Chapter ATCP 81

ATCP 81.22(2)(c) (c) Wisconsin grade C. The grade mark for cheese graded as Wisconsin grade C shall consist of approximately a 1 inch square with the grader’s license number and the words “Wisconsin grade C” enclosed within the square. The type shall be spaced and designed so as to be legible and present a symmetrical appearance.

ATCP 81.22 Note Note: The following is an illustration of the grade mark requirements under s. ATCP 81.22 (2) (c).

ATCP 81.22(2)(d) (d) Wisconsin grade D. The grade label for cheese graded as Wisconsin grade D shall consist of the words “Wisconsin grade D”on 3 separate lines, followed immediately with the grader’s license number below the grade designation. The information may not be enclosed within any figure, but shall be spaced and designed so as to be legible and present a symmetrical appearance.

ATCP 81.22 Note Note: The following is an illustration of the grade mark requirements under s. ATCP 81.22 (2) (d).

ATCP 81.22(2)(e) (e) Undergrade. The grade label for cheese graded as Undergrade shall consist of the word “Undergrade” followed with the grader’s license number immediately below. The information may not be enclosed within any figure, but shall be spaced and designed so as to be legible and present a symmetrical appearance.

ATCP 81.22 Note Note: The following is an illustration of the grade mark requirements under s. ATCP 81.22 (2) (e).

ATCP 81.22(2)(f) (f) Not graded. All cheese which has not been graded under this chapter shall be plainly designated with the words “Not Graded” in prominent or conspicuous type size. The designation shall be applied to the cheese, the cheese wrapper or container, or to a tag attached to the container. The designation shall be affixed at the manufacturing location or at the location where the cheese is first delivered in this state, prior to further sale or shipment. The “Not Graded” designation may not be used as an alternate grade determination if grade correction is necessary.

ATCP 81.22 History History: Cr. Register, April, 1993, No. 448, eff. 5-1-93; am. (1) (b) and (2) (a), r. (1) (c), renum. (1) (d) to (h) to be (1) (c) to (g), Register, January, 1996, No. 481, eff. 2-1-96; CR 99-151: am. (1), Register July 2001, No. 547 eff. 8-1-01.

ATCP 81.23 ATCP 81.23 Cheese grading.

ATCP 81.23(1) (1) General. Any cheese represented to be of one of the grades under s. ATCP 81.22 (1) shall conform to the standards and characteristics for the labeled grade, and shall be graded by a licensed grader or by the department. After the grade is determined, a grade mark or label under s. ATCP 81.22 (2) shall be affixed to the cheese, to the cheese wrapper or container, or to a tag attached to the container before the cheese enters wholesale channels of distribution.

ATCP 81.23(2) (2) Moisture and milkfat content. The moisture and milkfat content requirements of each variety of cheese for which grade standards are set forth in this chapter shall comply with the standards of identity for the cheese variety under s. 97.09 (1), Stats.

ATCP 81.23(3) (3) State grade certification. All cheese graded as Wisconsin certified premium grade AA shall have the grade certified by a department grader. No person may use the Wisconsin certified premium grade AA label on cheese which has not been certified by the department. The department may also certify, upon request, a cheese grade other than Wisconsin certified premium grade AA. The department shall charge a fee to cover its cost to perform a grade certification under this subsection, regardless of whether the certification is mandatory or voluntary. Cheese which develops any objectionable defect after department grade certification shall be regraded by a licensed cheese grader. Appropriate changes shall be made in the grade labeling before further distribution or sale of the cheese.

ATCP 81.23(4) (4) Minimum age of cheese for state grade certification. All cheese except Swiss or emmentaler cheese offered for grade certification under sub. (3) shall be at least 10 days old on the date of certification. Swiss or emmentaler cheese shall be at least 60 days old on the date of certification. Age shall be determined from the date of manufacture.

ATCP 81.23(5) (5) Grading procedure; general.

ATCP 81.23(5)(a) (a) To grade cheese from any vat lot, a grader shall withdraw and evaluate at least one plug from a cheese sample selected at random from that vat lot. The grader shall withdraw each plug with a cheese trier that complies with par. (b).

