In developing these sampling plans, an AQL of 6.5 was selected for lot acceptance with respect to quality evaluation. In other words, an AQL of 6.5 is used in these sampling plans (Appendix I) to determine whether or not the inspection lot meets minimum quality requirements of the Codex Standard. This value was selected on the basis of years of experience and the capability of industry to produce preserved fruits and vegetables and certain other processed foods at this level under good commercial practice. For other factors (such as Brix value and net weight) other AQLs may be selected. Sampling plans can be drawn up for a full range of AQLs from a very strict value of 0.10 to a rather lenient value of 25.0 and higher,
depending either on the type of product and/or on the criteria involved.