(3) Subgroup averages (X_values). When the option for conventional averages is used, the average of each subgroup is calculated and recorded on the X and R data sheet. The subgroup average is then plotted on the X chart in such a manner as to associate it with the subgroup from which it was calculated. When this option is used, it is not permissible to change to the median option during the same shift. (4) The range (R value). The range of each subgroup, when required, shall be plotted on the R chart. (5) The average median (Mi value) and sample average (X value). When the plotted values obviously indicate the acceptability of the lot, Mi or X need not be obtained. When the plotted values for Mi or X or both indicate the acceptability of a lot may be questionable, Mi in the case of the median option, or X in the case of the option for conventional averages must be obtained and recorded. Acceptability of the lot with respect to the sample median or sample average may then be determined in accordance with acceptance criteria as prescribed under § 52.209(a) of these standards. [38 FR 10447, Apr. 27, 1973; 38 FR 12729, May 15, 1973. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977 and at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981] § 52.208 Application of sampling allow ance. The amount of sampling allowance is obtained from the sampling allowance chart in these standards. The actual value for the sampling allowance is obtained from the point of intersection of a horizontal line drawn from a point on the vertical axis representing the sample size to the diagonal line for the item involved. The value on the horizontal axis corresponding to the vertical line nearest to this point of intersection is the sampling allowance. The sampling allowances are applied to the specified lot averages to allow for deviations from these averages that are inherent in any sampling procedure. These allowances are applied to the specified lot averages only when the sample average (X or Mi) is less than X'minor greater than X'max- When this occurs, the specification average is adjusted by subtracting the allowance max, from X'minor adding to X', whichever is applicable. § 52.209 Acceptance and rejection criteria. (a) Conventional averages and the median-(1) Acceptance. A lot shall be accepted as meeting specified requirements for a variable provided that: (i) All X values are equal to or greater than LRL and equal to or less than URL; (ii) All Mi or X values are equal to or greater than LRL, and equal to or less than URL; (iii) Mi or X is equal to or less than X'max adjusted and equal to or greater than X'min adjusted; and (iv) The condition under paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section does not exist. (2) Rejection. A lot shall be rejected for failure to meet specified requirements for a variable under the following conditions: (i) Failure to meet any of the requirements under paragraph (a)(1), (i), (ii), or (iii) of this section; or (ii) All Mi or X values are less than X'minor greater than X', max. (b) Moving averages—(1) Acceptance. A lot shall be accepted as meeting specified requirements for a variable provided that: (i) All X values are equal to or greater than LRL and equal to or less than URL; (ii) All X values are equal to or greater than LRL, and equal to or less than URL; (iii) X is equal to or less than X'max adjusted and equal to or greater than X'min adjusted; and (iv) The condition under paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section does not exist. (2) Rejection. A lot shall be rejected for failure to meet specified requirements for a variable under the following conditions: (i) Failure to meet any of the conditions under paragraph (b)(1) (i), (ii), and (iii) of this section; or (ii) All X values are less than X'minor greater than X'max [38 FR 10447, Apr. 27, 1973; 38 FR 12729, May 15, 1973. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977 and at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981] Subpart—United States Standards for Determination of Fill Weights SOURCE: 38 FR 10450, Apr. 27, 1973, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977 and at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981. GENERAL § 52.221 Purpose. These proposed standards supplement the proposed U.S. Standards for Inspection by Variables so as to adapt them to the determination of fill of container, based on fill weights, for canned fruits, vegetables, and related products. § 52.222 Explanation. (a) The variables inspection standards may be used, where applicable, by any food processor for quality control purposes. Certification by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) of fill weights based on these standards, however, is applicable only under online inspection when a USDA inspector is present at time of packing and maintains appropriate records of the filling process. (b) The procedure for determination and certification of fill of container, based on drained weights, may be used in the case of lot inspection as well as in-line inspection. This procedure, where applicable, is outlined in the U.S. standards for the respective products. § 52.223 Options. The options of the median or conventional average may be used for determining compliance of fill weights with a specified minimum average fill weight. § 52.224 Type of specification and applicable limits. (a) For the determination of fill weights, a low-sided specification applies. (b) The specification limits, and values for such limits, are specified in those U.S. Standards for Grades of canned fruits, vegetables, and related products which incorporate the fill weight procedure. Suggested specification limits, and