Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Specialty Crops Inspection Division
PATCH # 053
DOCUMENT: Condition of Food Container Manual, October 2013
REMARKS: This information pertains to Condition of Container Examination for fruits and
vegetables procured by the Commodity Procurement Program (CPP), regarding formal
examination requests at destination for non checkloaded products.
BACKGROUND:
Fruits and Vegetables with no checkloading requirements will rely on the commercial practices
of the contactors to supply the correct product, quantity, and commodity condition, including
transportation conditions and sealing. Occasionally a load of government furnished fruits and
vegetables will arrive at its destination in poor condition (shifted pallets, crushed cases), or in an
unsealed conveyance and will be “rejected” by the receiver.
For loads “rejected” at destination, and at the contractors’ request, CPP may grant acceptance of
the load following an SCI Division Condition of Container examination. SCI will verify the load
as previously certified, verify count, and document the current condition of product containers.
All SCI Agricultural Commodity Graders (ACGs) and Federal-State licensees must be trained in
procedures for the
examination of the condition of food containers at destination.
Procedures for Condition of Container Examinations at Destination
The following procedures will be used when a request for examination of the condition of food
containers for product at destination has been submitted.
Contractor responsibilities
•
Request COC via submitting a completed SC-237 or SC-356 to the appropriate inspection
office.
o The SC-237 will designate “Other, Specify” under “Inspection Requested For” and
state “Condition of Containers.”
This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the
document listed above. After incorporation into the document listed above this PATCH will
become obsolete. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
PATCH # 053 COC at destination (May 21, 2020)
SCI Division Inspection Series
Page 1 of 3
o The SC-356 will designate “Condition of Container Examination” under the
“Additional Requirements” section.
• Supply SCI Representative with proper documentation to verify identity (certificates,
shipping documentation etc.).
• Coordinate with the receiver to arrange for the COC examination including:
o Arranging all containers so they are readily accessible for sampling.
o Providing necessary labor and equipment for handling the product including
re-stacking pallets that may have shifted.
o Supplying adequately lighted facilities.
o Re-casing product involved in the inspection when applicable
SCI Division Responsibilities
• Verify lot identity by cross referencing shipping documentation, inspection
documentation, and code marks on containers (if any).
NOTE: If lot identity cannot be determined as previously certified, a re-inspection will
be required.
• Verify count
• After lot identity has been confirmed, perform COC examination as outlined in this
manual and in accordance with The U.S. Standards for condition of food containers, 7 CFR
42. The normal double
sampling rate will apply to all COC inspections performed at
destination (see 7 CFR 42.109 Table I-A) however, if abnormal conditions are observed
upon arrival (i.e. shifted pallets, wet cases, leakers, or other applicable abnormalities) the
tightened rate may be applied at SCI Divisions discretion (see 7 CFR 42.110 Table II-A).
• Record results regarding examination on the appropriate AD forms based on type of
primary and secondary containers in the load. This information then becomes a part of
the inspection records. See Condition of Food Container Manual, Addendum &
Worksheets for applicable AD forms and visual aids.
• Upon completion, make a copy and provide the contractor with the original signed COC
examination worksheet.
NOTE: When requested by contractor, SCI will only perform a COC on the containers in the
load. SCI will not seal trailers or certify the seal on the trailer. The only documentation provided
to the contractor is the signed Condition of Container examination worksheet.
This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the
document listed on the first page. After incorporation into the document listed above this
PATCH will become obsolete.
PATCH #053 COC at Destination (May 21, 2020)
SCI Division Inspection Series
Page 2 of 3
Billing
Lot inspection fees will be charged as “actual time spent” in accordance with the USDA
Sampling Manual “Time and Expense” section when billing for COC examinations of processed
fruits and vegetables.
Hourly based inspection service fees will apply for COC inspections of fresh fruits and
vegetables. For current hourly fee rate see the General Market Manual Appendix II – Schedule
of User Fees
Billing for these services can be completed via FEIRS or BIIS as appropriate.
This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the
document listed on the first page. After incorporation into the document listed above this
PATCH will become obsolete.
PATCH #053 COC at Destination (May 21, 2020)
SCI Division Inspection Series
Page 3 of 3
Marketing and
Regulatory
Condition of Food
Programs
Agricultural
Container Manual
Marketing
Service
Fruit and
Vegetable
October 2013
Program
Specialty
Crops
Inspection
Division
Condition of Food Container Manual
Table of Contents
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 1
Guide for Electronic Usage...............................................................................................................1
General.............................................................................................................................................. 2
Inspection Procedure.........................................................................................................................4
Application for Inspection Service ............................................................................................... 4
Applicant’s Responsibility ............................................................................................................ 5
Inspection...................................................................................................................................... 6
Applying Procedures – Stationary Lot........................................................................................ 12
Other than Origin Inspection AQL’S..............................................................................................15
Condition of Glass Containers - Guideline for Scoring Loose Caps..............................................15
Clarification regarding Primary and Secondary Container Designation in the U.S. Standards for
Condition of Food Containers.........................................................................................................15
Recording Information and Results on Container Examination Worksheets.................................16
Attachments…..………………………………………………………………………………….. 19
i
SCI Division Inspection Series Condition of Food Container Manual
Effective Date: October 2013 Page 1 of 19
INTRODUCTION
This manual is provided to Specialty Crops Inspection (SCI) Division inspection personnel to
promote uniformity in the inspection of the condition of food containers. The procedures
contained in this manual are an integral part of Division services. If needed, contact your
immediate supervisor for any situation not addressed in this manual.
