For the purposes of this part the following definitions shall apply:
(a) Lot. A collection of primary containers or units of the same size, type and style manufactured or packed under similar conditions and handled as a single unit of trade.
(b) Lot size. The number of primary containers or units (pounds when in bulk) in the lot.
(c) Sample size. The total number of sample units drawn for examination from a lot.
(d) Sample unit. A container, a portion of the contents of a container, or a composite mixture of product from small containers that is sufficient for the examination or testing as a single unit.
(e) Defective. Any sample unit shall be regarded as defective when the sample unit does not meet the criteria set forth in the standards.
(f) Acceptance number. The maximum number of defective sample units permitted in the sample in order to consider the lot as meeting the specified requirements. The following acceptance numbers shall apply:
| Lot size (primary container) | Size container | |
|---|---|---|
| 4,800 or less | 13 | 2 |
| 4,801 to 24,000 | 21 | 3 |
| 24,001 to 48,000 | 29 | 4 |
| 48,001 to 84,000 | 48 | 6 |
| 84,001 to 144,000 | 84 | 9 |
| 144,001 to 240,000 | 126 | 13 |
| Over 240,000 | 200 | 19 |
| Number of Pounds | ||
| 20,000 or less | 13 | 2 |
| More than 20,000 to 100,000 | 21 | 3 |
| More than 100,000 to 200,000 | 29 | 4 |
| More than 200,000 to 400,000 | 48 | 6 |
| More than 400,000 to 600,000 | 84 | 9 |
| More than 600,000 to 1,000,000 | 126 | 13 |
| More than 1,000,000 | 200 | 19 |
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(g) Acceptable quality level (AQL). The maximum percent of defective sample units permitted in a lot that will be accepted approximately 95 percent of the time.