What is the defect that would prevent apricots from being considered "free from"?

Brown rot is the defect that would prevent apricots from being considered "free from." This fungal disease can cause significant damage to the fruit, leading to decay and making it unsuitable for sale or consumption. The presence of brown rot indicates that the fruit is not just defective but compromised in a way that affects its quality and safety.

In contrast, while scab is also a disease affecting fruit trees, it primarily affects the leaves and does not have the same level of impact on the fruit's edibility as brown rot. Sunscald refers to superficial damage caused by excessive exposure to sunlight, which can affect appearance but doesn't necessarily mean the fruit is unsafe. Lack of color might be a cosmetic issue but does not indicate a significant defect that compromises the quality. Therefore, brown rot is the most serious defect in this context.