This manual contains links to various internal and external sources of information. For
inspection personnel without internet or intranet access, please contact your immediate
supervisor to obtain hard copies of documents as needed.
GUIDE FOR ELECTRONIC USAGE
The Administrative, Inspection, and Management (AIM) System of instructional manuals is
available electronically in Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF) at the following
intranet address: http://agnis/sites/FV/PPB/AIM/default.aspx.
When accessed electronically, AIM materials have hyperlinks and hypertext (visible as
underlined blue text) available to the PDF user. Clicking on a hyperlink takes the reader to a
web site with information relating to the subject. Hypertext will link the reader to a different
page within the current manual - or even a different manual - with information relating to the
subject. For example, the hypertext in the Table of Contents allows a reader to go directly to the
section of interest in the manual by clicking on the section title within the Table of Contents.
PDF offers a variety of tools depending on the Adobe version the reader has. The newer the
version, the more tools available. To learn about the variety of PDF search options available:
• Click on the “Help” tab on the top of this page,
• Then click on the “Adobe Acrobat Help” bar,
• Type the word “Search” in the “Search” box, and click on the “Search” button,
• A series of options will become available,
• Click on the “Access Search Features” link and follow the instructions for the type of
search you are interested in.
This document format allows a PDF user to easily search for content within a document, or
within multiple documents.
SCI Division Inspection Series Condition of Food Container Manual
Effective Date: October 2013 Page 2 of 19
GENERAL
The U.S. Standards for Condition of Food Containers cover procedures for stationary lot, skip
lot, and on-line sampling and inspection. Note that internal container defects are now included
as part of the Standards.
The U.S. Standards for Condition of Food Containers, as supplemented by these instructions and
any specific instructions from the receiver, will be used when a government agency or private
user of federal inspection service requests examination of the exterior of food containers for
condition. The request may be verbal or in writing, and may be made using one of several
forms. It may be a specific request in a U.S. Department of Agriculture purchase document, or a
general request to verify that a food product was packaged in accordance with “good commercial
practices.” The Standards apply to all types of food containers used as primary containers,
secondary containers, or shipping cases. The U.S. Standards for Condition of Food Containers,
which are located in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), at 7 CFR 42, may be found at the
following internet address:
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionCfr.action?collectionCode=CFR.
The U.S. Standards for Condition of Food Containers include definitions of terms, sampling
plans, defect classifications, and acceptance criteria. However, the Standards don’t fully address
the administrative details of application. This instruction provides additional details and
guidelines to assure uniform application of the Standards. If needed, the respective inspection
service may issue supplemental instructions for details that are not fully covered either by the
Standards or this instruction.
To provide maximum assistance to inspectors, the procedures in these instructions follow a
sequence appropriate for most situations, starting with the inspection request and continuing
through to a decision on whether the lot meets or fails to meet the requirements of the Standards.
These instructions contain some material not directly related to the Standards to provide more
thorough coverage of the principles involved in determining the condition of food containers.
Formal condition of container inspection refers to examining the exterior of filled food
containers as outlined in the U.S. Standards for Condition of Food Containers.
When a formal condition of container inspection has been made of a lot, any certification of this
lot must include the result of the condition of container examination.
Informal condition of container inspection refers to examining the exterior and interior of the
sample units drawn for quality for scoreable defects. It also includes the overall visual
appearance of the sampled lot.
A. Governmental Procurement (Federal, State, County, City) Federal Agencies
Formal condition of container inspections will be made of all lots.
SCI Division Inspection Series Condition of Food Container Manual
Effective Date: October 2013 Page 3 of 19
B. Commercial
An informal condition of container inspection will be made unless a formal
condition of container is specifically requested by the applicant or the U.S.
Standards for Food Container are referenced in purchase specifications.
Informal condition of container examination is made by removal of the labels
from cans and overwraps from fiberboard cartons that have been drawn for
quality sample units. Classify and record applicable defects on exterior of
container.
Classify and record applicable interior defects. Refer to Table I for acceptance
and rejection numbers. Advise the applicant that any scorable defects will be
recorded on the certificate of quality and condition.
All lots case stamped must have a formal condition of container inspection.
Visual aids for use in determining the condition of food containers are available at the following
internet address: http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/processedinspection. In the “Processed
Inspection Services” section in the middle of the page, click on the “Grading and Inspection
Resources” link, then, under the “Processed Products Division Resources” section click on the
“Visual Aids” link, then go to the “Visual Aids for Condition of Containers” section and click on
the “Visual Aids for the Inspection of Containers” link. There you will find links to visual aids
for:
• Metal Containers,
• Glass Containers,
• Flexible Containers, and
• Rigid and Semi-Rigid Containers.
SCI Division Inspection Series Condition of Food Container Manual
Effective Date: October 2013 Page 4 of 19
INSPECTION PROCEDURE
The U.S. Standards for condition of food containers, 7 CFR 42, may be found at the following
internet address: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionCfr.action?collectionCode=CFR.
