PEPPER

ASTA’s Cleanliness specifications For pepper

(Effective April 28, 1999)

For purpose of these Specifications, extraneous matter is defined as everything foreign to the product itself and included, but is not restricted to: stones, dirt, wire, string, stems, sticks, nontoxic foreign seeds, excreta, manure and animal contamination.

The level of contaminants permitted under these Specifications must fall below those shown on the following table, except for the column "Whole Insects, Dead" which cannot exceed the limits shown.

Cleanliness Specifications Footnotes:

IN ADDITION TO THE PRECEDING SPECIFICATIONS, A LOT MUST ALSO BE RECONDITIONED:

1. MAMALIAN EXCRETA
   
   If the average of the total number of sub-samples exceeds the listed milligram per pound Specifications.Exception: In the case of fennel seed, see footnote (2)


2. OTHER EXCRETA
   
   If the average weight expressed as milligrams per pound for all subdivisions of the sample exceeds the specified values shown in the table.Exception: In the case of fennel seed, see footnote (2)
   
   NOTE: The Food and Drug Administration specifies only mammalia excreta, ASTA will count all types of non-mammalian excreta as Other Excreta. FDA retains the right to detain merchandise containing excessive amounts of excreta, which is of non-mammalian origin, on the basis that the merchandise was exposed to unsanitary conditions.


3. INSECTS
   
   If the total number of whole dead insects found in the total number of the sub samples exceeds the specified value shown in the table
   If live insects are found in the original sample reconditioning is to include fumigating. If the number of live and dead insects exceeds the cleanliness specification for whole dead insects for that spice, then reconditioning must also include sifting and blowing. Thereafter, in accordance with Procedures A. Sampling, new samples shall be drawn, analyzed and a new Certificate of Analysis issued.
   
   Exception:
   1. In the case of fennel seed, if 20% or more of the sub samples contain any whole insects, the lot must be reconditioned. (For example, if two or more sub samples of a ten-unit sample each contain one whole insect, the lot must be reconditioned)
   
   
   2. If the number of live insects found in the total number of sub samples is less than the cleanliness specifications for whole insects for that spice; the lot must be fumigated and then re-sampled.
   
   
   3. If it appears to the unaided eye that 50 or more mites and psocids are present, the lot must be fumigated, sifted, and blown. Mites and/or psocids are not to be counted as insects.

1. INSECTS
   
   If mould is present, as expressed by percent by weight of the total quantity of spice in all sub samples, in excess of the specified values shown in the table. A product is classified as moldy if it contains mold, visible to the naked eye, exceeding ¼ of its surface area and confirmed by the presence of mycelial filaments and spores when examined with the aid of a microscope (40 x magnification or less)


2. INSECTS DEFILED/INFESTED
   
   If the total sample quantity exceeds the specified values shown in the table expressed as percent by weight of insect infested, bored, or otherwise defiled seeds, leaves or roots. Before reconditioning, a lot is considered defiled whenever a sample shows visible evidence of webbing or definite insect feeding.


3. RECONDITIONING AND RECONDITIONED ITEMS
   
   Reconditioning may include, but shall not be limited to, techniques such as fumigating, washing, cutting, sifting, aspirating and blowing.Insect channels or insect-bored hotels in reconditioned spices will not be counted as insect defiled, as they would in the examination of non-reconditioned spices, provided there are no insects, webbing or excreta in those channels or holes.


4. INSECTS
   
   If the light berries, though not considered extraneous matter, exceed 4% by weight.

Source: International Pepper community