AOAC 945.82) |
Average of 60 or more aphids and/or thrips and/or mites per 100 grams |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest insect infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
BRUSSELS SPROUTS, FROZEN | Insects (MPM-V95) |
Average of 30 or more aphids and/or thrips per 100 grams |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest insect infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
CAPSICUM: | ||
Pods | Insect filth and/or mold (MPM-V32) |
Average of more than 3% of pods by weight are insect-infested and/or moldy |
Mammalian excreta (MPM-V32) |
Average of more than 1mg mammalian excreta per pound |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect infested - preharvest and/or post harvest insect infestation.
Mold - preharvest and/or post harvest infection, Mammalian excreta - post harvest and/or
processing animal contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic, Potential health hazard - mold may contain mycotoxin
producing fungi
Ground Capsicum (excluding paprika) | Mold (AOAC 945.94) |
Average mold count is more than 20% |
Insect filth (AOAC 978.22) |
Average of more than 50 insect fragments per 25 grams | |
Rodent filth (AOAC 978.22) |
Average of more than 6 rodent hairs per 25 grams |
DEFECT SOURCE: Mold - pre-harvest and/or post harvest mold infection. Insect
fragments - pre-harvest and/or post harvest and/or processing insect infestation. Rodent hair
- pre-harvest and/or post harvest and/or processing contamination with animal hair or
excreta
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic, Mold may contain mycotoxin producing fungi
Ground Paprika | Mold (AOAC 945.94) |
Average mold count is more than 20% |
Insect filth (AOAC 977.25B) |
Average of more than 75 insect fragments per 25 grams | |
Rodent filth (AOAC 977.25B) |
Average of more than 11 rodent hairs per 25 grams |
DEFECT SOURCE: Mold - pre and/or post harvest mold infection. Insect
fragments - pre and/or post harvest and/or processing insect infestation. Rodent hair
- pre and/or post harvest and/or processing contamination with animal hair or
excreta
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic, Potential health hazard - mold may contain mycotoxin producing fungi
CASSIA (OR) CINNAMON BARK, WHOLE | Mold (MPM-V32) |
Average of 5% or more pieces by weight are moldy |
Insect filth (MPM-V32) |
Average of 5% or more pieces by weight are insect-infested | |
Mammalian excreta (MPM-V32) |
Average of 1 mg or more mammalian excreta per pound |
DEFECT SOURCE: Mold - post harvest mold infection. Insect infestation - post
harvest and/or processing. Mammalian excreta - post harvest and/or
processing animal contamination.
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
CINNAMON, GROUND | Insect filth (AOAC 968.38b) |
Average of 400 or more insect fragments per 50 gram |
Rodent filth (AOAC 968.38b) |
Average of 11 or more rodent hairs per 50 grams |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect fragments - post harvest and/or processing insect
infestation. Rodent hair - post harvest and/or processing contamination with animal hair or
excreta
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
CHERRIES | ||
Brined and Maraschino | Insect filth (MPM-V48) |
Average of 5% or more pieces are rejects due to maggots |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest insect infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
Fresh, Canned, or Frozen | Rot (MPM-V48) |
Average of 7% or more pieces are rejects due to rot |
Insect filth (MPM-V48) |
Average of 4% or more pieces are rejects due to insects other than maggots |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect reject - Pre-harvest and/or post harvest insect infestation,
Rot reject - pre-harvest mold infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
CHERRY JAM | Mold (MPM-V61) |
Average mold count is 30% or more |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest mold infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
CHOCOLATE AND CHOCOLATE LIQUOR | Insect filth (AOAC 965.38) |
Average is 60 or more insect fragments per 100 grams when 6
100-gram subsamples are examined OR Any 1 subsample contains 90 or more insect fragments |
Rodent filth (AOAC 965.38) |
Average is 1 or more rodent hairs per 100 grams in 6 100-gram
subsamples examined OR Any 1 subsample contains 3 or more rodent hairs |
|
Shell (AOAC 968.10-970.23) |
For chocolate liquor, if the shell is in excess of 2% calculated on the basis of alkali-free nibs |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect fragments - post harvest and/or processing insect
infestation, Rodent hair - post harvest and/or processing contamination with animal hair or
excreta, Shell - processing contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
CITRUS FRUIT JUICES, CANNED | Mold (AOAC 970.75) |
Average mold count is 10% or more |
Insects and insect eggs (AOAC 970.72) |
5 or more Drosophila and other fly eggs per 250 ml or 1 or more maggots per 250 ml |
DEFECT SOURCE: Mold - processing contamination, Fly eggs and/or maggots - post
