United States

Department of

Agriculture

Agricultural

Marketing

Service

Fruit and

Vegetable

Division

Processed

Products 

Branch

United States

Standards for

Grades of

Canned Pineapple

Effective March 1, 1990
This is the fifth issue of the United States Standards for Grades of Canned Pineapple

published in the FEDERAL REGISTER of January 30, 1990 (55 FR 3029) to become

effective March 1, 1990.

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 processed fruits and vegetables, 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 standards also serve as a basis for the inspection and grading of commodities by the

Federal inspection service, the only activity authorized to approve the designation of U.S.

grades as referenced in the standards, as provided under the Agricultural Marketing Act

of 1946. This service, available as on-line (in-plant) or lot inspection and grading of all

processed fruit and vegetable products, is offered to interested parties, upon application,

on a fee-for-service basis. The verification of some specific recommendations,

requirements, or tolerances contained in the standards can be accomplished only by the

use of on-line inspection procedures. In all instances, a grade can be assigned based on

final product factors or characteristics.

In addition to the U.S. grade standards, grading manuals or instructions for inspection of

several processed fruits and vegetables are available upon request for a nominal

fee. These manuals or instructions contain detailed interpretations of the grade standards

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

Grade standards are issued by the Department after careful consideration of all data and

views submitted, and the Department welcomes suggestions which might aid in improving

the standards in future revisions. Comments may be submitted to, and copies of standards

and grading manuals obtained from:

Chief, Processed Products Branch

Fruit and Vegetable Division, AMS

U.S. Department of Agriculture

P.O. Box 96456, Rm. 0709, So. Bldg.

Washington, D.C. 20090-6456
UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR GRADES OF

CANNED PINEAPPLE

EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 1990

Section Page No.

§52.1711 Product description. ....................................... 2

§52.1712 Styles. .................................................. 2

§52.1713 Definition of terms. ........................................ 2

§52.1714 Recommended sample unit sizes. ............................ 15

§52.1715 Brix measurements. ....................................... 16

§52.1716 Fill of container for crushed style canned pineapple. .............. 17

§52.1717 Minimum drained weights for canned crushed pineapple. .......... 17

§52.1718 Recommended minimum drained weights for canned pineapple (other

than crushed style canned pineapple). ......................... 18

§52.1719 Grades. ................................................. 20

§52.1720 Factors of quality and analysis. ............................... 20

§52.1721 Requirements for grades. ................................... 22

§52.1722 Sample size. ............................................. 26

§52.1723 Lot quality and analytical requirements. ........................ 26

Authority: Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, Secs. 203, 205, 60 Stat. 1087, as

amended, 1090, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1622, 1624).

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.
2

§52.1711 Product description.

Canned Pineapple is the product represented as defined in the Standards of Identity,

Quality, and Fill of Container for Canned Pineapple (21 CFR 145.180 and 145.181) issued

under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

§52.1712 Styles.

(a) Whole consists of whole fruit peeled and cored into reasonably symmetrical

pineapple cylinders with both ends cut perpendicular to the cylinder axis.

(b) Slices consist of uniformly cut circular slices or rings cut across the axis of

the peeled, cored pineapple cylinders.

(c) Half slices consist of uniformly cut, approximately semi-circular halves of

slices.

(d) Broken slices consist of arc-shaped portions which are not required to be

uniform in size and/or shape.

(e) Spears consist of predominantly 65 mm (2.5 in), or longer, slender sectors

cut radially and lengthwise from peeled cored pineapple cylinders.

(f) Tidbits consist of predominantly 8 mm (0.31 in) to 13 mm (0.51 in),

reasonably uniform wedge-shaped sectors cut from slices or portions thereof.

(g) Chunks consist of short, thick units cut from slices and/or from peeled, cored

pineapple, are predominantly more than 13 mm (0.51 in) in both thickness

and width, and less than 38 mm (1.5 in) in length.

(h) Cubes consist of reasonably uniform, cube-shaped units, predominantly 14

mm (0.55 in) or less in the longest edge dimension.

(i) Crushed consists of finely cut, finely shredded or grated, or small diced

pieces of canned pineapple.

§52.1713 Definition of terms.

In these U.S. standards, unless otherwise required by the contest, the following terms shall

be construed, respectively, to mean:
3

(a) Acid means the grams of anhydrous citric acid in 100 mL of the liquid

drained from the product 15 days or more after the pineapple is canned, or

the blended homogenized slurry of the comminuted entire contents of the

container when measured less than 15 days after canning.

(b) Blemish means surface areas and spots which contrast strongly in color or

texture with the normal pineapple tissue, and are in excess of 2 mm (0.08 in)

in the longest dimension of the exposed surface of the unit. Blemished

include deep fruit eyes, fragments of shell, brown spots, bruised portions and

other abnormalities that are possible to detect in good commercial practice

before sealing in the containers. In crushed pineapple the term applies to

each fragment of crushed pineapple that bears a blemish. Serious blemish

means that the blemish seriously affects the appearance or edibility of the

unit.

(c) Brix measurement means the total soluble solids content of the product

corresponding to a pure sucrose solution of the same specific gravity. It is

measured 15 days or more after canning (natural equalization) or less than

15 days after canning on the blended homogenized slurry of the comminuted

entire contents of the container (simulated equalization).

