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United States Standards

for Grades of Canned 

Cream Style Corn

Effective January 20, 2017
This issue of the United States Standards for Grades of Canned Cream Style Corn 

(81 FR 93572) supersedes the previous issue which has been in effect since 

July 1, 1957.

Voluntary U.S. grade standards are issued under the authority of the Agricultural 

Marketing Act of 1946, which provides for the development of official U.S. grades to 

designate different levels of quality. These grade standards are available for use by 

producers, suppliers, buyers, and consumers. As in the case of other standards for 

grades of fresh and processed fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops these 

standards are designed to facilitate orderly marketing by providing a convenient 

basis for buying and selling, for establishing quality control programs, and for 

determining loan values.

The U.S. grade standards and inspection instructions for all fresh and processed fruits,

vegetables, and specialty crops are available on the internet and upon request at the 

address below. These documents provide detailed interpretations of the grade standards 

and provide step-by-step procedures for grading the product.

Grade standards are issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) after careful 

consideration of all data and views submitted during rulemaking. The Department 

welcomes suggestions for improving the standards in future revisions. Comments may be 

submitted to, and copies of standards and inspection instructions obtained from:

Director, Specialty Crops Inspection Division

Specialty Crops Program,

USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service

1400 Independence Avenue, SW, STOP 0240

Washington, D.C. 20250

__________________________________________________________________________

Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627. 

Note: Compliance with the provisions of these standards shall not excuse failure to 

comply with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or 

with applicable State laws and regulations.

Non-Discrimination Policy: In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights 

regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA

programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender 

expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, 

political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all 

bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, 

American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) 

or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in 

languages other than English. 

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at 

http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter 

all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form 

or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence 

Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. USDA is an equal 

opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Cream Style Corn (January 20, 2017)

1

United States Standards for Grades of Canned Cream Style Corn

Section Page No.

Identity, Colors, and Grades ........................................................................................ 2

§52.851 Identity. ........................................................................................................... 2

§52.852 Colors of canned cream style corn.................................................................. 2

§52.853 Grades of canned cream style corn. ............................................................... 2

Fill of Container............................................................................................................. 3

§52.854 Fill of container for canned cream style corn. ................................................. 3

Factors of Quality.......................................................................................................... 3

§52.855 Ascertaining the grade.................................................................................... 3

§52.856 Ascertaining the rating for the factors which are scored. ................................ 3

§52.857 Color. .............................................................................................................. 3

§52.858 Consistency. ................................................................................................... 4

§52.859 Absence of defects. ........................................................................................ 5

§52.860 Tenderness and maturity. ............................................................................... 7

§52.861 Flavor.............................................................................................................. 8

Lot Inspection and Certification................................................................................... 8

§52.862 Ascertaining the grade of a lot. ....................................................................... 8

Score Sheet ................................................................................................................... 9

§52.863 Score sheet for canned cream style corn........................................................ 9
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Cream Style Corn (January 20, 2017)

2

Identity, Colors, and Grades

§52.851 Identity.

Canned cream style corn means the canned product properly prepared from the 

clean, sound, succulent kernels of sweet corn (Zea mays L.) as defined in the definition 

and Standard of Identity for Canned Corn (21 CFR155.130) issued pursuant to the 

Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

§52.852 Colors of canned cream style corn.

(a) White.

(b) Golden or yellow.

§52.853 Grades of canned cream style corn.

(a) U. S. Grade A is the quality of canned cream style corn that possesses similar 

varietal characteristics; that is tender; that possesses good color; that possesses 

a good consistency; that is practically free from defects; that possesses a very 

good flavor; and that for those factors which are score in accordance with the 

scoring system outlined in this subpart the total score not less than 90 points: 

Provided, That the cream style corn may possess a good color, a reasonably 

good consistency, a good flavor, and may be reasonably tender, scoring not less 

than 26 points if the total score is not less than 90 points.

(b) U. S. Grade B is the quality of canned cream style corn that possesses similar 

varietal characteristics; that is reasonably tender; that possesses a reasonably 

good color; that possesses a reasonably good consistency; that is reasonably 

free from defects; that possesses a good flavor; and that for those factors which 

are scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart the 

total score is not less than 80 points: Provided, That the cream style corn may 

possess a fairly good color, scoring not less than 7 points if the total score is not 

less than 80 points.