harvest insect infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
CLOVES | Stems (MPM-V32) |
Average of 5% or more stems by weight |
DEFECT SOURCE: Harvest
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic, economic adulteration
COCOA BEANS | Mold (MPM-V18) |
More than 4% of beans by count are moldy |
Insect filth (MPM-V18) |
More than 4% of beans by count are insect-infested including insect-damaged | |
Insect filth and/or mold | More than 6% of beans by count are insect-infested or moldy NOTE: Level differs when both filth and mold are present | |
Mammalian excreta (MPM-V18) |
Average of 10 mg or more mammalian excreta per pound |
DEFECT SOURCE: Mold - post harvest infection, Insect infested/damaged - post
harvest and/or processing insect infestation, Mammalian excreta - post harvest and/or
processing animal contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic, Potential health hazard - may contain mycotoxin
producing fungi
COCOA POWDER PRESS CAKE | Insect filth (AOAC 965.38) |
Average of 75 or more insect fragments per subsample of 50 grams
when 6 subsamples are examined OR Any 1 subsample contains 125 or more insect fragments |
Rodent filth (AOAC 965.38) |
Average in 6 or more subsamples is 2 or more rodent hairs per
subsample of 50 grams OR Any 1 subsample contains 4 or more rodent hairs |
|
Shell (AOAC 968.10-970.23) |
2% or more shell calculated on the basis of alkali-free nibs. |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect fragments - post harvest and/or processing insect
infestation, Rodent hair - post harvest and/or processing contamination with animal hair or
excreta, Shell - processing contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
COFFEE BEANS, GRADED GREEN | Grade defects (MPM-V6) |
Beans are poorer than Grade 8 of the New York Green Coffee Association |
DEFECT SOURCE: Quality - processing
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic, economic adulteration
COFFEE BEANS, GREEN | Insect filth and insects (MPM-V1) |
Average 10% or more by count are insect-infested or
insect-damaged Note: If live external infestation is present use the Compliance Policy Guide (CPG) titled "Food Storage and Warehousing-Adulteration-Filth" (CPG 580.100) in accordance with "Interpretation of Insect Filth" (CPG 555.600) |
Mold (MPM-V1) |
Average of 10% or more beans by count are moldy |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect infested/damaged - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or
processing insect infestation, Mold - post harvest and/or processing infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic, Potential health hazard - mold may contain
mycotoxin
producing fungi
CONDIMENTAL SEEDS OTHER THAN FENNEL SEEDS AND SESAME SEEDS | Mammalian excreta (MPM-V32) |
Average of 3 mg or more of mammalian excreta per pound |
DEFECT SOURCE: Post harvest and/or processing animal
contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
CORN: SWEET CORN, CANNED | Insect larvae (AOAC 973.61) |
Insect larvae (corn ear worms, corn borers) 2 or more 3mm or longer larvae, cast skins, larval or cast skin fragments of corn ear worms or corn borer and the aggregate length of such larvae, cast skins, larval or cast skin fragments exceeds 12 mm in 24 pounds (24 No. 303 cans or equivalent) |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest insect infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
CORN HUSKS FOR TAMALES | Insect filth (MPM-V115) |
Average of 5 % or more husks by weight are insect-infested (including insect-damaged) |
Mold (MPM-V115) |
Average of 5% or more husks by weight are moldy |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect infested - preharvest and/or processing insect infestation,
Mold - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or processing infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
CORNMEAL | Insects (AOAC 981.19) |
Average of 1 or more whole insects (or equivalent) per 50 grams |
Insect filth (AOAC 981.19) |
Average of 25 or more insect fragments per 25 grams | |
Rodent filth (AOAC 981.19) |
Average of 1 or more rodent hairs per 25 grams
OR Average of 1 or more rodent excreta fragment per 50 grams |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insects and insect fragments - preharvest and/or post harvest
and/or processing insect infestation, Rodent hair and excreta fragments - post harvest
and/or processing contamination with animal hair or excreta
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
CRANBERRY SAUCE | Mold (AOAC 970.76) |
Average mold count is more than 15% OR The mold count of any 1 subsample is more than 50% |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest and/or post harvest infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
CUMIN SEED | Sand and grit (AOAC 975.48) |
Average of 9.5% or more ash and/or 1.5% or more acid insoluble ash |
DEFECT SOURCE: Harvest contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
CURRANT JAM, BLACK | Mold (MPM-V61) |
Average mold count is 75% or more |
DEFECT SOURCE: Post harvest and/or processing infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
CURRANTS | Insect filth (MPM-V53) |