(d) Broken unit means that the whole slice is severed from the core hole to the

outer circumference.

(e) Character refers to the degree of ripeness and maturity, the texture of the

fruit, and the degree of freedom from core material.

(1) Good character (applies to all styles) means the units are of

practically uniform ripeness, are reasonably firm with fruitlets

appearing as a compact structure, are reasonably free from porosity

and there is not more than 11 g (0.4 oz) of core material contained in

one pound of drained fruit. Half slices or broken slices that fall within

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

of the total score for the product.

(2) Reasonably good character (applies to all styles) means the units

are of reasonably uniform ripeness, the fruitlets are reasonably

compact in structure, are fairly free from porosity, and there is not

more than 31 g (1.1 oz) of core material contained in one pound of

drained fruit. Canned pineapple that falls within the classification

defined as reasonably good character shall not be graded above U.S.

Grade B, regardless of the total score for the product. Half slices or

broken slices styles that fall within this classification shall not be

graded above U.S. Grade C, regardless of the total score for the

product.
4

(3) Fairly good character (applies only to half slices or broken slices

styles) means the units are of fairly uniform ripeness, the fruitlets are

fairly compact in structure, the units are fairly free from porosity, and

there is not more than 31 g (1.1 oz) of core material contained in one

pound of drained fruit. Half slices or broken slices that fall with this

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

the total score for the product.

(4) Poor character means product that fails to meet the requirements of

reasonably good or fairly good character as applicable for the

style. Canned pineapple that falls within this classification shall not

be graded above Substandard, regardless of the total score for the

product.

(f) Chip means any unit in cubes style that is less than 8 mm (0.331 in) in the

greatest dimension.

(g) Color refers to the predominant varietal characteristic color of properly

ripened and properly processed pineapple.

(1) Good color (applies to all styles) means that the color of the canned

pineapple units or mass is bright and is characteristic of properly

ripened and properly processed pineapple of similar varieties; and

that there may be slight variations in shades of such characteristic

color in the units within each unit or within the mass, and that white

radiating streaks may be present: Provided, that such variations do

not materially affect the appearance or edibility of the product. Half

slices or broken slices styles that fall within this classification shall not

be graded above U.S. Grade C, regardless of the total score for the

product.

(2) Reasonably good color (applies to all styles) means that the color

of the canned pineapple units or mass may be no more than slightly

dull but is characteristic of properly ripened and properly processed

pineapple of similar varieties; and that there may be marked

variations in shades of such characteristic color in the units, within

each unit, or within the mass, and that white radiating streaks may be

present: Provided, that such variations do not seriously affect the

appearance or edibility of the product. Canned pineapple that falls

within this classification shall not be graded above U.S. Grade B,

regardless of the total score for the product, except half slices or

broken slices styles which shall not be graded above U.S. Grade C,

regardless of the total score for the product.
5

(3) Fairly good color (applies only to half slices or broken slices styles)

means that the color of the canned pineapple units or mass may be

dull, but is characteristic of properly ripened and properly precessed

pineapple of similar varieties; and, that there may be marked

variations in shades of such characteristic color in the units, within

each unit, or within the mass, and that white radiating streaks may be

present which may seriously affect the appearance or edibility of the

product. Half slices or broken slices styles of canned pineapple that

fall within this classification shall not be graded above U.S. Grade C,

regardless of the total score of the product.

(4) Poor color (applies to all styles) means product that fails to meet the

requirements of reasonably good color or fairly good color as

applicable for the style. Product that falls within this classification

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

for the product.

(h) Core material means the pineapple portion which is identified as definitely

hard and characteristic of the center structure of pineapple, normally

removed during processing.

(i) Defect refers to the degree of freedom, for the applicable style, from trimmed

units, blemished units, mashed units and from any other defects, including

specks, in crushed style, that cannot be weighed which detract from the

appearance or edibility of the product.

(1) Practically free from defects (applies to all styles) means that the

canned pineapple is practically free from any defects including

defects not specifically mentioned. Practically free from defects

means, for the respective styles:

(i) Whole. Not more than 10 percent, by count, of the fruit units

(cylinders) may be slightly trimmed, based on the average of

all containers in the sample; not more than 10 percent by count

of the fruit units (cylinders) may have an area greater than 7

percent of the total surface area which is mashed; however, a

sample having less than 10 containers is permitted to have one

slightly trimmed unit and one unit with more than 7 percent of

the surface area mashed. Not more than 2 blemishes,

including serious blemishes, per fruit unit (cylinder) is

permitted.
6

(ii) Slices. Not more than an occasional unit may be

insignificantly or slightly trimmed, and no slices may be

excessively trimmed. Not more than a total of 5 percent, by

count, of the units may be blemished, including seriously

blemished; or one unit in a container is permitted to be

blemished, including seriously blemished if such unit exceeds

the allowance of 5 percent, by count: Provided, that in all

containers comprising the sample, such blemished including

seriously blemished units, do not exceed an average of 5

percent of the total number of units. Not more than one unit in

containers of less than 25 units, or more than three units in

containers of 25 units or more, may be mashed.