(c) U. S. Grade C is the quality of canned cream style corn that possesses similar 

varietal characteristics; that is fairly tender; that possesses a fairly good color; 

that possesses a fairly consistency; that is fairly free from defects; that 

possesses a fairly good flavor; and that scores not less than 70 points when 

scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.

(d) Substandard is the quality of canned cream style corn that fails to meet the 

requirements of U. S. Standard and may or may not meet the minimum 

standards of quality for canned cream style corn issued pursuant to the Federal 

Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Cream Style Corn (January 20, 2017)

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Fill of Container

§52.854 Fill of container for canned cream style corn.

The standard of fill of container for canned cream style corn is not incorporated in the 

grades of the finished product, since fill of container, as such, is not a factor of quality 

for the purpose of these grades. The standard fill of container for canned cream style 

corn is a fill of not less than 90 percent of the total capacity of the container. Canned 

cream style corn that does not meet this requirement is Below Standard in Fill.

Factors of Quality

§52.855 Ascertaining the grade.

(a) The grade of canned cream style corn is ascertained by considering, in 

conjunction with the requirements of the respective grade, the ratings for the 

factor of color, consistency, absence of defects, tenderness and maturity, and 

flavor.

(b) The relative importance of each factor which is scored as expressed numerically 

on the scale of 100. The maximum number of points that may be given each 

factor is:

Factor: Points

Color 10

Consistency 20

Absence of defects 20

Tenderness and maturity 30

Flavor 20

Total score 100

§52.856 Ascertaining the rating for the factors which are scored.

The essential variations within each factor which is scored are so described that the 

value may be ascertained for each factor and expressed numerically. The numerical 

range within each factor which is scored is exclusive (for example, 18 to 20 points

means 18, 19, 20 points).

§52.857 Color.

(a) “A” classification. Canned cream style corn that possesses a good color may 

be given a score of 9 or 10 points.

Good color means that the cut kernels possess a practically uniform color 
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Cream Style Corn (January 20, 2017)

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typical of tender sweet corn and that the product is bright and is practically free 

from off-variety kernels.

(b) “B” classification. Canned cream style corn that possesses a reasonably good 

color may be given a score of 8 points.

Reasonably good color means that the kernels possess a reasonably uniform 

color typical of reasonably tender sweet corn, and that the product may lack 

brightness but not to the extent that the appearance is materially affected, and is 

reasonably free from off-variety kernels.

(c) “C” classification. Canned cream style corn that possesses a fairly good color 

may be given a score of 6 to 7 points. Canned cream style corn that scores 7 

points in this classification shall not be graded above U.S. Grade B, and if scored 

6 points in this classification shall not be graded above U. S. Grade C, regardless 

of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule).

Fairly good color means that the kernels possess a fairly uniform color typical of 

fairly tender sweet corn and that the product may be dull, but not to the extent 

that the appearance is seriously affected, and is fairly free from off-variety

kernels.

(d) “SStd” classification. Canned cream style corn that fails to meet the 

requirements of paragraph (c) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 5 

points Substandard, regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting 

rule).

§52.858 Consistency.

(a) General. The factor of consistency refers to the viscosity of the product, to the 

degree of smoothness, and to the separation of free liquor.

(b) “A” classification. Canned cream style corn that possesses a good 

consistency may be given a score of 18 to 20 points.

Good consistency means that the canned cream style corn, after stirring and 

emptying from the container to a dry flat surface, possesses a heavy cream like 

consistency, with not more than a slight appearance of curdling, forms a slightly 

mounded mass, and that at the end of two minutes after emptying on the dry flat 

surface there is practically no separation of free liquor.

(c) “B” classification. If the canned cream style corn has a reasonably good 

consistency a score of 16 to 17 points may be given.

Reasonably good consistency means that the canned cream style corn, after 

stirring and emptying from the container to a dry flat surface, has a reasonably 
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Cream Style Corn (January 20, 2017)

5

good creamy consistency, with not more than a moderate appearance of 

curdling, may flow just enough to level off to a nearly uniform depth or may be 

moderately stiff and moderately mounded, and that at the end of two minutes 

after emptying in the dry flat surface there may be a slight separation of free 

liquor.

