Marketing and

Regulatory

Programs

Agricultural

Marketing 

Service

Specialty

Crops

Program

Specialty

Crops

Inspection

Division

United States Standards

for Grades of 

Canned Okra

Effective January 20, 2017
This issue of the United States Standards for Grades of Canned Okra (81 FR 93572) 

supersedes the previous issue which has been in effect since July 8, 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 Okra (January 20, 2017)

1

United States Standards for Grades of Canned Okra

Section Page No.

Product Description, Types, Styles, and Grades........................................................ 2

§52.3331 Product description...................................................................................... 2

§52.3332 Types of canned okra. ................................................................................. 2

§52.3333 Styles of canned okra. ................................................................................. 2

§52.3334 Grades of canned okra. ............................................................................... 2

Fill of Container and Drained Weights ........................................................................ 3

§52.3335 Recommended fill of container. ................................................................... 3

§52.3336 Drained weights........................................................................................... 3

Factors of Quality.......................................................................................................... 4

§52.3337 Ascertaining the grade................................................................................. 4

§52.3338 Ascertaining the rating for the factors which are scored. ............................. 5

§52.3339 Color............................................................................................................ 5

§52.3340 Size.............................................................................................................. 5

§52.3341 Defects. ....................................................................................................... 6

§52.3342 Character..................................................................................................... 7

Methods of Analysis ..................................................................................................... 8

§52.3343 Percent, by weight, of fibrous material......................................................... 8

Ascertaining the Grade of a Lot................................................................................... 9

§52.3344 Ascertaining the grade of a lot..................................................................... 9

Score Sheet ................................................................................................................. 10

§52.3345 Score sheet for canned okra...................................................................... 10
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Okra (January 20, 2017)

2

Product Description, Types, Styles, and Grades

§52.3331 Product description.

Canned okra is the product prepared from clean, sound, succulent, immature pods of 

either the green or white varieties of the okra plant, which are properly trimmed and 

sorted; which may or may not have undergone partial fermentation; and is washed, 

packed, and processed in accordance with good commercial practice which includes 

such product as defined in the Standard of Identity for Canned Okra (21 CFR 155.200) 

issued pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. 

§52.3332 Types of canned okra. 

(a) Type I canned okra. Canned okra of this type has been partially fermented in 

salt brine before processing.

(b) Type II canned okra. Canned okra of this type has not been fermented before 

processing.

§52.3333 Styles of canned okra.

(a) Whole means canned okra consisting of whole pods with stems removed and 

with or without the caps removed.

(b) Whole salad means canned okra consisting of whole pods with stems attached 

which are at least one-half inch but not exceeding one inch in length.

(c) Cut means canned okra consisting of pods with the caps and stems removed, 

which have been cut transversely into pieces.

§52.3334 Grades of canned okra.

(a) U.S. Grade A is the quality of canned okra that possesses similar varietal 

characteristics; that possesses a normal flavor; that possesses a good color; that 

is practically uniform in size; that is practically free from defects; that possesses a 

good character; and that for those factors which are rated in accordance with the 

scoring system outlined in this subpart the total score is not less than 85 points.

(b) U.S. Grade C is the quality of canned okra that possesses similar varietal 

characteristics; that possesses a normal flavor; that possesses a fairly good 

color; that is fairly uniform in size; that is fairly free from defects; that possesses a 

fairly good character; and that for those factors which are rated in accordance 

with the scoring system outlined in this subpart the total score is not less than 70 

points: Provided, That the canned okra may be variable in size if the total score 

is not less than 70 points.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Okra (January 20, 2017)

3

(c) Substandard is the quality of canned okra that fails to meet the requirements of 

U.S. Grade C.

Fill of Container and Drained Weights

§52.3335 Recommended fill of container.

The recommended fill of container 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 okra be filled with okra 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.

§52.3336 Drained weights. 

(a) General. The minimum drained weight recommendations for canned okra in 

Table No. I of this section are not incorporated in the grades of the finished 

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

of these grades.

(b) Method for ascertaining drained weight. The drained weight is determined by 

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

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

to facilitate drainage, and allow the product to drain for two minutes. The drained 

weight is the weight of the sieve and the drained product less the weight of the 

dry sieve. A sieve 8 inches in diameter is used for the No. 3 size can (404 x 414) 

and smaller sizes; and a sieve 12 inches in diameter is used for containers larger 

than the equivalent of the No. 3 size can.

(c) Compliance with recommended drained weights. Compliance with the 

recommended drained weights is determined by averaging the drained weight 

from all the containers which are representative of a specific lot and such lot is 

considered as meeting the recommendations if the following criteria are met:

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

recommended drained weight;

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

weight; and

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

recommended drained weight are within the range of variability for good 

commercial practice.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Okra (January 20, 2017)

4

Table No. I – Recommended Minimum Drained Weight of Okra, in Ounces

Container size or 

designation

Container dimensions Styles of canned okra

Width

Inches

Height

Inches

Whole or

salad Cut

8 oz. Tall 2-11/16 3-4/16 4.5 5.0

No. 1 Picnic 2-11/16 4 6.2 6.5

No. 1 Tall 3-1/16 4-11/16 9.8 10.2

No. 303 3-3/16 4-6/16 10.0 10.5

No. 2 3-7/16 4-9/16 12.0 12.8

No. 2-1/2 4-1/16 4-11/16 17.8 18.8

No. 10 6-3/16 7 60.0 60.0

Factors of Quality

§52.3337 Ascertaining the grade. 