ATCP 81.23(5)(b) (b) A cheese trier shall comply with the following requirements, as applicable:

ATCP 81.23(5)(b)1. 1. A cheese trier used to draw a cheese plug for the purpose of grading any cheese variety other than barrel cheese shall be constructed with a 6 inch barrel. The trier shall be tapered from a 13/16 inch diameter at the large end to a 10/16 inch diameter on the small end. The cutting depth of the barrel shall be 1/4 inch at the small end and 3/8 inch at the large end.

ATCP 81.23(5)(b)2. 2. A cheese trier used to draw a plug of barrel cheese for the purpose of grading shall have a barrel which is not less than 9 inches in length. A trier for barrel cheese shall be tapered from a 15/16 inch diameter at the large end to a 11/16 inch diameter at the small end. The cutting depth of the barrel shall be 1/2 inch at the large end tapered to 5/16 inch at the small end.

ATCP 81.23(5)(b)3. 3. A cheese trier used to draw a plug for grading conventional sizes of brick and muenster cheese shall be constructed with a 5 inch long barrel tapered from a diameter of 5/8 inch at the large end to a diameter of 15/32 inch on the small end. The cutting depth of the barrel shall be 7/32 inch at the small end and 5/16 inch at the large end.

ATCP 81.23(5m) (5m) Swiss cheese grading procedure. To grade Swiss or emmentaler cheese from any vat lot, a grader shall use the following procedure in place of the procedure under sub. (5):

ATCP 81.23(5m)(a) (a) The grader shall determine flavor and body characteristics by withdrawing and evaluating at least one plug from a cheese sample selected at random from the vat lot. The grader shall withdraw the plug with a trier, inserting the trier at the approximate center of the largest flat surface area on the cheese sample. The grader shall withdraw and evaluate a full trier plug of cheese, except that a grader may withdraw and evaluate a less-than-full trier plug if the cheese is not deep enough to permit withdrawal of a full trier plug.

ATCP 81.23(5m)(b) (b) Except as provided in par. (c) or (d), a grader shall determine texture, color and eye characteristics by evaluating a cheese wheel or block selected at random from the vat lot. The grader shall divide the cheese wheel or block approximately in half, and shall evaluate the 2 exposed cut surfaces.

ATCP 81.23(5m)(c) (c) If cheese from a vat lot has been cut into sizes smaller than a wheel or block, a grader may determine texture, color and eye characteristics by evaluating already exposed cut surfaces without making additional cuts.

ATCP 81.23(5m)(d) (d) At the request of the cheese owner, a grader may determine the texture, color and eye characteristics of a vat lot by withdrawing and evaluating at least one plug of cheese selected at random from that vat lot, rather than by evaluating cut surfaces under par. (b) or (c). The grader shall withdraw and evaluate the plug according to par. (a). The grader shall disclose, on the grade certification or inspection report, that the grader used this grading. The authorized representative of a cheese owner may request this grading method on behalf of the cheese owner.

ATCP 81.23(6) (6) Regrading. Cheese which has developed any objectionable flavor or other defect after grading shall be regraded. Original grade labels shall be removed and correct grade labels applied. When cheese is regraded, the “Not graded” designation may not be used as an alternative to the actual regraded designation.

ATCP 81.23(7) (7) Appealing grade changes. A licensed cheese grader may appeal a grade change ordered by a department cheese grader. The petition may consist of a request for review by a department grading specialist of the original grade determination. The cost of the grade determination review shall be charged to the petitioner. Any party affected by a grade certification may also appeal to the department as provided in s. 93.11 (4) and (5), Stats. The appeal shall be requested in writing and shall be made not later than 10 days following the date of delivery of the cheese to the purchaser.

ATCP 81.23(8) (8) Arbitration. If disagreement occurs between a producer and a buyer as to the grade of cheese, the disagreement may be resolved by arbitration. The cheese may not be moved or further processed pending arbitration. Either party to the transaction may request appointment of a grade arbitration committee. The committee shall consist of 3 arbitrators, selected from a list of licensed graders compiled by the department. Each party shall appoint one arbitrator and the 2 arbitrators initially selected shall appoint a third. The decision of the arbitration committee on the grade of the cheese shall bind the parties. The party who requests arbitration shall pay the costs of arbitration.

ATCP 81.23 History History: Cr. Register, April, 1993, No. 448, eff. 5-1-93; am. (4), Register, January, 1996, No. 481, eff. 2-1-96; CR 01-057: r. and recr. (5) (a), renum. (5) (b) to (d) to be (5) (b) 1 to 3., cr. (5) (b) (intro.) and (5m), Register June 2002 No. 558, eff. 7-1-02.