See 7 CFR 42.103 of the Standards for stationary lot, 7 CFR 42.120 for skip lot, and 7 CFR
42.130 for on-line sampling and inspection procedures.
Application for Inspection Service
Requests for inspection are generally directed to the appropriate inspection office by telephone.
In some instances the inspector may be at the plant or warehouse on a sampling job, and may be
asked to check additional lots, or the inspection office may receive a copy of the contract from a
food broker, and contact the vendor to arrange for inspection.
Details regarding inspection should be recorded on the following worksheet forms or a suitable
application form. This information then becomes a part of the inspection records.
The following AD forms are available as fillable PDF’s may be found on the USDA Office of
the Chief Information Officer web site at the following address:
http://www.ocio.usda.gov/policy-directives-records-forms/forms-management/approved-
computer-generated-forms
Form #
Type of container
AD-3061
METAL CONTAINERS
AD-3062
COMPOSITE CONTAINERS
AD-3063
GLASS CONTAINERS (Bottles, Jars)
AD-3064 TABLE VII
PLASTIC CONTAINERS
(Rigid and Semi-Rigid Bottles, Jars, Tubs, Trays, Pails, etc.)
AD-3065 TABLE VIII
RIGID and SEMI-RIGID CONTAINERS
(Excluding Metal, Glass, and Plastic)
AD-3066
FLEXIBLE CONTAINERS
SCI Division Inspection Series Condition of Food Container Manual
Effective Date: October 2013 Page 5 of 19
Information generally requested and recorded is:
A. Date and hour of application.
B. Name and address of the applicant and the receiver.
C. Name of person requesting the inspection.
D. Name of the person to be informed of the results.
E. Name of the packer.
F. Name and address of the warehouse.
G. Location of the lot(s), (i.e., aisle, bay, etc.) if known.
H. Pertinent information concerning the lot(s) such as lot number, railroad car
number, contract order numbers, length of storage, shipping deadlines, etc.
I. The number, type, and size of containers, and label (if labeled).
J. Codes and the approximate number of cases of each.
K. Inspection status; i.e., initial; or if reoffered, has the lot been previously
inspected? If so, by whom, what were the results, and has the lot been
reconditioned?
L. The basis of the inspection, i.e., Commercial Item Description, Federal
specification, purchase contract, etc.
M. Deviations from the Standards, such as origin inspection AQL’s other than 0.25,
1.5, and 6.5, and special defects not covered by the Standards.
N. Mutually agreed upon time to perform the inspection.
Applicant’s Responsibility
It is the applicant’s responsibility to make certain that full cooperation is given to inspectors
performing the inspections. Cooperation includes, but is not limited to:
A. Arranging all containers so they are readily accessible for sampling.
B. Providing all necessary labor and equipment for handling the product.
C. Supplying adequately lighted facilities.
D. Re-casing of product involved in the inspection.
SCI Division Inspection Series Condition of Food Container Manual
Effective Date: October 2013 Page 6 of 19
Inspection
A. Preparation
The supervisor should inform the inspector about any abnormal conditions likely
to be encountered or of any unusual precautions that should be taken in handling
the assignment. The supervisor should also notify the inspector if the lot is to be
inspected under procedures for normal, tightened, or reduced inspection.
For the inspector, it’s worthwhile to spend a few minutes assembling working
tools, and studying the inspection request, the contract, and any other pertinent
documents prior to leaving for the assignment. This can prevent delays and errors
in handling the inspection. Timing can be an important consideration for packers,
and as a courtesy, the inspector should arrive as scheduled, ready to get started. If
a delay in is anticipated, the applicant should be notified as soon as possible.
Materials and Equipment
Prior to performing the condition inspection, the inspector should determine that
applicable materials and equipment are available and in good working condition.
Such material and equipment may include the following:
1. A copy of the U.S. Standards for Condition of Food Containers and a copy
of these instructions.
2. Visual aids for the containers being inspected.
3. Worksheets for recording defects.
4. Flashlight or auxiliary lighting.
5. Tools for opening shipping containers (knife, wire cutters, etc.)
6. Clean hand towels or other similar material.
7. “Officially Sampled” roller stamp when required.
8. Marking pen or pencil.
9. Cold weather gear for freezer work.
10. Measuring device such as a ruler or tape measure.
SCI Division Inspection Series Condition of Food Container Manual
Effective Date: October 2013 Page 7 of 19
B. Initial Contact
Upon arrival at the plant or warehouse, the inspector should identify him or
herself, contact the appropriate responsible person, and review the purpose of the
visit. Note any undue delay in performing the inspection on the application form.
C. Lot Identity
Inspection lots must be properly identified for the inspector to carry out inspection
duties. Reasons for such identification:
1. Examined containers can be verified to be the same as reported by the
applicant.
2. Lots inspected can be associated with related reports and certificates.
3. Subsequent inspections (if requested) of reconditioned or reworked lots
can be differentiated from originally inspected lots.
Inspection lots shall be identified by commodity (type and style), number, size,
and type of container, including:
1. Code or other identification marks.
2. Label or case marks.
3. Warehouse receipt or lot number.
4. Warehouse location, including room, stack or row, aisle number or letter,
and proximity to a permanent object such as door, wall, window, or office.