(iii) Tidbits. Not more than 5 percent of the drained weight may

consist of units that are excessively trimmed. Not more than a

total of 5 percent, by count, of the units may be blemished,

including seriously blemished: Provided, that not more than

2-1/2 percent, by count, may be seriously blemished. Not

more than 3 of the units in containers of less than 150 units, or

not more than 2 percent of the units in containers of 150 or

more, may be mashed.

(iv) Chunks. Not more than a total of 5 percent, by count, of the

units may be blemished and seriously blemished: Provided,

that not more than 2-1/2 percent, by count, may be seriously

blemished. Not more than 3 of the units in containers of less

than 70 units, or not more than 5 percent of the units in

containers of 70 units or more, may be mashed.

(v) Cubes. Not more than a total of 2 percent of the drained

weight may be blemished and seriously blemished: Provided,

that not more than 1 percent of the drained weight may be

seriously blemished.

(vi) Spears. Not more than a reasonable amount of units may be

insignificantly or slightly trimmed, but none may be excessively

trimmed. Not more than a total of 5 percent, by count, of the

units may be blemished and seriously blemished, or one unit

in a container is permitted to be blemished or seriously

blemished if such unit exceeds the allowance of 5 percent, by

count: Provided, that in all containers comprising the sample,

such blemished units and seriously blemished units do not

exceed an average of 5 percent of the total number of units.

Not more than one unit per container may be mashed.
7

(vii) Crushed. Not more than 1/2 percent of the drained weight

may consist of fragments bearing blemished, including

seriously blemished fragments. Defects also include dark

specks that cannot be weighed, yet affect the appearance or

edibility of the product.

(viii) Half slices. Not more than a reasonable amount of units may

be insignificantly or slightly trimmed, but none may be

excessively trimmed. Not more than a total of 5 percent, by

count, of the units may be blemished, including seriously

blemished, or one unit in a container is permitted to be

blemished or seriously blemished if such unit exceeds the

allowance of 5 percent, by count: Provided, that in all

containers comprising the sample, such blemished and

seriously blemished units do not exceed an average of 5

percent of the total number of units. Not more than one unit in

containers of 25 units or less, and not more than 3 units in

containers of more than 25 units, may be mashed. Product

that falls into this classification, shall not be graded above U.S.

Grade C, regardless of the total score for the product.

(ix) Broken slices. Not more than 5 percent, by count, of the units

may be excessively trimmed, not more than a total of 5

percent, by count, of the units may be blemished and seriously

blemished. Not more than 5 percent of the units, by count, of

the units may be mashed. Product that falls into this

classification, shall not be graded above U.S. Grade C,

regardless of the total score for the product.

(2) Reasonably free from defects (applies to all styles) means that the

canned pineapple is reasonably free from any defects, including

defects not specifically mentioned. Except for half slices and broken

slices styles, product that falls into this classification, shall not be

graded above U.S. Grade B, regardless of the total score for the

product. Reasonably free from defects means, for the respective

styles:

(i) Whole. Not more than 10 percent, by count, of the fruit units

(cylinders) may be excessively trimmed, based on the average

of all containers in the sample; not more than 10 percent, by

count, of the fruit units (cylinders) may have an area greater

than 10 percent of the total surface area which is mashed;

however, a sample having less than 10 containers is permitted

to have one excessively trimmed unit and one unit with more

than 10 percent of the surface area mashed. Not more than 3

blemishes, including serious blemishes, per fruit unit (cylinder)
8

is permitted.

(ii) Slices. Not more than a total of 20 percent, by count, of the

units may be slightly and excessively trimmed: Provided, that

not more than 7-1/2 percent, by count, of the units may be

excessively trimmed; but in any container having not more than

10 units, one unit may be excessively trimmed; and in any

container having more than 10 units, but not more than 27

units, two units may be excessively trimmed. Not more than a

total of 12-1/2 percent, by count, of the units may be blemished

and seriously blemished but in any container having not more

than 5 units, one unit may be blemished or seriously

blemished; in containers having more than 5 units, but not

more than 10 units, two units may be blemished or seriously

blemished; and in containers having more than 10 units, but

not more than 32 units, four units may be blemished and

seriously blemished. Not more than one unit in containers of

25 units or less, and not more than 3 units in containers of

more than 25 units, may be mashed.

(iii) Tidbits. Not more than 15 percent of the drained weight may

consist of units that are excessively trimmed. Not more than a

total of 12-1/2 percent, by count, of the units may be blemished

and seriously blemished: Provided, that not more than 6-1/4

percent, by count, may be seriously blemished. Not more than

3 of the units in containers of less than 150 units, or not more

than 2 percent of the units in containers of 150 units or more,

may be mashed.

(iv) Chunks. Not more than a total of 12-1/2 percent, by count,

may be blemished and seriously blemished: Provided, that

not more than 6-1/4 percent, by count, may be seriously

blemished. Not more than 3 of the units in containers of less

than 70 units, or not more than 5 percent of the units in

containers of 70 units or more, may be mashed.