(d) “C” classification. Canned cream style corn that has a fairly good consistency 

may be given a score of 14 to 15 points. Canned cream style corn that falls into 

this classification shall not be graded above U.S. Grade C, regardless of the total 

score for the product (this is a limiting rule).

Fairly good consistency means that the canned cream style corn, after stirring 

and emptying on a dry flat surface, may be thin but not excessively thin, or thick 

but not excessively pasty, or crumbly, or moderately but not excessively curdled, 

and that at the end of two minutes after emptying on the dry flat surface there 

may be a moderate but not excessive separation of free liquor. The approximate 

circular area over which the product spreads when emptied in a dry flat surface 

shall not exceed 12 inches: Provided, That when the washed, drained residue of 

canned cream style corn contains more than 20 percent of alcohol insoluble 

solids, the average diameter of the area over which the product spreads shall not 

exceed 10 inches.1

(e) “SStd” classification. Canned cream style corn that fails to meet the 

requirements of paragraph (d) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 13 

points and shall not be graded above Substandard, regardless of the total score 

for the product (this is a limiting rule), and may also be graded Below Standard in 

Quality for the following reason: Excessively liquid.

§52.859 Absence of defects.

(a) General. The factor of absence of defects refers to the degree of freedom from 

pieces of cob, silk, husk, or other harmless extraneous vegetable matter, from 

pulled kernels, and from discolored kernels or other defects.

(b) “A” classification. Canned cream style corn that is practically free from defects 

may be given a score of 18 to 20 points.

Practically free from defects means that pieces of cob, silk, husk, or other 

harmless extraneous vegetable matter, pulled kernels, discolored kernels, or 

other defects may be present that do not more than slightly affect the 

appearance or eating quality of the product.

 1 Determined as outlined in the Standard of Quality for Canned Sweet Corn (21 CFR 155.130(b)) promulgated under the Federal 

Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Cream Style Corn (January 20, 2017)

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(c) “B” classification. If canned cream style corn is reasonably free from defects, a 

score of 16 to 17 points may be given. Canned cream style corn that falls into 

this classification shall not be graded above U. S. Grade B, regardless of the total 

score for the product (this is a limiting rule).

Reasonably free from defects means that pieces of cob, silk, husk, or other 

harmless extraneous vegetable matter, pulled kernels, discolored kernels, or 

other defects may be present that do not materially affect the appearance or 

eating quality of the product.

(d) “C” classification. Canned cream corn that is fairly free from defects may be 

given a score of 14 to 15 points. Canned cream style corn that falls into this 

classification shall not be graded above U.S. Grade C, regardless of the total 

score for the product (this is a limiting rule).

Fairly free from defects means that pieces of cob, silk, husk, and other 

harmless extraneous vegetable matter, pulled kernels, discolored kernels, or 

other defects may be present that do not seriously affect the appearance or 

eating quality of the product, and that,

(1) For each 20 ounces of net weight there may be present:

(i) Not more than one cubic centimeter of pieces of cob1: and

(ii) Not more than one square inch (1” x 1”) of husk1; and that

(2) For each two ounces of net weight there may be present:

(i) Not more than one brown or black discolored kernel or piece of 

kernel1; and that

(3) For each one ounce of net weight there may be present:

(i) Not more than six inches of silk1. 

(e) “SStd” classification. Canned cream style corn that fails to meet the 

requirements of paragraph (d) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 13 

points and shall not be graded above Substandard, regardless of the total 

product (this is a limiting rule), and may be also graded Below Standard in 

Quality for the applicable reasons:

(1) Excessive discolored kernels.

 1 Determined as outlined in the Standard of Quality for Canned Sweet Corn (21 CFR 155.130(b)) promulgated under the Federal 

Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Cream Style Corn (January 20, 2017)

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(2) Excessive cob.

(3) Excessive husk.

(4) Excessive silk.

§52.860 Tenderness and maturity.

(a) “A” classification. Canned cream style corn that is tender may be given a 

score of 27 to 30 points.