D. Preliminary Inspection (Scanning)
After the lot has been properly identified, the inspector should perform an actual
count in each lot to verify the reported count. While scanning the lot, determine if
any segments or portions appear abnormal, as with sweating cans, wet cases,
blown cans, top layer rust, leakers, critical abnormalities, etc. If such segments or
portions are noted, the lot should be rejected for condition of container.
If the lot is rejected prior to sampling, it cannot be subsequently inspected until
the lot has been reconditioned. If no abnormal portions are observed, samples
may be drawn to determine condition.
SCI Division Inspection Series Condition of Food Container Manual
Effective Date: October 2013 Page 8 of 19
E. Sample Procedure
1. Sample Size
From previous inspection records on worksheet (Form AD-749),
determine inspection status, i.e., normal, tightened, or reduced. If no
inspection records are available, use normal inspection. However, if the
inspection is a re-inspection of a previously rejected lot that has been
reconditioned, use tightened inspection.
Determine the number of primary containers in the lot. Locate in the
Standards, 7 CFR 42.109 through 42.111, (which may be found at the
following internet address:
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionCfr.action?collectionCode=C
FR) the approximate lot size in Table I or IA for normal inspection, II or
IIA for tightened inspection, or III or IIIA for reduced inspection. Select
the proper sample size corresponding to the appropriate lot size. A larger
sample size may be used when approved by the Administrator or when
requested by the applicant and approved by the Administrator.
2. Drawing Samples
As indicated in the Standards, containers may be drawn either according to
proportional random sampling or according to simple random sampling.
If the number of containers per code mark is known, proportional
sampling is preferred. Regardless of the procedure followed, samples
must be representative of all portions of the lot. This will generally
require a complete breakdown of the lot in order for all portions to be
accessible for sampling. (See your supervisor on the use of random
inspection numbers.)
Predetermine and identify the containers or cases from which containers
will be drawn. All horizontal and vertical layers in a stack should have an
equal chance of being represented. If the containers are cased,
predetermine how many to draw from each case selected and which
containers to select. Examine no more than the maximum number of
samples permitted in § 42.105(e) of the Standards. These predetermined
plans for selecting cases and containers will eliminate bias due to
accessibility of containers and readily visible defects.
Sometimes a defective container is observed which falls outside the
predetermined sampling pattern. This container must not be purposely
selected just because it’s defective, it should be drawn only if it falls in the
predetermined pattern. However the inspector should recommend that
obviously defective units be removed from the lot and be replaced. This
recommendation should be made for any defective container appearing in
the sample, even though the lot is found to be acceptable. There will also
SCI Division Inspection Series Condition of Food Container Manual
Effective Date: October 2013 Page 9 of 19
be instances in which defective containers are localized. For example, the
entire top layer of a stack may show water damage and contain rusted
cans, or the front of a stack may show extensive fork lift damage. In these
instances, identify the sample units with the respective portions of the lot
to properly inform the applicant of the condition if reconditioning is in
order.
The recommended sampling plans in Table IA, IIA, and IIIA of the
Standards are double plans. Double sampling plans provide for the
examination of two sets of samples, a first set and a second set. There are
acceptance and rejection criteria indicated for the first set, and if needed,
for the total (first plus second) sample sets. The first sample set is
examined first and a decision made to accept, reject, or continue the
inspection by drawing and examining the second sample set. Ordinarily,
the second set is not be drawn unless the lot could not be accepted or
rejected based on the results of examining the first sample set. However,
there may be circumstances in which it would be desirable to draw both
the first and second samples on the initial sampling of the lot. In such
instances, the examination of the second sample should be held, pending
the outcome of the examination of the first sample.
Occasionally lots offered for inspection have portion(s) with severely
limited accessibility. Under these circumstances, examination is restricted
to samples drawn from the accessible portion of the lot, and the sample
size is based on the number of containers available for examination.
See AIM Inspection Series Sampling and Certification Manuals for further
information on restricted sampling and related certification procedures.
F. Classifying and Recording Defects
Each sample container shall be examined carefully under adequate lighting to
insure that all defects are noted. The inspector may refuse inspection for
condition of containers until such lighting is provided. To assist in the proper
classification of the defects, refer to the visual aid appropriate for the particular
kind of containers. Be careful to distinguish between “related” and “unrelated”
defects - only the more serious “related” defect is recorded.
Defects may be present that are not categorized within the Standards; or purchase
specifications may require that containers be examined for defects not classified
in the Standards. If present, these defects shall be classified according to their
severity, and the results incorporated into the acceptance and rejection criteria.
Such defects shall be specified on worksheets in the “other” or blank block.
Each defect shown in Tables IV, V, VI, VII, VIII and IX in Sections 42.112 and
42.113 of the Standards, 7 CFR 42 (which may be found at the following internet
address:
SCI Division Inspection Series Condition of Food Container Manual
Effective Date: October 2013 Page 10 of 19
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionCfr.action?collectionCode=CFR) is
serially numbered according to the applicable defect category as follows: Critical
1, 2, 3, etc.; Major 101, 102, 103, etc.; and Minor 201, 202, 203, etc.
