(1) Each processing plant shall install mechanical sample selectors, as per drawings and specifications on file at the Department of Citrus office, at unloading ramps immediately after grading. Effective November 1, 2006, statewide standardized sampling equipment will be required. By that date each processing plant shall have installed a Flip-Gate style mechanical sample selector system, as per specifications on file at the Department of Citrus headquarters and incorporated herein by reference. Such specifications shall be adhered to upon the installation of new Flip-Gate sampler systems and during the operation and maintenance of existing Flip-Gate sampler systems. No alterations or modifications shall be made on the sample system without the prior knowledge and consent of the Division of Fruit and Vegetables, and such system, under the supervision of the Technical Bureau of that Division, shall be maintained by the plant to deliver, directly into the state test lab, a representative sample from each load of fruit received at the approximate rate of one fruit for each ten boxes. All troughs, chutes, conveyors, and belts used for mechanically collecting and transporting samples shall be so enclosed as to make the sample inaccessible prior to point of delivery into the state test lab.
    (2) Official juice analysis tests for determining pounds-solids will be made only on fruit collected by such a sampling device, except as otherwise provided in this rule, or when, in the opinion of the Division of Fruit and Vegetables, such sampling is impractical or the inspector deems further sampling and testing is necessary to prevent the utilization of immature fruit.
Rulemaking Authority 601.10(7), 601.24 FS. Law Implemented 601.10(7), 601.24, 601.27 FS. History-Formerly 105-1.18(1), Amended 1-1-75, Formerly 20-61.03, Amended 10-15-95, 12-21-00, 1-26-06.