Md. Code Regs. 15.17.01.04

Current through Register Vol. 52, No. 1, January 10, 2025

Section 15.17.01.04 - Standards for "MD-CA" Certified Fruits

The Secretary shall certify and mark fruit as "MD-CA" certified if it conforms to all of the following standards:

A. Fruit shall be refrigerated immediately after harvesting and shall be sealed in a controlled atmosphere storage facility within 30 days after harvesting.

B. The oxygen content of a facility shall be reduced to 5 percent of the facility's volume within 20 cumulative calendar days after the facility's initial sealing.

C. The maximum amount of oxygen retained in a sealed "MD-CA" facility may not exceed 5 percent by volume.

D. While fruit is stored in a facility, the temperature shall be maintained within a range normal for each variety without significant deviation.

E. Fruit shall be stored for a minimum of 90 days in a facility, except 60 days for Jonathan variety apples. However, fruit may not be stored for more than 10 months or later than August 1 following harvest. All fruit shall be sealed in a facility with not more than 5 percent oxygen content.

Md. Code Regs. 15.17.01.04