(a) General. In addition to considering other requirements outlined in the standards, 

the following quality factors are evaluated in ascertaining the grade of the 

product: 

(1) Factors not rated by score points.

(i) Varietal characteristics.

(ii) Flavor.

(2) Factors rated by score points. The relative importance of each factor 

which is scored is expressed numerically on the scale of 100. The 

maximum number of points that may be given such factors is: 

Factors: Points

Color 20

Size 10

Defects 35

Character 35

Total Score 100
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Okra (January 20, 2017)

5

(b) Normal flavor means that the product has a normal characteristic flavor and 

odor for the type and is free from objectionable flavors and objectionable odors of 

any kind.

§52.3338 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 such factors and expressed numerically. The numerical 

range within each factor which is scored is inclusive (for example, 17 to 20 points

means 17, 18, 19, or 20 points).

§52.3339 Color.

(a) “A” classification. Canned okra that possesses a good color may be given a 

score of 17 to 20 points.

Good color means that the outer surfaces of the okra pods possess a practically 

uniform color typical for the type and variety of young, tender, properly prepared, 

and properly processed canned okra.

(b) “C” classification. Canned okra that possesses a fairly good color may be 

given a score of 14 to 16 points. Canned okra 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 color means that the outer surfaces of the okra pods possess a 

fairly uniform color typical for the type and variety of fairly tender, properly 

prepared, and properly processed canned okra.

(c) “SStd” classification. Canned okra that fails to meet the requirements of 

paragraph (b) 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).

§52.3340 Size.

(a) “A” classification. Canned okra that is practically uniform in size may be given 

a score of 8 to 10 points.

Practically uniform in size has the following meanings with respect to the 

following styles of canned okra: 

(1) Whole and whole salad.

(i) In 90 percent, by count, of the most uniform pods of okra, the 

length of the longest unit is not more than twice the length of the 
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Okra (January 20, 2017)

6

shortest unit, and that

(ii) The overall length of the unit does not exceed 3-1/2 inches.

(2) Cut. The appearance of the product is not materially affected by the 

variation in the size of the units.

(b) “C” classification. Canned okra that is fairly uniform in size may be given a 

score of 7 points. Canned okra 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 uniform in size has the following meanings for the following styles:

(1) Whole and whole salad. In 90 percent, by count, of the most uniform 

pods of okra, the length of the longest unit is not more than three times the 

length of the shortest unit.

(2) Cut. The appearance of the product is not seriously affected by the 

variation in the size of the units.

(c) “SStd” classification. Canned okra that fails to meet the requirements of 

paragraph (b) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 6 points and shall not 

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

is a partial limiting rule).

§52.3341 Defects.

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

vegetable matter, small pieces, poorly trimmed units, misshapen pods, and from 

damaged or seriously damaged units.

(1) Extraneous vegetable matter means any vegetable substance (including 

but not limited to a leaf, unattached stem, or portions thereof) that is 

harmless.

(2) Small pieces means pieces of canned okra less than 3/8 inch in length.

(3) Poorly trimmed:

(i) With respect to whole style means a unit that has an attached stem 

more than 1/4 inch in length measured from the blossom scar.

(ii) With respect to whole salad style means a unit that has an attached 

stem less than 1/2 inch or more than 1 inch in length measured 

from the blossom scar.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Okra (January 20, 2017)

7

(iii) With respect to cut style means a unit that is partially cut or 

possesses ragged edges or attached caps or portions thereof.

(4) Misshapen unit means any unit in whole or whole salad styles that is 

malformed or crooked to the extent that the appearance or eating quality 

of the unit is seriously affected.

(5) Damaged unit means any pod or piece of pod affected by insect injury, 

pathological injury, mechanical injury, discoloration, or damaged by other 

means to the extent that the appearance or eating quality is materially 

affected.

(6) Seriously damaged unit means damaged to such an extent that the 

appearance or eating quality is seriously affected. 

(b) “A” classification. Canned okra that is practically free from defects may be 

given a score of 30 to 35 points.

Practically free from defects means that extraneous vegetable matter, small 

pieces of canned okra, poorly trimmed units, misshapen units, and damaged and 

seriously damaged units may be present for the applicable styles that do not 

materially affect the appearance and eating quality of the product.

(c) “C” classification. Canned okra that is fairly free from defects may be given a 

score of 25 to 29 points. Canned okra 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 extraneous vegetable matter, small pieces 

of canned okra, poorly trimmed units, misshapen units, and damaged or 

seriously damaged units may be present for the applicable styles that do not 

seriously affect the appearance and eating quality of the product.