the values for such limits, for those products for which fill weights have been established-but are not yet incorporated in the USDA grade standards-may be obtained as supplements to these standards upon request to: Chief, Processed Products Standardization and Inspection Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Division, AMS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250. (c) All of these limits, whether stated in the USDA grade standards or supplements hereof, are to be applied in accordance with the proposed U.S. Standards for Inspection by Variables. PROCEDURE § 52.225 Preparation of forms. (a) Prepare the data sheet and control charts prior to the start of a processing period. Draw lines representing the X'min, LRL, and LRL values applicable for the product, container size, and style on the appropriate linear segment of the X chart in such a manner as to be clearly visible when posted in the plant. Lines representing LWL, and LWL may be drawn on the chart at the option of the user; however, all the values representing each limit (Xmin LWL, LRL, LWL and LRL) are placed on the X chart adjacent to the appropriate limit and identified (in brief form) as X', WL, RL, WL, or RL accordingly). (b) When the R chart is used, it is desirable to place it on the lower portion of the control chart, using the bottom as zero, which is the lower limit for R. (c) Space the limits for R' and Rmax on the appropriate linear segment above the zero line. The upper portion of the control chart is then used for the X chart. (d) Attachment 1 is an example of an X and R data sheet. Attachment 2 is an example of a control chart which combines the X chart and the R chart. However, use of the R chart is not required. The X chart illustrates the use of the median option as prescribed in the proposed U.S. Standards for Inspection by Variables. The dots plotted on the X chart represent the X values for the subgroup. The encircled dot represents the median of each sub group. For easier identification the circle should be in a different color than the dots. [38 FR 10450, Apr. 27, 1973; 38 FR 12729, May 15, 1973. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977 and at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981] § 52.226 Posting control charts. It is desirable to post the control charts in such a place in the plant as to be clearly visible to the filler operator as well as other responsible plant personnel. The control charts serve as an aid to responsible plant personnel in controlling the filling process. § 52.227 Determination of tare of contain ers. (a) General. Variations in the weight between individual empty containers (tare) must be taken into consideration when determining fill weights. These variations may be accounted for by procedure 1 or procedure 2 of this section. (b) Procedure 1. Determine tare weights of each container size at least twice a week. In addition, determine tare weights whenever it is suspected that the present tare weight is no longer applicable. Some of the more common reasons for checking tare weights are changes in supply of containers, thickness of tin plate, and type of container. (1) The number of empty containers taken at random from a given lot of containers to determine the average tare weight is as follows: For containers equivalent to: than 10 empty containers. Larger than No. 22 than 15 empty containers. not less not less (c) Procedure 2. Preweigh a container (preferably stainless steel or other noncorrosive material) of suitable capacity and use this container as the standard tare. Drain the contents of the filled container as prescribed in § 52.229 and transfer drained fruit or vegetable ingredient to the preweighed tare. § 52.228 Sampling. (a) Subgroup size. Unless otherwise specified, the subgroup size shall be five sample units. (1) The control chart values, except for X'min, will always be based on the specified subgroup size. When a subgroup size other than that specified is used, the values for the applicable limits must be changed accordingly. (b) Time and point of sampling. The subgroups are drawn at a point in the process where no further change in the fill weight of the fruit or vegetable ingredient can occur. (c) Sampling frequency. Unless otherwise specified, the sampling frequency for all canned fruits, vegetables, and related products, for which fill weights have been established shall be approximately every 45 minutes. (1) The sampling frequency should be arranged to obtain subgroups at varying intervals and drawn in such a manner that the filler operators will not know when a subgroup will be drawn or which containers will be in the subgroup. This is important so that a nonbiased sample will be selected which will reflect the normal filling process. [38 FR 10450, Apr. 27, 1973; 38 FR 12729, May 15, 1973. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977 and at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981] § 52.229 Measurements. (a) Immediately after the subgroup has been drawn, invert each container on the hand or sieve and allow the product to drain until free from liquid, but in no case less than 10 seconds. In this step, do not remove the product from the container when procedure 1 as prescribed in § 52.227 is used. The sample units are then weighed and the net weight of the fruit or vegetable ingredient (total weight minus tare weight) for each sample unit is recorded on the X and R data sheet. (b) In the case of procedure 1 if it is suspected that the weight of individual empty containers deviate from the average tare weight to cause an individual measurement to fall slightly below (or slightly above) LRL, the following procedure may be used: |