5% or more, by count, wormy in the average of the subsamples |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest insect infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
CURRY POWDER | Insect filth (AOAC 975.48) |
Average of 100 or more insect fragments per 25 grams |
Rodent filth (AOAC 975.48) |
Average of 4 or more rodent hairs per 25 grams |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect fragments - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or
processing insect infestation, Rodent hair - post harvest
and/or processing contamination with animal hair or excreta
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
Product | DEFECT |
Action Level |
---|
DATE MATERIAL (CHOPPED, SLICED, (OR) MACERATED) | Insects (MPM-V53) |
10 or more dead insects (whole or equivalent) in 1 or
more subsamples OR 5 or more dead insects (whole or equivalent) per 100 grams |
Pits (MPM-V53) |
2 or more pits and/or pit fragments 2 mm or longer measured in the longest dimension per 900 grams |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insects - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or processing insect
infestation, Pits - processing
SIGNIFICANCE: Insects - Aesthetic, Pits - mouth/tooth injury
DATES, PITTED | Multiple (MPM-V53) |
Average of 5% or more dates by count are rejects (moldy, dead insects, insect excreta, sour, dirty, and/or worthless) as determined by macroscopic sequential examination |
Pits (MPM-V53) |
Average of 2 or more pits and/or pit fragments 2 mm or longer in the longest dimension per 100 dates |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insects, insect excreta, & mold - preharvest and/or post harvest
and/or processing, Sour & worthless - preharvest, Dirt - harvest contamination, Pits -
processing
SIGNIFICANCE: Insects, insect excreta, mold, sour & worthless, dirt - Aesthetic, Pits
- mouth/tooth injury
DATES, WHOLE | Multiple (MPM-V53) |
Average of 5% or more dates by count are rejects (moldy, dead insects, insect excreta, sour, dirty, and/or worthless) as determined by macroscopic sequential examination |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insects, insect excreta, & mold - preharvest and/or post harvest
and/or processing, Sour & worthless - preharvest, Dirt - harvest contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
EGGS AND OTHER EGG PRODUCTS, FROZEN | Decomposition (AOAC 939.14, 940.36, 940.37) |
2 or more cans decomposed and at least 2 subsamples from decomposed cans have direct microscopic counts of 5 million or more bacteria per gram |
DEFECT SOURCE: Processing (incubator rejects)
SIGNIFICANCE: Economic
FENNEL SEED | Insects (MPM-V32) |
20% or more of subsamples contain insects |
Mammalian excreta
(MPM-V32) |
20% or more of subsamples contain mammalian excreta
OR average of more than 3 mg of mammalian excreta per pound |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insects - preharvest and/or post harvest insect infestation, Excreta
- post harvest and/or processing animal contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
FIG PASTE | Insects (AOAC 964.23) |
Contains 13 or more insect heads per 100 grams of fig paste in each of 2 or more subsamples |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest and/or post harvest and/or processing insect
infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
FIGS | Insect filth and/or mold and/or dirty fruit or pieces of
fruit (MPM-V53) |
Average of 10% or more by count are insect-infested and/or moldy and/or dirty fruit or pieces of fruit |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect infested - Pre-harvest and/or post harvest infestation, Moldy
- preharvest infection. Dirt - harvest contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic, Potential health hazard - may contain mycotoxin
producing fungi
Tullibees, Ciscoes, Inconnus, Chubs, and Whitefish | Parasites (cysts) (MPM-V28) |
50 parasitic cysts per 100 pounds (whole or fillets), provided that 20% of the fish examined are infested |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
Blue Fin and other Fresh Water Herring | Parasites (cysts) (MPM-V28) |
60 parasitic cysts per 100 fish (fish averaging 1 pound or less) or 100 pounds of fish averaging over 1 pound), provided that 20% of the fish examined are infested |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
Red Fish and Ocean Perch | Parasites (copepods) (MPM-V28) |
3 % of the fillets examined contain 1 or more copepods accompanied by pus pockets |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
GINGER, WHOLE | Insect filth and/or mold (MPM-V32) |
Average of 3% or more pieces by weight are insect-infested and/or moldy |
Mammalian excreta (MPM-V32) |
Average of 3 mg or more of mammalian excreta per pound |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect infestation - post harvest and/or processing, Mold - post
harvest and/or processing infection, Mammalian excreta - post harvest and/or processing
animal contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic, Potential health hazard - may contain mycotoxin
producing fungi