ATCP 81.24 ATCP 81.24 Cheese grade labeling of retail packages.

ATCP 81.24(1) (1) General. A retail food establishment licensed under s. 97.30, Stats., or a food processing plant licensed under s. 97.29, Stats., may obtain a cheese grade labeling permit from the department. A permit holder may affix a cheese grade label to retail packages of graded cheese purchased in bulk by the permit holder if the bulk lot has been graded as Wisconsin Certified Premium Grade AA, Wisconsin Grade A or Wisconsin State Brand and the cheese is cut, packaged and labeled for retail distribution. No retail food establishment may grade label retail packages of cheese without a permit from the department. Retail grade labeling shall comply with this section. A dairy plant licensed under s. 97.20, Stats., may cut, wrap and grade label cheese for retail distribution if the cheese is graded by a cheese grader licensed under s. 97.175, Stats., and the retail packages are grade labeled as required under s. ATCP 81.22.

ATCP 81.24(2) (2) Bulk grade determination. Retail packages of cheese grade labeled under sub.(1) shall consist of cut and packaged cheese which has been graded under this chapter in a bulk unit. The bulk unit of graded cheese shall bear a grade label applied by a licensed grader or department employee authorized to grade cheese. The bulk unit of graded cheese shall be re-examined by a licensed grader prior to being cut, packaged and labeled.

ATCP 81.24(3) (3) Retail package grade labeling. The department shall issue a permit identification number to each grade labeling permit holder under sub. (1). The identification number shall consist of the letter prefix “P”, followed by a three digit identification number. When affixing a grade label to retail packages of graded cheese under this section, the permit holder shall print the specified grade and the permit holder’s identification number within a miniature outline map of the boundaries of the state of Wisconsin. The type shall be designed and spaced so as to be legible and present a symmetrical appearance.

ATCP 81.24 Note Note: The following are illustrations of the grade mark requirements under s. ATCP 81.24 (3).

ATCP 81.24 History History: Cr. Register, April, 1993, No. 448, eff. 5-1-93; am. (1), Register, January, 1996, No. 481, eff. 2-1-96; CR 99-151: am. (1) and (3), Register July 2001, No. 547 eff. 8-1-01.

ATCP 81.25 ATCP 81.25 Recordkeeping.

ATCP 81.25(1) (1) Content. Licensed cheese graders shall maintain records showing all of the following:

ATCP 81.25(1)(a) (a) The name of the person for whom the cheese is graded.

ATCP 81.25(1)(b) (b) The quantity or amount of cheese graded.

ATCP 81.25(1)(c) (c) The date of grading.

ATCP 81.25(1)(d) (d) The grade of the cheese as determined by the cheese grader for each lot of cheese.

ATCP 81.25(1)(e) (e) The information required under s. ATCP 81.20 (1) to (5).

ATCP 81.25(2) (2) Record retention. Records required under this section shall be retained by the grader for a period of 2 years and are subject to inspection by the department upon request.

ATCP 81.25 History History: Cr. Register, April, 1993, No. 448, eff. 5-1-93; CR 99-151: cr. (1) (e), Register July 2001, No. 547 eff. 8-1-01.

subch. III of ch. ATCP 81 Subchapter III —Cheese Styles, Boxes and Hoops

ATCP 81.30 ATCP 81.30 Cheese styles.

ATCP 81.30(1) (1) Traditional styles. Cheese may be manufactured and sold in the traditional styles set forth in sub. (2).

ATCP 81.30(2) (2) Standards. Each of the following cheese styles shall conform to the weight and size standards for that style as indicated in the following chart.

ATCP 81.30 History History: Cr. Register, April, 1993, No. 448, eff. 5-1-93; CR 99-151: am. (2) (chart), Register July 2001, No. 547 eff. 8-1-01.

ATCP 81.31 ATCP 81.31 Cheese container requirements.

ATCP 81.31(1) (1) Cheese hoops. Cheese hoops shall be of the correct size and shape, so that cheese which is molded in the hoop conforms to the weight and size standards specified under s. ATCP 81.30 (2).