(v) Cubes. Not more than a total of 12-1/2 percent, by count, may

be blemished and seriously blemished: Provided, that not

more than 6-1/4 percent, by count may be seriously blemished.
9

(vi) Spears. Not more than a total of 20 percent, by count, of the

units may be insignificantly, slightly or excessively trimmed:

Provided, that not more than a total of 15 percent, by count, of

the units may be excessively trimmed. Not more than 12-1/2

percent, by count, of the units may be blemished and seriously

blemished; but in any container having not more than 5 units,

one unit may be blemished or seriously blemished; in

containers having more than 5 units, but not more than 10

units, two units may be blemished and seriously blemished;

and in containers having more than 10 units, but not more than

32 units, four units may be blemished and seriously

blemished. Not more than one unit per container may be

mashed.

(vii) Crushed. Not more than 1-1/4 percent of the drained weight

may consist of blemished and seriously blemished fragments.

(viii) Half slices. Not more than a total of 20 percent, by count, of

the units may be slightly and excessively trimmed: Provided,

that not more than 7-1/2 percent, by count, of the units may be

excessively trimmed; but in any container having not more than

10 units one unit may be excessively trimmed, and in any

containers having more than 10 units but not more than 27

units, two units may be excessively trimmed. Not more than a

total of 8 percent, by count, of the units may be blemished and

seriously blemished; or one unit in a container is permitted to

be blemished or seriously blemished if such unit exceeds the

allowance of 8 percent, by count: Provided, that in all

containers comprising the sample, such blemished and

seriously blemished units do not exceed an average of 8

percent of the total number of units. Not more than one unit in

containers of 25 units or less, and not more than 3 units in

containers of more than 25 units, may be mashed. Product

that falls into this classification, shall not be graded above U.S.

Grade C, regardless of the total score for the product.

(ix) Broken slices. Not more than 10 percent, by count, of the

units may be excessively trimmed. Not more than 8 percent,

by count, of the units may be blemished or seriously

blemished. Not more than 5 percent, by count, of the units

may be mashed. Product that falls into this classification, shall

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

score for the product.
10

(3) Fairly free from defects (applies only to half slices or broken slices

styles) means that the canned pineapple is fairly free from defects,

including defects not specifically mentioned. Half slices or broken

slices styles that fall into this classification, shall not be graded above

U.S. Grade C, regardless of the total score for the product, and, in

addition, has the following meanings with respect to the following

styles of canned pineapple:

(i) Half slices. Not more than 7-1/2 percent, by count, of the

units may be excessively trimmed; but in any container having

not more than 10 units, one unit may be excessively trimmed;

and in any container having more than 10 units, but not more

than 27 units, two units may be excessively trimmed. Not more

than 12-1/2 percent, by count, of the units may be blemished

and seriously blemished; but in any container having not more

than 5 units, one unit may be blemished or seriously

blemished; in containers having more than 5 units, but not

more than 10 units, two units may be blemished and seriously

blemished; and in containers having more than 10 units, but

not more than 32 units, four units may be blemished and

seriously blemished. Not more than one unit in containers of

25 units or less, and not more than 3 units in containers of

more than 25 units, may be mashed. 

(ii) Broken slices. Not more than 15 percent, by count, of the

units may be excessively trimmed. Not more than 12-1/2

percent, by count, of the units may be blemished or seriously

blemished; but in any container having more than 10 units, but

not more than 32 units, four units may be blemished and

seriously blemished. Not more than 5 percent, by count, of the

units may be mashed.

(4) Excessive defects means canned pineapple which fails to meet

either reasonably free from defects or fairly free from defects as

applicable for the style. Product that falls into this classification shall

not be graded above Substandard, regardless of the total score for

the product.

(j) Eye means the blossom cup of the pineapple that is normally removed during

processing (see blemish).

(k) Extraneous vegetable material (EVM) means any objectionable vegetable

material regardless of size, from other than the pineapple fruit, which is 

harmless.
11

(l) Flavor and odor:

(1) Good flavor and odor means that the flavor and odor is normal for

canned pineapple and is free from objectionable flavors and odors of

any kind.

(2) Fairly good flavor and odor means that the flavor and odor may be

lacking in good flavor and odor, but is free from objectionable flavors

and odors of any kind.

(m) Mashed (in styles other than cube or crushed) means a unit that has lost its

normal shape as evidenced by marks of mechanical injury. A unit that has

lost its normal shape because of ripeness and which bears no mark of

mechanical injury shall not be considered as mashed.

(n) Porosity means the degree of freedom from air spaces in the pineapple unit

that gives a spongy texture.

(o) Sample unit size means the amount of product specified to be used for

grading.

(p) Shell means all the outer layer of the fruit that is normally removed during

processing (see blemish).

(q) Tartness means the taste sensation that is biting, sharp, and sour which is

characteristic of the pineapple fruit.

(1) Excessively tart means that more than 1.35 g of acid is present in

100 mL of the drained liquid.

(2) Not excessively tart means that not more than 1.35 g of acid is

present in 100 mL of the drained liquid.

(r) Trim means the degree of impairment of the pineapple units from the paring,

coring, cutting or trimming process.

(1) Insignificantly trimmed means any trimming that is noticeable but of

lesser degree than slightly trimmed.