Record the number and type of defects on the worksheet (Form AD-3061,
AD-3062, AD-3063, AD-3064, AD-3065, AD-3066, or other forms as approved
by the Administrator), using the appropriate columns to identify each category of
defect; i.e., critical, major, or minor. If a second sample must be examined to
classify the lot, record each set of samples so they can be separately identified on
the worksheet. Total the number of defects in each of the above categories.
G. Guidelines for Interior Defects
The U.S. Standards for Condition of Food Containers and certain sections of the
Standard specify that formal examinations for condition will be restricted to the
exterior portion of containers. However, interior defects inside the containers seen
during the inspection process cannot be disregarded, even though the lot may be
acceptable based on external defects, as outlined in the U.S. Standards.
Section 42.114 contains procedures for evaluating interior container defects.
Interior defects are described in Table XII and Table XIII indicates the
appropriate Acceptance (Ac) and Rejection (Re) numbers for interior defects
found in quality samples. Inspectors need to completely remove the lids of
containers in the samples to examine their interior. Containers should be rinsed
with hot water and let air dry completely prior to making a final judgment on
scorable defects.
Although acceptable by U.S. Standards for Condition of Food Containers
(Exterior), Deliveries to Federal or State agencies will be failed if interior defects
equal or exceed the rejection (Re) numbers in Table XIII.
At the request of the applicant, the lot may be re-inspected using the applicable
sampling plan in the U.S. Standards for Food Containers, and all the sample units
opened for interior examination.
Commercial lots for which a formal condition of container examination is
performed and found acceptable by the U.S. Standards for Condition of Food
Containers will not subsequently fail these U.S. Standards if the interiors of the
quality sample units show defects. Interior defects will be reported separately in
the "Remarks" section of the certificate. See the AIM Inspection Series,
Certification Manual for additional instructions.
H. In-Plant Inspection
The procedure for condition of container inspections is the same under in-plant
inspection as under lot inspections, so is the policy regarding its applicability and
certification procedures.
SCI Division Inspection Series Condition of Food Container Manual
Effective Date: October 2013 Page 11 of 19
Unofficial or informal examinations should be made daily based on in-line
samples according to criteria in these U.S. Standards and AMS Instructions.
Adverse conditions in packing, packaging and storage, and evidence of defects on
in-line samples should be reported to the management and noted on DIR's. It is
particularly important that packers be advised of apparently failing lots prior to
offering these lots for delivery to Federal or State agencies so that the costs of
reconditioning or segregation may be considered.
I. Appeal Inspections
The U.S. Standards for Condition of Food Containers do not permit reinspection
of rejected lots prior to reconditioning or segregation of rejected portions. AMS
Instructions similarly prohibit such reinspections. However, at the applicant's
request, an appeal inspection may be made of the prior to segregation or
reconditioning in accordance with Division policy.
In addition to granting an appeal inspection, the officer-in-charge or supervisor
may review samples with the inspector and applicant in order to verify the
interpretation of defects. If it is apparent that the inspector was unduly critical in
classifying defects, the lot may be re-evaluated for acceptance.
J. Reinspections
Request for reinspections for condition of container are normally made by a
receiving activity (USDA or DLA) for items at a destination location.
The following procedures will apply:
1. Sampling will be in accordance with sample plans for normal condition of
container, Table I.
2. Type of plan - Single plans only.
-
3. Sample size - One size higher than the minimum required by the lot size
being inspected.
4. AQL - Use AQL's for "Other than Origin Inspection"
(Critical 0.25; major 2.5; total 10.0).
K. Lot Acceptance Criteria
1. Stationary Lot
The acceptability of stationary lots is determined by referring to the table
of sampling plans used. For a given sample size, acceptance and rejection
numbers are provided for critical, major, and total defects. Total defects
include not only critical and major defects, but also any minor defects.
SCI Division Inspection Series Condition of Food Container Manual
Effective Date: October 2013 Page 12 of 19
Unless otherwise specified, AQLs for origin inspection shall be 0.25, 1.5,
and 6.5 for critical, major, and total defects, respectively.
Refer to the appropriate acceptance (Ac) and rejection (Re) numbers for
the first sample set.
a. If the sum of the critical, major, or total defects does not exceed
“Ac,” the lot is considered acceptable. The acceptance number
does not represent the number of defects that the sample should
contain, but rather is the maximum number of defects permitted in
a sample in order to consider a lot as meeting a specific
requirement.
b. If the sum of the critical, major, or total defects equals or exceeds
“Re,” the lot fails.
c. If the sum of the critical, major, or total defects exceeds “Ac,” but
is less than “Re,” a second sample set is evaluated. The sum of
each class of defects in the combined sample is compared with the
acceptance and rejection numbers in the table for each AQL, and a
positive decision is made to either accept or fail the lot.
2. On-line Lot
In many instances, food containers are loaded directly into carriers
immediately after final packaging. This situation makes stationary lot
sampling and inspection impractical. For such circumstances, the optional
procedure for on-line sampling and inspection using cumulative sum
sampling plans is provided.
For details on how to perform this type of inspection, see section 42.130 in
the Standards, 7 CFR 42 (which may be found at the following internet
address:
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionCfr.action?collectionCode=C
FR). For any additional questions, contact your immediate supervisor.
Applying Procedures – Stationary Lot
Example: A lot contains 2,000 cases of 24 No. 2 pint jars, or 48,000 total containers.