ATCP 81.31(2) (2) New cheese boxes. All cheese boxes or containers shall be securely nailed or bound together so that they are strong enough to carry the weight of the cheese the box or container is designed to carry. Cheese boxes and containers shall conform to all of the following requirements:

ATCP 81.31(2)(a) (a) The dimensions of the box or container shall be adequate to enable easy entry and removal of the cheese while conforming the finished product to the weight and size standards of s. ATCP 81.30 (2). The container shall thoroughly envelop and protect the cheese.

ATCP 81.31(2)(b) (b) All cheese boxes shall be clean and free of insects or other forms of contamination prior to sale or use.

ATCP 81.31(2)(c) (c) Boxes manufactured from wood or veneer shall be constructed of commercially dry materials and contain not more than 18% moisture prior to sale or use as a receptacle for cheese.

ATCP 81.31(2)(d) (d) Scale boards may not contain in excess of 18% moisture.

ATCP 81.31(2)(e) (e) The name and address of the manufacturer shall be plainly stamped, impressed or labeled in type at least 1/4 inch high on the body of all boxes or containers manufactured for use as a receptacle or container for cheese.

ATCP 81.31(3) (3) Used cheese boxes.

ATCP 81.31(3)(a) (a) Before being reused as cheese containers, all previously used boxes shall be reconditioned as necessary, and shall be thoroughly cleaned. Reused boxes shall be free from adhering material, objectionable odors, mold, or other unsanitary conditions.

ATCP 81.31(3)(b) (b) Used wood or veneer boxes shall meet the moisture requirements of new boxes under sub. (2) (c) at the time of reuse.

ATCP 81.31(3)(c) (c) Before a cheese box is reused to contain cheese, all markings other than the designation of the original manufacturer shall be completely obliterated or removed from the box.

ATCP 81.31(4) (4) Barrels. Barrels used for marketing or transporting barrel cheese shall be free of liquids or excess moisture, and shall be covered with full, removable covers which are securely jacketed and sealed.

ATCP 81.31(5) (5) Other boxes or containers.

ATCP 81.31(5)(a) (a) The department may authorize the temporary experimental use of a new type of box or container which deviates from the requirements or standards under this section, to determine whether it is suitable for use in containing or shipping of cheese. If a new experimental container is found to be satisfactory, the department may authorize its continued or general use. Department approval may be withdrawn if an experimental box or container is found to be unsatisfactory.

ATCP 81.31(5)(b) (b) If shipping materials or containers conform to standards adopted by the United States department of agriculture for the marketing and transporting of cheese, those materials or containers are also deemed to comply with this section.

ATCP 81.31 History History: Cr. Register, April, 1993, No. 448, eff. 5-1-93; am. (2) (e), Register, January, 1996, No. 481, eff. 2-1-96.

subch. IV of ch. ATCP 81 Subchapter IV — Cheddar, Granular and Washed Curd Cheese; Grade Standards

ATCP 81.40 ATCP 81.40 Wisconsin certified premium grade AA standards. Cheddar, granular and washed curd cheese labeled or sold as Wisconsin certified premium grade AA shall conform to the following standards:

ATCP 81.40(1) (1) Flavor characteristics. The flavor of Wisconsin certified premium grade AA cheddar, granular and washed curd cheese shall be fine, highly pleasing and free from undesirable flavors and odors. The cheese may possess very slight feed flavors. Flavor standards are shown in the grade AA column of Table 1. The presence or absence of flavor characteristics in Table 1 shall be determined organoleptically by taste and smell.

TABLE 1. CHEDDAR, GRANULAR AND WASHED CURD CHEESE

ATCP 81.40 Note VS = very slight; S = slight; D = definite; P = pronounced; Blank = none

ATCP 81.40(2) (2) Body and texture characteristics. The body and texture of Wisconsin certified premium grade AA cheddar, granular and washed curd cheese shall be firm and solid, smooth, compact and close. The cheese may possess a few small mechanical openings to a very slight degree and shall appear translucent. The texture of granular cheese may be solid, compact and close, or alternatively, it may be medium open with numerous small mechanical openings distributed throughout the cheese. Body and texture standards are shown in the grade AA column of Table 2. 

TABLE 2. CHEDDAR, GRANULAR AND WASHED CURD CHEESE

ATCP 81.40 Note VS = very slight; S = slight; D = definite; P = pronounced; Blank = condition not present.

ATCP 81.40(3) (3) Color characteristics. Wisconsin certified premium grade AA cheddar, granular and washed curd cheese may be uncolored or colored to any degree recognized in the cheese industry. The color shall be uniform and not dull or faded. The cheese may possess numerous tiny white specks associated with aged cheese. Color standards are shown in the grade AA column of Table 3.

