The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides guidance for foreign material in a food sample. Sometimes it is best not to look to closely.
Parameters:
(1) visibility
(2) organoleptic detection (smell, taste)
(3) impact
|
Visibility
|
Organoleptic Detection
|
Impact
|
Class
|
|
not visible; requires microscopic exam
|
not detected
|
none
|
1
|
|
visible without microscope but small
|
detected only with careful exam
|
minimal
|
2
|
|
readily discernible
|
not objectionable
|
poor eating quality
|
3
|
|
not readily discernible
|
objectionable
|
poor eating quality
|
3
|
|
readily discernible
|
highly objectionable
|
potentially harmful
|
4
|
|
readily discernible
|
highly objectionable
|
harmful
|
GNC
|
GNC indicates not fit for consumption.