(2) Slightly trimmed (applies only to whole, slices, or half slices styles)

means that the portion trimmed away approximates 3 percent to not

more than 5 percent of the apparent physical bulk of the perfectly

formed unit and if such trimming materially affects the normal circular

shape of the outer or inner edge of the unit.
12

(3) Excessively trimmed in whole, slices, or half slices styles means

that the portion trimmed away exceeds 5 percent of the apparent

physical bulk of the perfectly formed unit and if such trimming

destroys the normal circular shape of the outer or inner edge of the

unit. In broken slices, spears, or tidbits styles means that the normal

shape of the unit is destroyed by trimming.

(s) Uniformity of size and shape is not scored for crushed style. The other

three factors (color, defects, and character) are scored and the total is

multiplied by 100 and divided by 80, dropping any fractions to determine the

total score for crushed style canned pineapple. For broken slices style, this

quality factor may be scored no higher than 15 points. The four factors

(color, uniformity of size and shape, defects, and character) are scored and

the total is multiplied by 100 and divided by 95, dropping any fractions to

determine the total score for broken slices.

(1) Radial axis in whole, slices, and half slices styles, means the

measurement along the radius from the inside arc to the outside arc.

(2) Length:

(i) in tidbits and chunks styles means the measurement along

the radius from the inside arc to the outside arc.

(ii) in spears style means the longitudinal measurement of the

spear.

(3) No. 8 Sieve means the meshes of a sieve designated in the American

Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard E 11, Standards for

Specifications for Wire Cloth Sieves for Testing Purposes.

(4) Practically uniform in size and shape means for the following

styles:

(i) Whole. The maximum radial axis of the cylinder does not

exceed the minimum radial axis of the cylinder by more than 6

mm (0.25 in). The cylinder may be cracked but not broken into

separate pieces.

(ii) Slices. The diameter of the largest slice does not exceed the

diameter of the smallest slice by more than 2 mm (0.08 in).

The thickest slice does not exceed the thinnest slice by more

than 2 mm (0.08 in) in thickness. The maximum radial axis of

any slice does not exceed the minimum radial axis of the same

slice by more than 3 mm (0.12 in). The drained weight of the

largest slice is not more than 1.4 times the drained weight of
13

the smallest slice.

(iii) Tidbits. Not more than 7-1/2 percent of the drained weight

may consist of units each of which weighs less than threefourths as much as the average weight of all the untrimmed

tidbits.

(iv) Chunks. None of the units may have a longest dimension

(along any edge) greater than 38 mm (1.5 in). Not more than

10 percent of the drained weight consists of pieces weighing

less than 5 g (0.18 oz) each.

(v) Cubes. Not more than a aggregate of 10 percent of the

drained weight may consist of units of such size that they pass

through the meshes of a sieve with (5/16 in) square openings,

and pieces weighing more than 3 g (0.11 oz) each.

(vi) Spears. The units are of substantially equal length. Not more

than 10 percent, by count, of the units or not more than one

unit in a container of less than 10 units, may be less than 19

mm (0.75 in) or more than 45 mm (1.75 in) in the longest edge

dimension other than the longitudinal measurement of the

spear. The drained weight of the largest spear is not more

than 1.4 times the weight of the smallest spear.

(vii) Half slices. The diameter of the largest half slice does not

exceed the diameter of the smallest half slice by more than 2

mm (0.08 in). The thickest half slice does not exceed the

thinnest half slice by more than 2 mm (0.08 in). The drained

weight of the largest half slice is not more than 1.75 times the

drained weight of the smallest half slice (except for an

occasional broken piece due to splitting or an occasional

whole slice not quite completely cut through).

(5) Reasonably uniform in size and shape (applies to all styles except broken

and crushed styles). Except for half slices style, the applicable styles of

canned pineapple that fall into this classification, shall not be graded above

U.S. Grade B, regardless of the total score for the product. Reasonably

uniform in size and shape has the following meanings with respect to style:

(i) Whole. The maximum radial axis of the cylinder does not

exceed the minimum radial axis of the cylinder by more than 10

mm (0.39 in). The cylinder may be cracked but not broken into
14

separate pieces. 

(ii) Slices. The diameter of the largest slice does not exceed the

diameter of the smallest slice by more than 3 mm (0.12 in) in

thickness. The maximum radial axis of any slice does not

exceed the minimum radial axis of the same slice by more than

6 mm (0.25 in). The drained weight of the largest slice is not

more than 1.4 times the drained weight of the smallest slice.

(iii) Tidbits. Not more than 15 percent of the drained weight may

consist of units each of which weighs less than three-fourths as

much as the average weight of all the untrimmed tidbits.

(iv) Chunks. None of the units may have a longest dimension

(along any edge) greater than 38 mm (1.5 in). Not more than

15 percent of the drained weight consists of pieces weighing

less than 5 g (0.18 oz) each.

(v) Cubes. Not more than 10 percent of the drained weight may

consist of units of such size that they pass through the meshes

of a sieve with 8 mm (0.31 in) square openings. Not more than

15 percent of the drained weight may consist of pieces

weighing more than 3 g (0.11 oz) each.

(vi) Spears. The units are of reasonably uniform length. Not more

than 20 percent, by count, of the units or not more than one

unit in a container of less than 5 units, may be less than 19 mm

(0.75 in) or more than 45 mm (1.75 in) in the longest edge

dimension other than the longitudinal measurement of the

spear. The drained weight of the largest spear is not more

than 1.4 times the weight of the smallest spear.