TABLE 3. CHEDDAR, GRANULAR AND WASHED CURD CHEESE

ATCP 81.40 Note VS = very slight; S = slight; D = definite; P = pronounced; Blank = condition not present.

ATCP 81.40(4) (4) Finish and appearance characteristics. Wisconsin certified premium grade AA cheddar, granular and washed curd cheese shall have the following finish and appearance characteristics:

ATCP 81.40(4)(a) (a) Bandaged and paraffin-dipped cheese. The rind shall be sound, firm and smooth, providing good protection to the cheese. The bandage shall be evenly placed on the ends of the cheese, shall be free from unnecessary overlapping and wrinkles, and shall not be burst or torn. The cheese surface shall have a good coating of paraffin or wax that adheres firmly to all surfaces of the cheese. A slight amount of mold may be present under the bandage and paraffin within reasonable limited tolerances for the degree of curing, with no indication that mold has entered the cheese. The exterior appearance of the cheese shall be free from high edges, huffing and lopsidedness. Finish and appearance standards are shown in the grade AA column of Table 4.

TABLE 4. CHEDDAR, GRANULAR AND WASHED CURD CHEESE

ATCP 81.40 Note VS = very slight; S = slight; D = definite; P = pronounced; Blank = condition not present.

ATCP 81.40(4)(b) (b) Rindless. The wrapper or covering of rindless cheese graded as AA shall adequately and securely envelop the cheese, shall be unbroken, and shall fully protect the surface. The wrapper or covering may be slightly wrinkled. The cheese shall be free from huffing and lopsidedness. It may have very slight mold under the wrapper or covering in the medium cured and cured classifications, with no indication that mold has entered the cheese. Finish and appearance standards are shown in the grade AA column of Table 4 under par. (a).

ATCP 81.40 History History: Cr. Register, April, 1993, No. 448, eff. 5-1-93.

ATCP 81.41 ATCP 81.41 Wisconsin grade A or Wisconsin state brand standards. Cheddar, granular and washed curd cheese labeled or sold as Wisconsin grade A or Wisconsin state brand shall conform to the following standards:

ATCP 81.41(1) (1) Flavor characteristics. The flavor of Wisconsin grade A and Wisconsin state brand cheddar, granular and washed curd cheese shall be pleasing and free from undesirable flavors and odors. The cheese may possess a feed, acid and bitter flavor with limited tolerances as the cheese ages. Flavor standards are shown in the grade A column of Table 1 under s. ATCP 81.40 (1). The presence or absence of flavor characteristics shall be determined organoleptically by taste and smell.

ATCP 81.41(2) (2) Body and texture characteristics. The body and texture of Wisconsin grade A and Wisconsin state brand cheddar, granular and washed curd cheese shall be reasonably solid, compact, and close. The cheese shall appear translucent and may have a few mechanical openings but the openings may not be large and connected to other openings. Body and texture standards are shown in the grade A column of Table 2 under s. ATCP 81.40 (2).

ATCP 81.41(3) (3) Color characteristics. Wisconsin grade A and Wisconsin state brand cheddar, granular and washed curd cheese may be colored or uncolored. The color shall be uniform and not dull or faded. The cheese may possess numerous tiny white specks associated with aged cheese, and may also possess seaminess and waviness to a slight degree. Color standards are shown in the grade A column of Table 3 under s. ATCP 81.40 (3).

ATCP 81.41(4) (4) Finish and appearance characteristics. Wisconsin grade A and Wisconsin state brand cheddar, granular and washed curd cheese shall have the following finish and appearance characteristics:

ATCP 81.41(4)(a) (a) Bandaged and paraffin dipped cheese. The rind shall be sound, firm and smooth, and provide good protection to the cheese. The bandage may be slightly uneven, overlapped or wrinkled, but shall not be burst or torn. The surface shall be practically smooth and bright and have a good coating of paraffin or wax that adheres firmly to all surfaces of the cheese. Mold and other defects shall be within allowable tolerances for the grade according to the degree of curing, with no indication that mold has entered the cheese. The exterior shall be free from huffing, but may have slightly high edges and be slightly lopsided. Finish and appearance standards are shown in the grade A column of Table 4 under s. ATCP 81.40 (4) (a).