“U.S. Artificially Opened” consists of artificially opened pistachio nuts in the shell which meet the following requirements:

1. (a) Basic Requirements:

   1. (1) Free from:

      1. (i) Foreign material;
      2. (ii) Loose kernels;
      3. (iii) Shell pieces;
      4. (iv) Particles and dust; and,
      5. (v) Blanks.

2. (b) Shells:

   1. (1) Free from:

      1. (i) Non-split shells; and,
      2. (ii) Shells not split on suture.

   2. (2) Free from damage by:

      1. (i) Adhering hull material;
      2. (ii) Light stained;
      3. (iii) Dark stained; and,
      4. (iv) Other External (shell) defects.

3. (c) Kernels:

   1. (1) Well dried, or, very well dried when specified in connection with the grade.

   2. (2) Free from damage by:

      1. (i) Immature kernels;
      2. (ii) Kernel spotting; and,
      3. (iii) Other Internal (kernel) defects.

   3. (3) Free from serious damage by:

      1. (i) Minor insect or vertebrate injury;
      2. (ii) Insect damage;
      3. (iii) Mold;
      4. (iv) Rancidity;
      5. (v) Decay; and,
      6. (vi) Other Internal (kernel) defects.
4. (d) The nuts are of a size not less than 30/64 inch in diameter as measured by a round hole screen.
5. (e) For tolerances, see § 51.2544.

[68 FR 50683, Aug. 22, 2003]