(vii) Half slices. The diameter of the largest half slice does not

exceed the diameter of the smallest half slice by more than 3

mm (0.12 in). The thickest half slice does not exceed the

thinnest half slice by more than 3 mm (0.13 in) in thickness.

The drained weight of the largest half slice is not more than

1.75 times the drained weight of the smallest half slice (except

for an occasional broken piece due to splitting or occasional

whole slice not quite completely cut through). Product that

falls within this classification shall not be graded above U.S.

Grade C, regardless of the total score for the product.
15

(6) Fairly uniform in size and shape (applies only to the style of half

slices) means that the units fail to meet the requirements of

reasonably uniform in size and shape and shall not be graded

above U.S. Grade C, regardless of the total score for the product.

The drained weight of the largest half slice is not more than 1.75

times the weight of the smallest half slice (except for an occasional

broken piece due to splitting or an occasional whole slice not quite

completely cut through).

(7) Not uniform in size and shape (applies only to broken slices style)

means:

(i) Not more than 10 percent of the drained weight may consist of

pieces having an arc of less than 90 degrees.

(ii) Not more than 5 percent of the drained weight may consist of

pieces that measure in thickness less than 8 mm (0.31 in) or

more than 25 mm (1 in); or pieces that measure less than 19

mm (0.75 in) in width as measured from the outer edge to the

inner edge; and

(iii) Not more than 5 percent of the drained weight may consist of

broken slices having an outside diameter differing by as much

as 10 mm (0.39 in) from those present in the greatest

proportion by weight.

(8) Poor uniformity of size and shape (applies to all styles except

crushed style) means canned pineapple which fails to meet in some

respect; reasonably uniform in size and shape, fairly uniform in

size and shape, or not uniform in size and shape, as applicable for

the style. Products that falls into this classification, shall not be

graded above Substandard, regardless of the total score for the

product.

(t) Unit means one whole cylinder, slice, half slice, broken slice, spear, tidbit,

chunk, cube or a specified weight of crushed pineapple.

§52.1714 Recommended sample unit sizes.

The requirements for all factors of quality and analysis are based on the following:

(a) The entire contents of a container;
16

(b) A representative portion of the contents of a container;

(c) A combination of the contents of two or more containers of the same item; or

(d) A representative portion of processed product stored or held in bulk

containers.

§52.1715 Brix measurements.

Cut-out requirements for liquid packing media in canned pineapple are not incorporated in

the grades of the finished product since sirup or any other liquid medium, as such, is not a

factor of quality for the purposes of these grades. The cut-out Brix measurements, as

applicable to the respective designations, are as follows:

TABLE I

PACKING MEDIA DESIGNATIONS 

Designations Brix measurement

Extra heavy sirup; extra heavily sweetened

pineapple juice and water; or extra heavily

sweetened pineapple juice.

22E or more, but not more than 35E

Heavy sirup; heavily sweetened pineapple

juice and water; or heavily sweetened

pineapple juice.

18E or more, but less than 22E

Light sirup; lightly sweetened pineapple juice

and water; or lightly sweetened pineapple

juice.

14E or more, but less than 18E

Slightly sweetened water; extra light sirup;

slightly sweetened pineapple juice and water;

or slightly sweetened pineapple juice.

10E or more, but less than 14E

In water (except crushed style).

In pineapple juice.

In pineapple juice and water.

In clarified pineapple juice.

Artificially sweetened.

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable
17

§52.1716 Fill of container for crushed style canned pineapple.

(a) The standard of fill of container for canned pineapple is a fill of not less than

90 percent of the total water capacity of the container. Crushed style canned

pineapple that does not meet this requirement is Below Standard in Fill.

(b) The recommended fill of container for canned pineapple, other than crushed

style canned pineapple, is not incorporated in the grades of the finished

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

purposes of these grades. It is recommended that each container of canned

pineapple be as full as practicable without impairment of quality and that the

product and packing medium occupy not less than 90 percent of the volume

of the container.

§52.1717 Minimum drained weights for canned crushed pineapple.

(a) General. The minimum drained weights for crushed style canned pineapple

are not incorporated in the grades of the finished product since drained

weight is not a factor of quality for the purpose of these grades; however,

minimum drained weights for crushed style canned pineapple other than

heavy pack or solid pack are standards of quality, and minimum drained

weights for crushed style heavy pack and solid pack canned pineapple are

standards of identity under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Crushed style canned pineapple, other than heavy pack or solid pack,

which is less than 63 percent of the net weight of the contents of the

container is:

(1) Below standard in quality, good food -- not high grade; or

(2) Below standard in quality, contains excess liquid.

(b) The minimum drained weights for crushed canned pineapple are shown in

Table II of this section.
18

TABLE II

MINIMUM DRAINED WEIGHTS FOR CRUSHED STYLE CANNED PINEAPPLE

Container Other than heavy pack

or

solid pack crushed.

Heavy pack

crushed.

Solid pack

crushed.

Any

Container

Size

Drained fruit: not less

than 63 percent, by

weight, of net contents. 

Drained fruit: not less

than 73 percent but less

than 78 percent, by

weight, of net contents.

Drained fruit: 

not less than 78

percent of net

contents.