GREENS, CANNED | Mildew (AOAC 967.23) |
Average of 10% or more of leaves, by count or weight, showing mildew over 1/2" in diameter |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
HOPS | Insects (AOAC 967.23) |
Average of more than 2,500 aphids per 10 grams |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
MACARONI AND NOODLE PRODUCTS | Insect filth (AOAC 969.41) |
Average of 225 insect fragments or more per 225 grams in 6 or more subsamples |
Rodent filth (AOAC 969.41) |
Average of 4.5 rodent hairs or more per 225 grams in 6 or more subsamples |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect fragments - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or
processing infestation. Rodent hair - post harvest and/or processing contamination with
animal hair or excreta
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
MACE | Insect filth and/or mold (MPM-V32) |
Average of 3% or more pieces by weight are insect-infested and/or moldy |
Mammalian excreta (MPM-V32) |
Average of 3 mg or more of mammalian excreta per pound | |
Foreign matter (MPM-V32) |
Average of 1.5% or more of foreign matter through a 20-mesh sieve |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect infestation - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or
processing. Mold - preharvest and/or post harvest infection, Mammalian excreta - post
harvest and/or processing animal contamination, Foreign matter - post harvest
contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
MARJORAM, WHOLE PLANT, UNPROCESSED | Insect filth and/or mold (MPM-V32) |
Average of 5% or more pieces by weight are insect-infested or moldy |
Mammalian excreta (MPM-V32) |
Average of 1 mg or more mammalian excreta per pound |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect infestation - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or
processing, Mold - post harvest and/or processing infection, Mammalian excreta - post
harvest and/or processing animal contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
MARJORAM, GROUND | Insect filth (AOAC 975.49) |
Average of 1175 or more insect fragments per 10 grams |
Rodent filth (AOAC 975.49) |
Average of 8 or more rodent hairs per 10 grams |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect fragments - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or
processing insect infestation, Rodent hair - post harvest and/or processing contamination
with animal hair or excreta
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
MARJORAM, UNGROUND | Insect filth (AOAC 985.39) |
Average of 250 or more insect fragments per 10 grams |
Rodent filth (AOAC 985.39) |
Average of 2 or more rodent hairs per 10 grams |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect fragments - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or
processing insect infestation, Rodent hair - processing contamination
with animal hair or excreta
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
MUSHROOMS, CANNED AND DRIED | Insects (AOAC 967.24) |
Average of over 20 or more maggots of any size per 100 grams of
drained mushrooms and proportionate liquid or 15 grams of dried mushrooms
OR Average of 5 or more maggots 2 mm or longer per 100 grams of drained mushrooms and proportionate liquid or 15 grams of dried mushrooms |
Mites (AOAC 967.24) |
Average of 75 mites per 100 grams drained mushrooms and proportionate liquid or 15 grams of dried mushrooms | |
Decomposition (MPM-V100) |
Average of more than 10% of mushrooms are decomposed |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insects - preharvest insect infestation, Mites - preharvest and/or
post harvest infestation, Decomposition - preharvest infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
NECTARS, APRICOT, PEACH AND PEAR | Mold | Average mold count is 12% or more |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
NUTMEG, WHOLE | Insect filth and/or mold (MPM-V41) |
Average of 10% or more pieces by count are insect-infested and/or moldy |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect infestation - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or
processing, Mold - preharvest and/or post harvest infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic, Potential health hazard - may contain mycotoxin producing
fungi
NUTMEG, GROUND | Insect filth (AOAC 979.26) |
Average of 100 or more insect fragments per 10 grams |
Rodent filth (AOAC 979.26) |
Average of 1 or more rodent hairs per 10 grams |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect fragments - post harvest and/or processing insect
infestation, Rodent hair - post harvest and/or processing contamination with animal hair or
excreta
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
NUTS, TREE | Multiple Defects (MPM-V81) |
Reject nuts (insect-infested, rancid, moldy, gummy, and shriveled or empty shells) as determined by macroscopic examination at or in excess of the following levels: |
NUT TYPE | UNSHELLED % | SHELLED % |
Almonds | 5 | 5 |
Brazils | 10 | 5 |
Cashew | -- | 5 |
Green Chestnuts | 15 | -- |
Baked Chestnuts | 10 | -- |
Dried Chestnuts | -- | 5 |
Filberts | 10 | 5 |