(d) “SStd” classification. Canned okra that fails to meet the requirements of 

paragraph (c) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 24 points and shall not 

be graded above Substandard, regardless of the total score for the product (this 

is a limiting rule).

§52.3342 Character.

(a) General. The factor of character refers to the degree of development of the pod, 

the freedom from fibrous material, and the tenderness and texture of the pod and 

the seed.

(b) “A” classification. Canned okra that possesses a good character may be given 

a score of 30 to 35 points. 
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Okra (January 20, 2017)

8

Good character means that the units are tender and practically free from fibrous 

material, which is objectionable upon eating, that the seeds are in the early 

stages of development, and that with respect to Type I canned okra the 

appearance of the product is not more than slightly affected by the presence of 

broken, crushed, or mashed units and with respect to Type II canned okra the 

appearance is not materially affected by the presence of crushed, broken, and 

mashed units.

(c) “C” classification. Canned okra that possesses a fairly good character may be 

given a score of 24 to 29 points. Canned okra 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 character means that the units may be fairly tender, that the seeds 

may have passed the early stages of development, and that the product contains 

not more than 0.20 percent, by weight, of dried cellulose material.

(d) “SStd” classification. Canned okra that fails to meet the requirements of 

paragraph (c) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 23 points and shall not 

be graded above Substandard, regardless of the total score for the product (this 

is a limiting rule).

Methods of Analysis

§52.3343 Percent, by weight, of fibrous material. 

(a) Canned okra shall be tested by the following method to determine the percent, by 

weight, of fibrous material:

(1) Distribute the contents of the container over the meshes of a circular sieve 

which has been previously weighed. The diameter of the sieve is 8 inches 

if the quantity of the contents of the container is less than 3 pounds, and 

12 inches if such quantity is 3 pounds or more. Without shifting the 

material on the sieve, so incline the sieve as to facilitate drainage. Two 

minutes from the time drainage begins, weigh the sieve and the drained 

material. Record the weight so found less the weight of the sieve as the 

drained weight in ounces.

(2) Remove from the sieve one or more representative samples of 3-1/2 to 4 

ounces, covering each sample as taken to prevent evaporation. Transfer 

to the metal cup of a malted milk stirrer or equivalent and mash with a 

pestle. Wash material adhering to the pestle back into cup with 200 cc of 

boiling water. Bring mixture nearly to a boil, add 25 cc of 50 percent, by 

weight, sodium hydroxide solution and bring to a boil. If foaming is 

excessive, 1 cc of caprylic alcohol (1-octanol) may be added. Boil for 5 

minutes, and then stir for 5 minutes with a malted milk stirrer or equivalent 
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Okra (January 20, 2017)

9

capable of a no-load speed of at least 7200 r.p.m. Use a rotor with two 

scalloped buttons shaped as shown in the diagram in Exhibit 1.

 

(3) Transfer the material from the cup to a previously weighed 30-mesh monel 

metal screen having a diameter of about 3-1/2 to 4 inches and side walls 

about 1 inch high, and wash fiber on the screen with a stream of water 

using a pressure not exceeding a head (vertical distance between upper 

level of water and outlet of glass tube) of 60 inches, delivered through a 

glass tube 3 inches long and 1/8 inch inside diameter inserted into a 

rubber tube of 1/4 inch inside diameter. Wash the pulpy portion of the 

material through the screen and continue washing until the remaining 

fibrous material, moistened with phenolphthalein solution, does not show 

any red color after standing 5 minutes. Again wash to remove 

phenolphthalein. Dry the screen containing the fibrous material for 2 

hours at 100°C, cool, weigh, and deduct weight of screen. Divide the 

weight of fibrous material by the drained weight and multiply by 100 to 

obtain the percentage of fibrous material.

Ascertaining the Grade of a Lot

§52.3344 Ascertaining the grade of a lot.

The grade of a lot of canned okra is determined by the procedures set forth 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).
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Okra (January 20, 2017)

10

Score Sheet

§52.3345 Score sheet for canned okra.

Number, size, and kind of container 

Container marks or identification

Label 

Net weight (ounces) 

Vacuum (inches)

Drained weight (ounces)

Type

Style (cut, whole, or salad cuts)

Count (whole)

Whole pods over 31/2 inches (count)

Fibrous material (ounces)

Dried cellulose material (ounces)

Similar varietal characteristics (yes, no)

Factors Grade Score Points

Color 20

“A” 17-20

“C” 14-161

“SStd” 0-131

Size 10

“A” 8-10

“C” 71

“SStd” 0-62

Defects 35

“A” 30-35

“C” 25-291

“SStd” 0-241

Character 35

“A” 30-35

“C” 24-291

“SStd” 0-231

Total Score 100

Flavor and Odor 

U.S. Grade

1Indicates limiting rule.

2

Indicates partial limiting rule