§52.1718 Recommended minimum drained weights for canned pineapple (other

than crushed style canned pineapple).

(a) There are no recommended drained weight minimums for whole style canned

pineapple since fill for this style is based on volume.

(b) General. The recommended minimum drained weights for canned pineapple

in styles other than crushed and whole are based on equalization of the

product 15 days or more after the product has been canned. The

recommended minimum drained weights for canned pineapple in styles other

than crushed and whole are not incorporated in the grades of the finished

product, since drained weight is not a factor of quality for the purposes of

these grades.

(c) Method for ascertaining drained weight in canned pineapple (including

canned crushed pineapple). The drained weight is determined by emptying

the contents of a container upon a United States Standard No. 8 circular

sieve of proper diameter so as to distribute the product evenly, inclining the

sieve slightly to facilitate drainage, and allowing to drain for two minutes.

The drained weight is the weight of the sieve and pineapple less the weight

of the dry sieve. A sieve 8 inches in diameter is used for the equivalence of

No. 3 size cans (404 X 414) and smaller, and a sieve 12 inches in diameter

is used for containers larger than the equivalent of the No. 3 can.

(d) Recommended minimum drained weights of canned pineapple in styles other

than crushed or whole style are shown in Table III of this section.
19

TABLE III

RECOMMENDED MINIMUM DRAINED WEIGHTS FOR STYLES OF

CANNED PINEAPPLE

- OTHER THAN CRUSHED OR WHOLE STYLE -

Container

Designation

Container

Dimension

Style

With sirup

density

14 Brix

or more

With sirup

density

less than

14 Brix

(inches) (ounces) (ounces)

No. 1 Flat 307 X 203 -All styles- 4.9 4.7

8 oz. Tall 211 X 304 -All styles- 5.0 4.8

211 Cyl. 211 X 414 -All styles- 7.7 7.4

No. 1-1/4 401 X 207.5 -All styles- 8.7 8.2

No. 1-1/2 307 X 309 -All styles- 9.4 8.9

No. 2 307 X 409 -All styles- 12.3 11.7

No. 2-1/2 401 X 411 -All styles- 17.8 17.0

No. 10 603 X 700 -Chunks,

Tidbits65.7 63.6

No. 10 603 X 700 -Slices- 61.5 59.5

No. 10 603 X 700 -Half slices and

Broken slices62.5 60.5

No. 10 603 X 700 -Cubes- 67.4 64.1
20

(e) Conformance with the recommended minimum drained weights for canned

pineapple other than crushed or whole style is determined by averaging the

drained weights from all the containers which are representative of a specific

lot and such lot is considered as meeting the minimum drain weight

recommendations if the following criteria are met:

(1) The average of the drained weights from all of the containers in the

sample meets the recommended drained weight; 

(2) One-half or more of the containers meet the recommended drained

weight; and

(3) The drained weights from the containers which do not meet the

recommended minimum drained wights are within the range of

variability for good commercial practice.

§52.1719 Grades.

(a) U.S. Grade A is the quality of canned pineapple that meets the applicable

requirements of Tables IV and VII.

(b) U.S. Grade B is the quality of canned pineapple that meets the applicable

requirements of Tables IV and VII.

(c) U.S. Grade C is the quality of canned pineapple that meets the applicable

requirements of Tables V and VI.

(d) Substandard is the quality of canned pineapple that fails to meet the

requirements for U.S. Grade B or U.S. Grade C, as applicable for the style.

§52.1720 Factors of quality and analysis.

(a) The grade of a lot of canned pineapple is based on evaluation and analysis

of the product for the following scoreable quality, and non-scoreable quality

and analytical factors:

(1) Color;

(2) Uniformity of size and shape (except crushed style);

(3) Defects;

(4) Character;

(5) Flavor and odor; and

(6) Tartness.
21

(b) The relative importance of each scoreable quality factor is expressed

numerically on the scale of 0 to 100. The maximum number of points that

may be given each factor is:

Factors Points

Color ........................... 30

Uniformity of size and shape ........ 20

Defects ......................... 20

Character ....................... 30

 Total Score ..................... 100

(c) The essential variations within each scoreable quality factor are so described

that the value may be determined for each factor and expressed numerically.

The numerical range for the rating of each factor is inclusive (for example,

24 to 26 points means 24, 25, or 26 points) and the score points shall be

prorated relative to the degree of excellence for each scoreable quality

factor.
22

§52.1721 Requirements for grades.

TABLE IV

CANNED PINEAPPLE - WHOLE, SLICES, SPEARS

TIDBITS, CHUNKS, CUBES

Quality Factors Factor Description Grade Score Point Range

Color

Good "A" 27 - 30 

Reasonably Good "B" 24 - 26 _1/

Poor "SStd" 0 - 23 _2/

Uniformity of Size

and Shape

Practically Uniform "A" 18 - 20 

Reasonably Uniform "B" 16 - 17 _1/

Poor Uniformity "SStd" 0 - 15 _2/

Defects

Practically Free "A" 18 - 20 

Reasonably Free "B" 16 - 17 _1/

Excessive "SStd" 0 - 15 _2/

Character

Good "A" 27 - 30 

Reasonably Good "B" 24 - 26 _1/

Poor "SStd" 0 - 23 _2/

Total Score (Range)

"A" 90 - 100 points 

"B" 80 - 89 points

"SStd" 0 - 79 points

Flavor and Odor

"A" Good 

"B" Fairly Good

"SStd" Off Flavor 

Tartness

"A" Not Excessively Tart

"B" Not Excessively Tart

"SStd" Excessively Tart

_1/ Cannot be graded above U.S. Grade B, regardless of the total score for the product.

