CPG Sec. 550.850 Strawberries; Frozen, Whole, or Sliced - Adulteration with Sand, Mold

REGULATORY ACTION GUIDANCE:

The following represents the criteria for direct reference seizure to Division of Compliance Management and Operations (HFC-210) and for direct citation by the District Offices:

1. Mold: The strawberries have an average mold count of 45% or more and the mold count of at least one-half of the subsamples is 55% or more.
   
   or
2. Sand: The berries taste gritty.

REMARKS:

Seizures involving these products must be discussed with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. *E-mail* or FAX the following information to CFSAN/Office of *Compliance*/Division of Enforcement (HFS-605) and await reply before proceeding:

SPECIMEN CHARGE:

1. Article adulterated when introduced into and while in interstate commerce, within meaning of 21 U.S.C. 342(a)(3), in that it consists wholly or in part of a decomposed substance by reason of presence therein of decomposed strawberries.
2. Article adulterated when introduced into and while in interstate commerce, within meaning of 21 U.S.C. 342(a)(3), in that it is unfit for food by reason of being gritty to the taste.

*Material between asterisks is new or revised*

Issued: 10/1/80
Revised: 3/95, 5/2005

Updated:  11/29/05