Lichee Nuts | 5 | -- |
Pecans | 10 | 5 |
Pili Nuts | 15 | 10 |
Pistachios | 10 | 5 |
Walnuts | 10 | 5 |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect infested - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or processing,
Mold - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or processing infection, Gummy & shriveled -
preharvest physiological condition, Rancidity - post harvest
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic, Potential health hazard - may contain mycotoxin
producing fungi
Product | DEFECT |
Action Level |
---|
OLIVES: | ||
Pitted olives | Pits (MPM-V67) |
Average of 1.3 percent or more by count of olives with whole pits and/or pit fragments 2 mm or longer measured in the longest dimension |
DEFECT SOURCE: Processing
SIGNIFICANCE: Mouth/tooth injury
Imported Green olives | Insect damage (MPM-V67) |
7% or more olives by count showing damage by olive fruit fly |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest insect infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
Salad olives | Pits (MPM-V67) |
Average of 1.3 or more olives by count of olives with whole pits and/or pit fragments 2 mm or longer measured in the longest dimension |
Insect damage (MPM-V67) |
9% or more olives by weight showing damage by olive fruit fly |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pits - processing, Insect damage - preharvest insect
infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Pits - mouth/tooth injury, Insect damage - Aesthetic
Salt-cured olives | Insects (MPM-V67) |
Average of 10% or more olives by count with 10 or more scale insects each |
Mold (MPM-V67) |
Average of 25% or more olives by count are moldy |
DEFECT SOURCE: Scale insects - preharvest infestation, Mold - post harvest and/or
processing infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
Imported Black olives | Insect damage (MPM-V67) |
10% or more olives by count showing damage by olive fruit fly |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest insect infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
OREGANO, WHOLE PLANT, UNPROCESSED | Insect filth and/or mold weight (MPM-V32) |
Average of 5% or more insect infested and/or moldy pieces by weight |
Mammalian excreta (MPM-V32) |
Average of 1 mg or more mammalian excreta per pound |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect infested - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or processing,
Mold - post harvest and/or processing infection, Mammalian excreta - post harvest and/or
processing animal contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
OREGANO, GROUND | Insect filth (AOAC 975.49) |
Average of 1250 or more insect fragments per 10 grams |
Rodent filth (AOAC 975.49) |
Average of 5 or more rodent hairs per 10 grams |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect fragments - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or
processing insect infestation, Rodent hair - post harvest and/or processing contamination
with animal hair or excreta
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
OREGANO, CRUSHED | Insect filth (AOAC 969.44) |
Average of 300 or more insect fragments per 10 grams |
Rodent filth (AOAC 969.44) |
Average of 2 or more rodent hairs per 10 grams |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect fragments - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or
processing insect infestation, Rodent hair - post harvest and/or processing contamination
with animal hair or excreta
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
PEACHES, CANNED AND FROZEN | Mold/Insect damage (MPM-V51) |
Average of 3% or more fruit by count are wormy or moldy |
Insects (MPM-V51) |
In 12 1-pound cans or equivalent, one or more larvae and/or larval fragments whose aggregate length exceeds 5 mm |
DEFECT SOURCE: Mold - preharvest and/or post harvest infection, Insect damage -
preharvest insect infestation, Larvae - preharvest insect infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
PEANUT BUTTER | Insect filth (AOAC 968.35) |
Average of 30 or more insect fragments per 100 grams |
Rodent filth (AOAC 968.35) |
Average of 1 or more rodent hairs per 100 grams | |
Grit (AOAC 968.35) |
Gritty taste and water insoluble inorganic residue is more than 25 mg per 100 grams |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect fragments - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or
processing insect infestation, Rodent hair - post harvest and/or processing contamination
with animal hair or excreta, Grit - harvest contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
PEANUTS, SHELLED | Multiple defects (MPM-V89) |
Average of 5% or more kernels by count are rejects (insect-infested, moldy, rancid, otherwise decomposed, and dirty) |
Insects (MPM-V89) |
Average of 20 or more whole insects or equivalent in 100-pound bag siftings |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect infested - post harvest and/or processing infestation,
Moldy - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or processing infection, Rancid & decomposed
- post harvest abuse, Dirty - harvest contamination.