_2/ Cannot be graded above Substandard, regardless of the total score for the product.
23

TABLE V

CANNED PINEAPPLE - BROKEN SLICES

Quality Factors Factor Description Grade Score Point Range

Color

Good

"C"

27 - 30 _1/

Reasonably Good 24 - 26 _1/

Fairly Good 21 - 23 _1/

Poor "SStd" 0 - 20 _2/

Uniformity of

Size and Shape

Not Uniform "C" 14 - 15 _1/

Poor Uniformity "SStd" 0 - 13 _2/

Defects

Practically Free

"C"

 18 - 20 _1/

Reasonably Free 16 - 17 _1/

Fairly Free 14 - 15 _1/

Excessive "SStd" 0 - 13 _2/

Character

Good

"C"

27 - 30 

Reasonably Good 24 - 26 _1/

Fairly Good 21 - 23 _1/ 

Poor "SStd" 0 - 20 _2/

Total Score Range _3/

"C" 73 - 100 points

"SStd" 0 - 72 points

Flavor and Odor

"C"

Good 

Fairly Good

"SStd" Off Flavor 

Tartness

"C"

Not Excessively Tart

Not Excessively Tart

"SStd" Excessively Tart

_1/ Cannot be graded above U.S. Grade C, regardless of the total score for the product.

_2/ Cannot be graded above Substandard, regardless of the total score for the 

_3/ To determine the total score, the four factors (Color, Uniformity, Defects, and Character) are

scored and the total is multiplied by 100 and divided by 95, dropping any fractions.
24

TABLE VI

CANNED PINEAPPLE - HALF SLICES

Quality Factors Factor Description Grade Score Point Range

Color

Good

"C"

27 - 30 _1/

Reasonably Good 24 - 26 _1/

Fairly Good 21 - 23 _1/

Poor "SStd" 0 - 20 _2/

Uniformity of Size

and Shape

Practically Uniform

"C"

18 - 20 _1/

Reasonably Uniform 16 - 17 _1/

Fairly Uniform 14 - 15 _1/

Poor Uniformity "SStd" 0 - 13 _2/

Defects

Practically Free

"C"

 18 - 20 _1/

Reasonably Free 16 - 17 _1/

Fairly Free 14 - 15 _1/

Excessive "SStd" 0 - 13 _2/

Character

Good

"C"

27 - 30 _1/

Reasonably Good 24 - 26 _1/

Fairly Good 21 - 23 _1/

Poor "SStd" 0 - 20 _2/

Total Score Range 

"C" 70 - 100 points

"SStd" 0 - 69 points

Flavor and Odor

"C" Good or Fairly Good

"SStd" Off Flavor 

Tartness

"C" Not Excessively Tart

"SStd" Excessively Tart

_1/ Cannot be graded above U.S. Grade C, regardless of the total score for the product.

_2/ Cannot be graded above Substandard, regardless of the total score for the 
25

TABLE VII

CANNED PINEAPPLE - CRUSHED

Quality Factors Factor Description Grade Score Point Range

Color

Good "A" 27 - 30 

Reasonably Good "B" 24 - 26 _1/

Poor "SStd" 0 - 23 _2/

Defects

Practically Free "A" 18 - 20 

Reasonably Free "B" 16 - 17 _1/

Excessive "SStd" 0 - 15 _2/

Character

Good "A" 27 - 30 

Reasonably Good "B" 24 - 26 _1/

Poor "SStd" 0 - 23 _2/

Total Score (Range) _3/

"A" 90 - 100 points 

"B" 80 - 89 points

"SStd" 0 - 79 points

Flavor and Odor

"A" Good 

"B" Fairly Good

"SStd" Off Flavor 

Tartness

"A" Not Excessively Tart

"B" Not Excessively Tart

"SStd" Excessively Tart

_1/ Cannot be graded above U.S. Grade B, regardless of the total score for the product.

_2/ Cannot be graded above Substandard, regardless of the total score for the product.

_3/ To determine the total score, the other three factors (Color, Defects, and Character are scored and

the total is multiplied by 100 and divided by 80, dropping any fractions.
26

§52.1722 Sample size.

The sample size used to determine whether canned pineapple meets the requirements of

these standards shall be as specified in the sampling plans and procedures in the

Regulations Governing Inspection and Certification of Processed Fruits and

Vegetables, Processed Products Thereof, and Certain Other Processed Food

Products (7 CFR 52.1 through 52.83).

§52.1723 Lot quality and analytical requirements.

A lot of canned pineapple is considered as meeting the quality and analytical requirements

if:

(a) The requirements specified in Tables IV through VII, as applicable, are

met; and

(b) The sampling plans and procedures in 7 CFR 52.1 through 52.83 are met.

Dated: January 24, 1990

/s/

Kenneth C. Clayton

Acting Administrator