Inspection Terms and Certificates

Appeal Inspection An appeal inspection may be made by any financially interested party who doubts the accuracy of the initial inspection. Appeal inspections are generally performed by a supervisor and another inspector who has not previously seen the load. A party may request an appeal inspection provided the lot can be positively identified as the same lot originally inspected. Bills of lading, manifests, or other shipping documents are generally accepted as sufficient documentation. An appeal inspection must also be requested in a timely manner so significant deterioration of the product does not occur. Applicant States Applicant’s report, taken verbally. Checksum Total of numbers in the percentage of defects. Condition Defects Defects of a more progressive nature that may have developed after packing (i.e., bruising and decay). Damage: More serious than injury, scored against the general tolerance for the commodity. First Layer The layer of containers resting on the floor or floor racks of the carrier, or on pallets or slip sheets. Injury: Minor defects, scored only against the highest grades. Inspector’s Count Inspector’s certification of package count. Layer A course or stratum of the load, parallel to the floor of the carrier and one container in height. Left and Right As indicated with observer standing at rear of trailer looking forward. Misbranding Refers to an inspection showing the contents of a container do not conform to the description on the container. For example, a container marked U.S. No. 1 Carrots is inspected and found to have carrots which are 1/2-inch in diameter and 4-inches long would be misbranded, as the U.S. No. 1 Grade calls for carrots which are a minimum of 3/4-inch diameter and a minimum of 5 inches in length. Once a misbranding has been detected, the Federal Inspection Service is obligated to immediately notify PACA. After the misbranding has been established the applicant nor any other party may change the inspection basis to a “Condition Only” inspection. Misbranding violations are assessed and approved by PACA. Misbranded merchandise must be relabeled and/or repacked to correct misbranding violations, and responsible parties will be subjected to fines as administered by PACA. Percentage of Defects Occasional - 5% or less Approximately 1/2 - 45 to 55% Few - 5 to 10% Mostly - 55 to 90% Some - 10 to 25% Generally - 90% Many - 25 to 45% Practically All - 95% Quality Defects Those defects considered permanent or as inherent properties. (properties which do not change over time). These are also sometimes called grade defects. Restricted To Often appears in the “Remarks” portion of the federal inspection. An inspector will use restricted to when he/she has been asked by the applicant to inspect only certain aspects of the products such as freezing injury, size, pack, condition, or other specific area. Row: Containers extending lengthwise of the carrier, parallel to the sides of the carrier and one container in width. It should be noted that three objects are required to make a row, defined as a “series of objects in continued line.” Second Layer The second layer counting up from the floor. Serious Damage More serious than “damage,” scored against a restricted tolerance. Stack Containers extending from one side of the carrier to the other, parallel to the end of the carrier. Through Load: A load in which containers are loaded from end to end of the trailer with space left only for braces, bulkheads, etc. Very Serious Damage: Found in connection with restricted tolerances in the lower grades.