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic, Potential health hazard - may contain mycotoxin
producing fungi
PEANUTS, UNSHELLED | Multiple defects (MPM-V89) |
Average of 10% or more peanuts by count are rejects (insect- infested, moldy, rancid, otherwise decomposed, and dirty) |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect infested - post harvest and/or processing infestation, Mold -
preharvest and/or post harvest and/or processing infection, Rancid & decomposed - post
harvest abuse
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic, Potential health hazard - may contain mycotoxin
producing fungi
PEAS: BLACK-EYED, COWPEAS, FIELD PEAS, DRIED | Insect damage (MPM-V104) |
Average of 10% or more by count of class 6 damage or higher in minimum of 12 subsamples |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest and/or post harvest insect infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
PEAS, COWPEAS, BLACK-EYED PEAS (SUCCULENT), CANNED | Insect larvae (MPM-V104) |
Average of 5 or more cowpea curculio larvae or the equivalent per No. 2 can |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest and/or post harvest insect infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
PEAS AND BEANS, DRIED | Insect filth (MPM-V104) |
Average of 5% or more by count insect-infested and/or insect-damaged by storage insects in a minimum of 12 subsamples |
DEFECT SOURCE: preharvest and/or post harvest and/or processing
infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
PEPPER, WHOLE (BLACK & WHITE) | Insect filth and/or insect-mold (MPM-V39) |
Average of 1% or more pieces by weight are infested and/or moldy |
Mammalian excreta (MPM-V39) |
Average of 1 mg or more mammalian excreta per pound | |
Foreign matter (MPM-V39) |
Average of 1% or more pickings and siftings by weight |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect infested - post harvest and/or processing infestation, Moldy
- post harvest and/or processing infection, Mammalian excreta - post harvest and/or
processing animal contamination, Foreign material - post harvest contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic, Potential health hazard - mammalian excreta may
contain salmonella
PEPPER, GROUND | Insect filth (AOAC 972.40) |
Average of 475 or more insect fragments per 50 grams |
Rodent filth (AOAC 972.40) |
Average of 2 or more rodent hairs per 50 grams |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect fragments - post harvest and/or processing insect
infestation, Rodent hair - post harvest and/or processing contamination with animal hair or
excreta
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
PINEAPPLE, CANNED | Mold (AOAC 970.75, MPM-V73) |
Average mold count is 20% or more OR The mold count of any 1 subsample is 60% or more |
DEFECT SOURCE: Processing mold contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
PINEAPPLE JUICE | Mold (AOAC 970.75) |
Average mold count is 15% or more OR The mold count of any 1 subsample is 40% or more |
DEFECT SOURCE: Processing mold contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
PLUMS, CANNED | Rot (MPM-V51) |
Average of 5% or more plums by count with rot spots larger than the area of a circle 12 mm in diameter |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest and/or post harvest infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
POPCORN | Rodent filth (AOAC 950.91) |
1 or more rodent excreta pellets are found in
1 or more subsamples, and 1 or more rodent hairs are found in 2 or more
other subsamples OR 2 or more rodent hairs per pound and rodent hair is found in 50% or more of the subsamples OR 20 or more gnawed grains per pound and rodent hair is found in 50% or more of the subsamples |
Field corn | 5% or more by weight of field corn |
DEFECT SOURCE: Rodent excreta - post harvest and/or processing animal
contamination, Rodent hair - post harvest and/or processing contamination with animal
hair or excreta, Rodent gnawing - post harvest and/or processing damage, Field corn -
harvest contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
POTATO CHIPS | Rot (MPM-V113) |
Average of 6% or more pieces by weight contain rot |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest and/or post harvest infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
PRUNES DRIED AND DEHYDRATED, LOW-MOISTURE | Multiple defects (MPM-V53) |
Average of a minimum of 10 subsamples is 5% or more prunes by count are rejects (insect-infested, moldy or decomposed, dirty, and/or otherwise unfit ) |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect infested - preharvest infestation, Moldy & decomposed -
preharvest infection, Dirty - harvest contamination, Otherwise unfit - preharvest condition
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
PRUNES, PITTED | Pits (MPM-V53) |
Average of 2% or more by count with whole pits and/or pit fragments 2 mm or longer and 4 or more of 10 subsamples of pitted prunes have 2% or more by count with whole pits and/or pit fragments 2 mm or longer |
DEFECT SOURCE: Processing
SIGNIFICANCE: Mouth/tooth injury
PUREE, APRICOT, PEACH AND PEAR | Mold (AOAC 982.33) |
Average mold count is 12% or more |
DEFECT SOURCE: preharvest and/or post harvest and/or processing
infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
Product | DEFECT |
Action Level |
---|
RAISINS, NATURAL & GOLDEN | Mold (MPM-V76) |
Average of 10 subsamples is 5% or more, by count, moldy raisins |
