La. Admin. Code tit. 7 § V-1135
Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024
Section V-1135 - Red River Valley TomatoesA. Definitions Red River Valley Tomatoes-tomatoes that are produced by farms in Louisiana that have been certified by the Red River Valley Research Station of Louisiana State University as being certified Red River Valley Tomato Producers, and which meet all horticulture practices prescribed by the Red River Valley Research station. No tomatoes that have been gassed to achieve ripeness or that do not meet the Louisiana Number 1 Grading Standard can qualify as a Red River Valley Tomato.
B. In addition to the standards referred to in §1103, the following provisions govern the marketing and sale of tomatoes in Louisiana that are labeled as Red River Valley Tomatoes. 1. The U.S. Standards for Combination, 2, and 3 as stipulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (hereinafter "U.S.D.A."), shall be adopted as official State Grades.2. The grade Louisiana Number 1 is hereby established, the standards of which are not less than those of the U.S. combination, except that not more than 15 percent tolerance for grade defects will be allowed.3. The grades Louisiana Number 2 and Louisiana Number 3 are hereby established, these standards of which are not less than the U.S. Standards for Number 2 and Number 3.4. Color classification shall be the same as U.S. Standards.5. Size a. The size of tomatoes packed in any standard type shipping container shall be specified and marked according to one of the size designations set forth in Table 1. Individual containers shall not be marked with more than one size designation. Consumer packages and their master container are exempt; however, if they are marked, the same requirements apply.b. Table 1 Louisiana Sizes |
Size Designations | Minimum Diameter* | Maximum Diameter | |
LA Small | 2 4/32 in. | 2 9/32 in. |
LA Medium | 2 8/32 in. | 2 17/32 in. |
LA Large | 2 16/32 in. | 2 25/32 in. |
LA Extra Large | 2 24/32 in. | |
LA Colossal | 3 9/16 in. or Larger | |
* Will not pass through a round opening of the designated diameter when tomato is placed with the greatest transverse diameter across the opening. [DAGGER] Will pass through a round opening of the designated diameter in any position. |
6. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to sell, offer for sale, ship, or move any tomato labeled as "Red River Valley Tomatoes" into the channels of fresh trade unless it meets Louisiana Number 1 Grade.7. All tomatoes offered for sale as "Red River Valley Tomatoes" are subject to inspection by U.S.D.A. licensed personnel of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. If a particular lot of tomatoes does not meet the Louisiana grade standards, a stop sale order will be issued on the entire lot, and the lot will be removed from retail sales until the lot has been reworked or relabeled.8. The movement of tomatoes labeled as "Red River Valley Tomatoes" into channels of fresh trade is prohibited unless in conformance with this regulation.9. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry has the option of charging fees in accordance with federal rates for shipping point inspections.La. Admin. Code tit. 7, § V-1135
Adopted by the Department of Agriculture, State Market Commission, September 1949, repealed LR 12:826 (December 1986), promulgated by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Office of Marketing, LR 20:782 (July 1994).AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 3:405, 3:411 and 3:412.