The lot is to be inspected under normal inspection procedures. The lot is
over 36,000 containers, so sampling plan code CD in Table I-A of the
Standards is applicable. The first sample set is 228 containers as indicated
under “Sample Size” opposite code CD.
SCI Division Inspection Series Condition of Food Container Manual
Effective Date: October 2013 Page 13 of 19
All 228 containers are examined and found to contain 15 minor, 4 major,
and no critical defects, for a total of 19 defects. The lot can neither be
accepted nor rejected on this sample for major or total defects because:
• 4 defects fall between Ac = 3 and Re = 9 for major defects
(AQL =1.5)
• 19 defects fall between Ac = 15 and Re = 24 for total defects
(AQL = 6.5)
Therefore, a second sample set (288 containers) is examined, and the
additional critical, major, and minor defects found are added to those
found in the first sample. The defects found in the 516 containers total 33
minor, 9 major, and 1 critical, for a total of 43 defects.
The 1 critical, 9 major, and 43 total defects are all equal to or less than the
acceptance (Ac) numbers of 3, 12, and 43 respectively; therefore the lot is
accepted.
Had the number of defects for any of the classes exceeded the applicable
acceptance number however (for example, had the defects totaled 44 or
more), the lot would FAIL condition of container requirements.
See the next page for this example recorded on the Container Examination
Worksheet.
SCI Division Inspection Series Condition of Food Container Manual
Effective Date: October 2013 Page 14 of 19
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
CONTAINER EXAMINATION WORKSHEET
TABLE VI – GLASS CONTAINERS (Bottles, Jars)
PRODUCT
Canned Green Beans
TYPE AND SIZE OF CONTAINER
24/No. pint jars
LOT NO.
3
LOT SIZE*
48,000 jars
CONTRACT NO.
123456789
Name and Address of Applicant
Heartland Packers, Inc.
Heartland, WI
INSPECTION STATUS OF LOT*
ORIGINAL RESUBMITTED
INSPECTION POINT
Plover, WI
CODES AND APPROXIMATE NO. OF CONTAINERS PER CODE*
See attached
Certificate of Sampling.
*As stated by applicant.
SAMPLING PLAN USED
No. of
Sample
Units
CRITICAL
MAJOR
TOTAL
(Minor, Critical, and Major Defects)
Normal
Tightened
Reduced
CODE__CD__
AQL: 0.25
If other specify_____________
AQL: 1.5
If other specify_____________
AQL: 6.5
If other specify_____________
Ac
Re
Ac
Re
Ac
Re
First Sample
228
0
3
3
9
15
24
Second Sample
288
Total Sample
516
3
4
12
13
43
44
Defect
No.
Type of Defect 1
st
Sample 2
nd
Sample
Defect
No.
Type of Defect 1
st
Sample 2
nd
Sample
Type or size of container or component parts not
as specified
NONE PERMITTED 2
Bird swing (glass appendage inside container)
CRITICAL
1
Closure not sealed, crimped, or fitted properly
(a) Heat processed
CRITICAL
3
Broken or leaking container
CRITICAL
101
(b) Non-heat processed
MAJOR
207
Cap (non-heat processed):
(a) Cross-threaded
Minor
201
Dirty, stained, or smeared container
Minor
208
(b) Loose but not leaking
Minor
202
Chip in glass
Minor
106
(c) Pitted rust
MAJOR
203
Stone (unmelted material) in glass
Minor
4
Cap (heat processed);
Cross-threaded or loose
CRITICAL
204
Pits in surface of glass
Minor
107
(b) Pitted rust
MAJOR
205
Sagging surface
Minor
209
Sealing tape or cell band (when required):
(a) Improperly placed
Minor
206
Bead (bubble within glass):
(a) 1/8 inch to 1/16 inch in diameter
Minor
108
(b) Not covering juncture of cap and glass
MAJOR
102
(b) Exceeding 1/8 inch in diameter
MAJOR
109
(c) Ends overlap by less than 1/2 inch
MAJOR
103
Checked
MAJOR
110
(d) Loose or deteriorating
MAJOR
104
Thin spot in glass
MAJOR
111
Missing or torn outer safety seal
MAJOR
105
Blister (structural defect)
MAJOR
112
Inner safety seal - missing , torn, poor seal
MAJOR
TABLE XI – LABEL, MARKING, OR CODE
101 Not specified method
MAJOR
202 Torn or mutilated
Minor
102 Missing (when required)
MAJOR
203 Text illegible or incomplete
Minor
103
Torn or scratched, obliterating any marking on
the label
MAJOR
204 In wrong location
Minor
104 Incorrect
MAJOR
OTHER (Specify)
201 Loose or improperly applied
Minor
Minor
Major
Critical
Total
ACTION TAKEN BASED ON FIRST SAMPLE
LOT ACCEPTED LOT REJECTED SECOND SAMPLE
First sample
15 4 0 19
Second sample
18
5
1
24
ACTION TAKEN ON SECOND SAMPLE (If required)
LOT ACCEPTED LOT REJECTED
Grand total
33
9
1
43
DATE INSPECTED
January 29, 2013
SIGNATURE OF INSPECTOR (Print and Sign Name)
Jared King
Jared King
EXAMPLE (passing lot)
SCI Division Inspection Series Condition of Food Container Manual
Effective Date: October 2013 Page 15 of 19
OTHER THAN ORIGIN INSPECTION AQL’S
Other Than Origin Inspection AQL’s are applicable when performing a re-inspection of a
reconditioned lot, or when specifically requested by a financially-interested party.