Tender means that the kernel are in the milk, early cream, or middle cream stage 

of maturity, have a tender texture, and that pieces of the interior portion of corn 

kernels or ground kernels are characteristic of sweet corn in the milk, early 

cream, or middle cream stage of maturity.

(b) “B” classification. If the canned cream style corn is reasonably tender a score 

of 24 to 26 points may be given. Canned cream style corn that scores less than 

26 points in this classification shall not be graded above U.S. Grade B, 

regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule).

Reasonably tender means that the kernels are in the stage of maturity have a 

reasonably tender texture and that pieces of the interior portions of corn kernels 

or ground kernels are characteristic of sweet corn in the middle cream to late 

cream stage of maturity.

(c) “C” classification. Canned cream style corn that is fairly tender may be given a 

score of 22 to 23 points. Canned cream style corn that falls into this 

classification shall not be graded above U.S. Grade C, regardless of the total 

score for the product (this is a limiting rule).

Fairly tender means that the kernels are in the early dough or dough stage of 

maturity, may be firm but not hard or tough, and that pieces of the interior 

portions of the corn kernels or the ground kernels are characteristic of sweet corn 

in the early dough or dough stage of maturity. The weight of the alcohol 

insoluble solids of the washed, drained material1 does not exceed 27 percent of 

the weight of such material.

(d) “SStd” classification. Canned cream style corn that fails to meet the 

requirements of paragraph (c) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 21 

points and shall not be graded above Substandard, regardless of the total score 

for the product (this is a limiting rule), and may also be graded Below Standard in 

Quality.

 1 Determined as outlined in the Standard of Quality for Canned Sweet Corn (21 CFR 155.130(b)) promulgated under the Federal 

Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Cream Style Corn (January 20, 2017)

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§52.861 Flavor.

(a) General. The factor of flavor refers to the palatability of the product. The natural 

flavor of the sweet corn and the effects of added sugar (sucrose) and salt are 

considered in evaluating this factor.

(b) “A” classification. Canned cream style corn that possesses a very good flavor 

may be given a score 18 to 20 points.

Very good flavor means that the product including added seasoning ingredients 

has a very good characteristic flavor and odor typical of tender canned sweet 

corn.

(c) “B” classification. If the canned style corn possesses a good flavor, a score of 

16 to 17 points may be given.

Good flavor means that the product including added seasoning ingredients has 

a good characteristic flavor and odor typical of reasonably sweet corn.

(d) “C” classification. Canned cream style that possesses a fairly good flavor may 

be given a score of 14 to 15 points. Canned cream style corn that falls into this 

classification shall not be graded above U. S. Grade C, regardless of the total 

score for the product (this is a limiting rule).

Fairly good flavor means that the product may be lacking in good flavor and 

odor but is free from objectionable flavors and objectionable odors of any kind.

(e) “SStd” classification. Canned cream style corn that fails to meet the 

requirements of paragraph (d) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 13 

points and shall not be graded above Substandard, regardless of the total score 

for the product (this is a limiting rule).

Lot Inspection and Certification

§52.862 Ascertaining the grade of a lot.

The grade of a lot of canned cream style corn covered by these standards is determined 

by the procedures set forth in the Regulation Governing Inspection and Certification of 

Processed Products Thereof, and Certain Other Processed Food Products (§52.1 to 

§52.83).
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Cream Style Corn (January 20, 2017)

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Score Sheet

§52.863 Score sheet for canned cream style corn.

Number, size, and kind of container 

Container marks or identification

Label

Net weight (ounces) 

Vacuum (inches)

Color (white or yellow)

Factors Grade Score Points

Color 10

“A” 9-10

“B” 8

“C” 6-71

“SStd 0-52

Consistency 20

“A” 18-20

“B” 16-17

“C” 14-152

“SStd” 0-132

Absence of defects 20

“A” 18-20

“B” 16-172

“C” 14-152

“SStd” 0-132

Tenderness and Maturity 30

“A” 27-30

“B” 24-261

“C” 22-232

“SStd” 0-212

Flavor 20

“A” 18-20

“B” 16-17

“C” 14-152

“SStd” 0-132

Total Score 100

U.S. Grade

1Indicates partial limiting rule.

2Indicates limiting rule.