Sand and Grit (MPM-V76) |
Average of 40 mg or more of sand and grit per 100 grams of natural or golden bleached raisins |
DEFECT SOURCE: Mold - post harvest and/or processing infection, Sand - post
harvest contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
RAISINS, GOLDEN | Insects and insect eggs (AOAC 969.42 & MPM-V76) |
10 or more whole or equivalent insects and 35 Drosophila eggs per 8 oz. |
DEFECT SOURCE: Post harvest and/or processing infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
SAGE, WHOLE PLANT, UNPROCESSED | Insect filth (MPM-V32) |
Average of 5% or more pieces by weight are insect infested |
Mammalian excreta (MPM-V32) |
Average of 1 mg or more per pound after processing |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect infested - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or processing
infestation, Mammalian excreta - post harvest and/or processing animal
contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
SAGE, GROUND | Insect filth (AOAC 985.38) |
Average of 200 or more insect fragments per 10 grams |
Rodent filth (AOAC 985.38) |
Average of 9 or more rodent hairs per 10 grams |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect fragments - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or
processing infestation, Rodent hair - post harvest and/or processing contamination with
animal hair or excreta
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
SAUERKRAUT | Insects (AOAC 955.45) |
Average of more than 50 thrips per 100 grams |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest insect infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
SESAME SEEDS | Insect filth (MPM-V32) |
Average of 5% or more seeds by weight are insect-infested or damaged |
Mold (MPM-V32) |
Average of 5% or more seeds by weight are decomposed | |
Mammalian excreta (MPM-V32) |
Average of 5 mg or more mammalian excreta per found | |
Foreign matter (MPM-V32) |
Average of 0.5% or more foreign matter by weight |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect infested - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or processing
infestation, Mold - preharvest infection, Mammalian excreta - post harvest and/or
processing animal contamination, Foreign matter - post processing and/or processing
contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
SPICES, LEAFY, OTHER THAN BAY LEAVES | Insect filth and/or mold (MPM-V32) |
Average of 5% or more pieces by weight are insect-infested and/or moldy |
Mammalian excreta (MPM-V32) |
Average of 1 mg or more of Mammalian excreta per pound after processing |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect infested - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or processing
infestation, Mold - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or processing infection, Mammalian
excreta - post harvest and/or processing animal contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
SPINACH, CANNED OR FROZEN | Insects and mites (AOAC 974.33) |
Average of 50 or more aphids, thrips and/or mites per 100 grams
OR 2 or more 3 mm or longer larvae and/or larval fragments or spinach worms (caterpillars) whose aggregate length exceeds 12 mm are present in 24 pounds OR Leaf miners of any size average 8 or more per 100 grams or leaf miners 3 mm or longer average 4 or more per 100 grams |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
STRAWBERRIES: FROZEN WHOLE OR SLICED | Mold (AOAC 952.22) |
Average mold count of 45% or more and mold count of at least half of the subsamples is 55% or more |
Grit | Berries taste gritty |
DEFECT SOURCE: Mold - post harvest and/or processing infection, Grit - harvest
contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
THYME, WHOLE PLANT, UNPROCESSED | Insect filth (MPM-V32) |
Average of 5% or more pieces by weight are insect infested and/or moldy |
Mammalian excreta (MPM-V32) |
Average of 1 mg or more mammalian excreta per pound after processing |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect infested - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or processing
infestation, Mold - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or processing infection, Mammalian
excreta - post harvest and/or processing animal contamination
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
THYME, GROUND | Insect filth (AOAC 975.49) |
Average of 925 or more insect fragments per 10 grams |
Rodent filth (AOAC 975.49) |
Average of 2 or more rodent hairs per 10 grams |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect fragments - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or
processing infestation Rodent hair - post harvest and/or processing contamination with
animal hair or excreta
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
THYME, UNGROUND, PROCESSED | Insect filth (AOAC 975.49) |
Average of 325 insect fragments or more per 10 grams |
Rodent filth (AOAC 975.49) |
Average of 2 rodent hairs or more per 10 grams |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect fragments - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or
processing insect infestation, Rodent hair - post harvest and/or processing contamination
with animal hair or excreta
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
TOMATOES, CANNED | Drosophila fly (AOAC 955.46) |
Average of 10 or more fly eggs per 500 grams OR 5 or more fly eggs and 1 or more maggots per 500 grams OR 2 or more maggots per 500 grams |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest and/or post harvest and/or processing insect
infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
TOMATOES, CANNED, WITH (OR) WITHOUT JUICE (BASED ON DRAINED JUICE) | Mold (AOAC 945.90) |
Average mold count in 6 subsamples is 15% or more and the counts of all of the subsamples are more than 12% |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest and/or post harvest and/or processing
infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
TOMATOES, CANNED PACKED IN TOMATO PUREE (BASED ON DRAINED LIQUID) | Mold (AOAC 945.90) |
Average mold count in 6 subsamples is 29% or more and the counts of all of the subsamples are more than 25% |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest and/or post harvest and/or processing
infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
TOMATO JUICE | Drosophila fly (AOAC 955.46) |
Average of 10 or more fly eggs per 100 grams OR 5 or more fly eggs and 1 or more maggots per 100 grams OR 2 or more maggots per 100 grams, in a minimum of 12 subsamples |
Mold (AOAC 965.41) |
Average mold count in 6 subsamples is 24% or more and the counts of all of the subsamples are more than 20% |
DEFECT SOURCE: Fly eggs & maggots - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or
processing insect infestation, Mold - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or processing
infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
TOMATO PASTE, PIZZA AND OTHER SAUCES | Drosophila fly (AOAC 955.46) |
Average of 30 or more fly eggs per 100 grams OR 15 or more fly eggs and 1 or more maggots per 100 grams OR 2 or more maggots per 100 grams in a minimum of 12 subsamples |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest and/or post harvest and/or processing insect
infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
TOMATO PUREE | Drosophila fly (AOAC 955.46) |
Average of 20 or more fly eggs per 100 grams OR 10 or more fly eggs and 1 or more maggots per 100 grams OR 2 or more maggots per 100 grams in a minimum of 12 subsamples |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest and/or post harvest and/or processing insect
infestation
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
TOMATO PASTE (OR) PUREE | Mold (AOAC 965.41 ** ) |
Average mold count in 6 subsamples is 45% or more and the mold counts of all of the subsamples are more than 40% |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest and/or post harvest and/or processing
infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
PIZZA AND OTHER TOMATO SAUCES | Mold (AOAC 945.92) |
Average mold count in 6 subsamples is 34% or more and the counts of all of the subsamples are more than 30% |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest and/or post harvest and/or processing
infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
TOMATO SAUCE, UNDILUTED | Mold (AOAC 965.41) |
Average mold count in 6 subsamples is 45% or more and the mold counts of all of the subsamples are more than 40% |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest and/or post harvest and/or processing
infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
TOMATO CATSUP | Mold (AOAC 965.41) |
Average mold count in 6 subsamples is 55% or more |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest and/or post harvest and/or processing
infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
TOMATO POWDER, EXCEPT SPRAY-DRIED | Mold (AOAC 972.42) |
Average mold count in 6 subsamples is 45% or more and the mold counts of all of the subsamples are mold than 40% |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest and/or post harvest and /or processing
infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
TOMATO POWDER, SPRAY-DRIED | Mold (AOAC 972.42) |
Average mold count in 6 subsamples is 67% or more |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest and/or post harvest and/or processing
infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
TOMATO SOUP AND TOMATO PRODUCTS | Mold (AOAC 945.91) |
Average mold count in 6 subsamples is 45% or more and the mold counts of all of the subsamples are more than 40% |
DEFECT SOURCE: Pre-harvest and/or post harvest and/or processing
infection
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
WHEAT | Insect damage (MPM-V15) |
Average of 32 or more insect-damaged kernels per 100 grams |
Rodent filth
(MPM-V15) |
Average of 9 mg or more rodent excreta pellets and/or pellet fragments per kilogram |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect damage - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or processing
infestation, Excreta - post harvest and/or processing animal contamination.
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
WHEAT FLOUR | Insect filth (AOAC 972.32) |
Average of 75 or more insect fragments per 50 grams |
Rodent filth (AOAC 972.32) |
Average of 1 or more rodent hairs per 50 grams |
DEFECT SOURCE: Insect fragments - preharvest and/or post harvest and/or
processing insect infestation, Rodent hair - post harvest and/or processing contamination
with animal hair or excreta.
SIGNIFICANCE: Aesthetic
May 1995; Revised March 1997 and May 1998 by gcz;
*February
2005 - Source corrected from MPM-V92 to MPM-V32
**February
2005 - Source corrected from 955.46 to 965.41
December 2001 - Updated Address
5100 Paint Branch Parkway
College Park, MD 20740-3835
Hypertext updated by gcz/dms/acr 2005-DEC-01