When the inspector performs a re-inspection, the procedure for applying Other Than Origin
Inspection AQL’s is as follows.
The defective portion of the lot should be segregated before the remaining portion of the lot is
offered for re-inspection. The defective portion may be reconditioned or reworked, and offered
as a “new” lot for inspection. Whenever the inspector is requested to perform a re-inspection,
the applicable sampling plan for tightened inspection is to be used.
Unless otherwise specified by the purchaser, the AQL’s used for respective classes of defects
shall be those contained in Lot Acceptance Criteria, 7 CFR 42.107(b), which are 0.25 for critical,
2.5 for major, and 10.0 for total.
CONDITION OF GLASS CONTAINERS - GUIDELINE FOR SCORING LOOSE CAPS
Table VI - Glass Containers, of the U.S. Standards for Condition of Food Containers lists "Loose
but not leaking" caps as a minor defect, number 208.
If a cap or lid is obviously loose it shall be scored as a defect. Unless otherwise specified in a
contract, purchase announcement, or specification, the following guideline may be used to
determine tightness of closure on questionable containers:
Bring the container to between 65 - 75 degrees F. Place the container upright on top of a stable,
level surface. Grasp the sides of the cap firmly with fingertips and turn cap gently-clockwise
with a minimum of downward pressure for complete revolution. If cap turns and the container
remains stationary, a defect shall be scored. This is only a guideline, if a cap or lid is obviously
loose it shall be scored as a defect.
CLARIFICATION REGARDING PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CONTAINER
DESIGNATION IN THE U.S. STANDARDS FOR CONDITION OF FOOD
CONTAINERS
Primary containers are inspected visually for all recordable defects. The primary container is
defined in the U.S. Standards for Condition of Food Containers as “The immediate container in
which the product is packaged and which serves to protect, preserve, and maintain the condition
of the product. The primary container may be metal, glass, fiber, textile, plastic, paper, or any
other suitable type of material, and may be supplemented by liners, overwraps, or other
protective material.” Usually the primary container is in direct contact with the product. An
exception to this would be a fiberboard case or metal drum which contains a poly liner. The
liner is in contact with the product, but the case or drum is considered the primary container.
SCI Division Inspection Series Condition of Food Container Manual
Effective Date: October 2013 Page 16 of 19
Examples of primary containers:
1. A plastic 2.5 lb. bag of frozen green beans;
2. A plastic vacuum sealed 30 lb. bag of frozen apricots;
3. A metal beaded bodied #10 can of pineapple;
4. A new 30 lb. plastic pail filled with frozen 5+1 red tart pitted cherries;
5. A 20 lb. fiber board case with poly liner of frozen lima beans; and
6. A poly lined 55 gallon drum of concentrated apple juice.
The secondary container is defined in the U.S. Standards for Condition of Food Containers as
“The container in which one or more primary containers are packaged. For example, a shipping
case containing canned product.” The secondary container is not in direct contact with the
product, but rather is used to protect, preserve, and maintain the condition of the product or
primary containers of the product during transit or storage. An example would be a shipping
case (secondary container) containing canned peas (primary container).
When performing condition of container examinations, examine both the primary and secondary
containers (as applicable) using the U.S. Standards for Condition of Food Containers and
applicable visual inspection aids.
RECORDING INFORMATION AND RESULTS ON CONTAINER EXAMINATION
WORKSHEETS
In the box titled Type and Size of Container describe the type and size of the actual primary
containers or in the case of secondary container inspection the secondary containers examined.
PRODUCT
TYPE AND SIZE OF CONTAINER
6- # 10 cans
LOT NO.
LOT SIZE*
CONTRACT NO.
In the box titled Codes and Approximate No. of Containers per Code list the primary container
codes and approximate number of containers or specify the number of secondary containers. If
there are multiple codes contained in the lot it is acceptable to reference an attached document
for a complete list of codes. See the example shown on page 14 of this manual.
INSPECTION STATUS OF LOT *
ORIGINAL RESUBMITTED
INSPECTION POINT
CODES AND APPROXIMATE NO. OF CONTAINERS PER CODE
M2431 (1008 cases) and M2441 (1008cases).
SCI Division Inspection Series Condition of Food Container Manual
Effective Date: October 2013 Page 17 of 19
In the box titled Sampling Plan Used mark the inspection status used – Normal, Tightened or
Reduced and record the sampling plan and its code as it appears in the Standards.
SAMPLING PLAN USED
No. of
Sample
Normal
Units
CODE CC
168
First Sample
Tightened
Second Sample
180
Reduced
348
Total Sample
If other than origin AQL’s are used, they must be specified.
