In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling, the following tolerances shall be permitted for nuts which fail to meet the requirements of the respective grades as indicated. Terms in quotation marks refer to color classifications illustrated on the color chart.
Tolerances for Grade Defects
| Grade | External (shell) defects | Internal (kernel) defects | Kernel color based on USDA Walnut Color Chart | Kernel color based on red |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. No. 1 | 10%, by count, for splits. 5%, by count, for other shell defects, including not more than 3% seriously damaged | 10% total, by count, including not more than 6% which are damaged by mold or insects or seriously damaged by other means, of which not more than 5⁄6 or 5% may be damaged by insects, but no part of any tolerance shall be allowed for walnuts containing live insects | No tolerance to reduce the required 70% of “light amber” kernels or the required 40% of “light” kernels or any larger percentage of “light amber” or “light” kernels specified | |
| U.S. No. 2 | 10%, by count, for splits. 10%, by count, for other shell defects, including not more than 5% serious damage by adhering hulls | 15% total, by count, including not more than 8% which are damaged by mold or insects or seriously damaged by other means, of which not more than 5/8 or 5% may be damaged by insects, but no part of any tolerance shall be allowed for walnuts containing live insects | No tolerance to reduce the required 60% or any specified larger percentage of “light amber” kernels, or any specified percentage of “light” kernels | |
| U.S. No. 3 | Same as above tolerance for U.S. No. 2 | Same as above tolerance for U.S. No. 2 | No tolerance to reduce any percentage of “light amber” or “light” kernel specified |
[41 FR 44187, Oct. 7, 1976. Redesignated at 42 FR 32514, June 27, 1977, and further redesignated at 46 FR 63203, Dec. 31, 1981, as amended at 82 FR 39658, Aug. 22, 2017]