CRITICAL
MAJOR
TOTAL
(Minor, Critical, and Major Defects)
AQL: 0.25
If other specify_____________
AQL: 1.5
If other specify 2.5
AQL: 6.5
If other specify 10.0
Results are recorded on condition of container worksheets. When the condition of container
examination for a lot is accepted or rejected based on the first sample, the instructions state “List
the number of defects found in all samples. If only the first sample is used, do not fill in the
grand total.” It is Division policy to draw a line through any tally box not filled in during the
inspection process. Draw lines through the empty tally rows entitled “Second Sample” and
“Grand Total” at the bottom of the condition of container worksheet - see example below. This
will maintain the integrity of the inspection, and reduce the potential for future alterations to the
worksheet.
Example:
MINOR MAJOR CRITICAL TOTAL
First sample
7
2
0
9
Second sample
Grand total
DATE INSPECTED
5/19/10
If a second sample is needed, total all defects from the 1
st
and 2
nd
samples in the “Grand total”
row.
An example of a lot FAILING Condition of Container examination is shown on the next page.
SCI Division Inspection Series Condition of Food Container Manual
Effective Date: October 2013 Page 18 of 19
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
CONTAINER EXAMINATION WORKSHEET
TABLE VI – GLASS CONTAINERS (Bottles, Jars)
PRODUCT
Canned Green Beans
TYPE AND SIZE OF CONTAINER
24/No. pint jars
LOT NO.
3
LOT SIZE*
48,000 jars
CONTRACT NO.
123456789
Name and Address of Applicant
Heartland Packers, Inc.
Heartland, WI
INSPECTION STATUS OF LOT*
ORIGINAL RESUBMITTED
INSPECTION POINT
Plover, WI
CODES AND APPROXIMATE NO. OF CONTAINERS PER CODE*
See attached
Certificate of Sampling.
*As stated by applicant.
SAMPLING PLAN USED
No. of
Sample
Units
CRITICAL
MAJOR
TOTAL
(Minor, Critical, and Major Defects)
Normal
Tightened
Reduced
CODE__CD__
AQL: 0.25
If other specify_____________
AQL: 1.5
If other specify_____________
AQL: 6.5
If other specify_____________
Ac
Re
Ac
Re
Ac
Re
First Sample
228
0
3
3
9
15
24
Second Sample
288
Total Sample
516
3
4
12
13
43
44
Defect
No.
Type of Defect 1
st
Sample 2
nd
Sample
Defect
No.
Type of Defect 1
st
Sample 2
nd
Sample
Type or size of container or component parts not
as specified
NONE PERMITTED 2
Bird swing (glass appendage inside container)
CRITICAL
1
Closure not sealed, crimped, or fitted properly
(a) Heat processed
CRITICAL
3
Broken or leaking container
CRITICAL
101
(b) Non-heat processed
MAJOR
207
Cap (non-heat processed):
(a) Cross-threaded
Minor
201
Dirty, stained, or smeared container
Minor
208
(b) Loose but not leaking
Minor
202
Chip in glass
Minor
106
(c) Pitted rust
MAJOR
203
Stone (unmelted material) in glass
Minor
4
Cap (heat processed);
Cross-threaded or loose
CRITICAL
204
Pits in surface of glass
Minor
107
(b) Pitted rust
MAJOR
205
Sagging surface
Minor
209
Sealing tape or cell band (when required):
(a) Improperly placed
Minor
206
Bead (bubble within glass):
(a) 1/8 inch to 1/16 inch in diameter
Minor
108
(b) Not covering juncture of cap and glass
MAJOR
102
(b) Exceeding 1/8 inch in diameter
MAJOR
109
(c) Ends overlap by less than 1/2 inch
MAJOR
103
Checked
MAJOR
110
(d) Loose or deteriorating
MAJOR
104
Thin spot in glass
MAJOR
111
Missing or torn outer safety seal
MAJOR
105
Blister (structural defect)
MAJOR
112
Inner safety seal - missing , torn, poor seal
MAJOR
TABLE XI – LABEL, MARKING, OR CODE
101 Not specified method
MAJOR
202 Torn or mutilated
Minor
102 Missing (when required)
MAJOR
203 Text illegible or incomplete
Minor
103
Torn or scratched, obliterating any marking on
the label
MAJOR
204 In wrong location
Minor
104 Incorrect
MAJOR
OTHER (Specify)
201 Loose or improperly applied
Minor
Minor
Major
Critical
Total
ACTION TAKEN BASED ON FIRST SAMPLE
LOT ACCEPTED LOT REJECTED SECOND SAMPLE
First sample
16 4 0 20
Second sample
20
5
1
24
ACTION TAKEN ON SECOND SAMPLE (If required)
LOT ACCEPTED LOT REJECTED
Grand total
36
9
1
46
DATE INSPECTED
January 29, 2013
SIGNATURE OF INSPECTOR (Print and Sign Name)
Jared King
Jared King
EXAMPLE (failing lot)
SCI Division Inspection Series Condition of Food Container Manual
Effective Date: October 2013 Page 19 of 19
Attachments Version Date
(Printed for distribution)
7 CFR 42: __________
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionCfr.action?collectionCode=CFR.
Visual aids for use in determining the condition of metal food containers: __________
http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/processedinspection.
Visual aids for use in determining the condition of glass food containers: __________
http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/processedinspection.
Visual aids for use in determining the condition of flexible food containers: __________
http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/processedinspection.
Visual aids for use in determining the condition of rigid and semi rigid food containers:
http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/processedinspection. __________
Checked Materials have been printed from the links in this Manual and included for
reference.