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United States Standards

for Grades of Canned 

Plums

Effective January 10, 1977

Corrected and Reprinted January 23, 2018
This is a reprint of the United States Standards for Grades of Canned Plums (41

FR 54161) which have been in effect since January 10, 1977, and were updated to 

modify the format, correct alignment in Tables IV and V, and make minor 

grammatical and spelling changes.

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 Plums (January 10, 1977)

Corrected and Reprinted (January 23, 2018)

1

United States Standards for Grades of Canned Plums

Section Page No.

§52.1781 Product description...................................................................................... 2

§52.1782 Varietal types............................................................................................... 2

§52.1783 Styles........................................................................................................... 2

§52.1784 Grades......................................................................................................... 2

§52.1785 Liquid media and brix measurements for canned plums. ............................ 3

Table I – Brix Measurements .......................................................................................... 3

§52.1786 Recommended fill of container. ................................................................... 4

§52.1787 Minimum drained weight requirements........................................................ 4

Table II Acceptance Values for Drained Weights ............................................................ 5

§52.1788 Recommended fill weights........................................................................... 5

Table III Recommended Fill Weight Values .................................................................... 7

§52.1789 Sample unit size .............................................................................................. 8

§52.1790 Ascertaining the grade of a sample unit....................................................... 8

§52.1791 Ascertaining the rating for the factors which are scored. ............................. 8

§52.1792 Color............................................................................................................ 8

§52.1793 Uniformity of size. ...................................................................................... 10

§52.1794 Defects. ..................................................................................................... 10

§52.1795 Character................................................................................................... 12

§52.1796 Allowances for quality factors. ................................................................... 14

Table IV......................................................................................................................... 14

Style – Whole Sample Unit Size – 25 Plums................................................................. 14

Table V.......................................................................................................................... 15

Style – Halves Sample Unit Size – 50 Halves ............................................................... 15

§52.1797 Ascertaining the grade of a lot................................................................... 16

§52.1798 Score sheet for canned plums................................................................... 16
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Plums (January 10, 1977)

Corrected and Reprinted (January 23, 2018)

2

§52.1781 Product description.

Canned plums is the product represented as defined in the Standard of Identity 

(21 CFR 145.185) for canned plums issued pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and 

Cosmetic Act.

§52.1782 Varietal types.

(a) Purple plum groups.

(b) Green – yellow plum groups.

§52.1783 Styles.

(a) Whole, unpeeled, unpitted.

(b) Whole, peeled, unpitted.

(c) Whole, unpeeled, pitted.

(d) Whole, peeled pitted.

(e) Halves, unpeeled, pitted.

(f) Halves, peeled, pitted.

§52.1784 Grades.

(a) U. S. Grade A or U. S. Fancy is the quality of canned plums that:

(1) Have similar varietal characteristics;

(2) Have a normal flavor and odor;

(3) Have a good, practically uniform color;

(4) Are at least reasonably uniform in size;

(5) Are practically free from defects;

(6) Have a good character; and

(7) Score not less than 90 points when scored in accordance with the scoring 

system outlined in this subpart.

(b) U. S. Grade B or U. S. Choice is the quality of canned plums that:

(1) Have similar varietal characteristics;

(2) Have a normal flavor and odor;

(3) Have a reasonably good, reasonably uniform color;

(4) Are at least fairly uniform in size;

(5) Are reasonably free from defects;
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Plums (January 10, 1977)

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(6) Have a reasonably good character; and

(7) (Score not less than 80 points when scored in accordance with the scoring 

system outlined in this subpart.

(c) U. S. Grade C or U. S. Standard is the quality of canned plums that:

(1) Have similar varietal characteristics;

(2) Have a normal flavor and odor;

(3) Have a fairly good color;

(4) Are fairly uniform in size;

(5) Are fairly free from defects;

(6) Have a fairly good character; and

(7) Score not less than 70 points when scored in accordance with the scoring 

system outlined in this subpart.

(d) Substandard is the quality of canned plums that fail to meet the requirements of 

U. S. Grade C.

§52.1785 Liquid media and brix measurements for canned plums.

Cut-out requirements for liquid media in canned plums 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 if these grades. The cut-out Brix measurements for 

the particular varieties and respective designations are specified in Table I:

Table I – Brix Measurements

Designations Brix Measurements

Extra heavy sirup; or Extra heavily 

sweetened fruit juice(s) and water or 

Extra heavily sweetened fruit juice(s).

25° or more but not more than 35°

Heavy sirup or Heavily sweetened fruit 

juices(s) and water; or Heavily sweetened 

fruit juice(s).

19° or more but less than 25°

Light sirup or Lightly sweetened fruit 

juice(s) and water; or Lightly sweetened 

fruit juice(s).

15° or more but less than 19°

Slightly sweetened water; or Extra light 

sirup; or Slightly sweetened fruit juice(s) 

and water; or Slightly sweetened fruit 

juice(s).

11° or more but less than 15°

In water Not applicable

In fruit juice(s) and water Not applicable

In fruit juice(s) Not applicable
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Plums (January 10, 1977)

Corrected and Reprinted (January 23, 2018)

4

§52.1786 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 be filled with plums 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.

§52.1787 Minimum drained weight requirements.

(a) General.

(1) The minimum drained weights specified in Table II are not incorporated in 

the grades of the finished product since drained weight, as such, is not a 

factor of quality for the purpose of the grades.

(2) The minimum drained weights are based on equalization of the product 30 

days or more after the product has been canned.

(b) Method for determining drained weight. The drained weight of canned plums 

is determined by emptying the contents of the container upon a U. S. Standard 

No. 8 circular sieve (or equivalent) of proper diameter containing 8 meshes to the 

inch (2.3 mm (0.0937-inch), ± three percent, square openings) so as to distribute 

the product evenly, turning the pit cavities down to halves, incline the sieve to a 

17 to 20 degree angle to facilitate drainage and allow to drain for two (2) minutes.

The drained weight is the weight of the sieve and plums less the weight of the dry 

sieve. A sieve 20.32 centimeters (8 inches) in diameter (or approximate 

equivalent) is used for containers having water capacities of 1.5 kilograms (3.3 

pounds) or less, and a sieve 30.48 centimeters (12 inches) in diameter (or 

approximate equivalent) is used for containers having water capacities greater 

than 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds). The temperature of the packing medium at time 

of drained weight determination shall be 20 degrees Celsius ± 10 degrees (68 

degrees Fahrenheit ± 18 degrees).

Water capacity of a container means the maximum weight of distilled water at 20 

degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) that the sealed container will hold.

(c) Compliance with drained weight requirements. A lot of canned plums is 

considered as meeting the minimum drained weight if the following criteria are 

met:

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

sample is equal to or greater than the acceptance value for drained 

weights (designated as X d in Table II); and
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Plums (January 10, 1977)

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(2) The number of sample units which fail to meet the acceptance value for 

drained weight lower limit for individual containers (designated as LL in 

Table II) does not exceed the applicable acceptance number specified in 

the sampling plan contained in the Regulations Governing Inspection and 

Certification of Processed Fruit and Vegetables, Processed Products 

Thereof, and Certain Other Processed Food Products 

(7 CFR 52.1 - 52.83).

Table II Acceptance Values for Drained Weights

Container size 

(metal, unless 

otherwise stated)

Water 

Capacity 

(oz.)

In any liquid medium

Whole Halves

X d

(ounces)

LL

(ounces)

X d

(ounces)

LL

(ounces)

8Z tall 8.65 4.3 3.7 4.8 4.2

8Z Glass 8.2 4.1 3.5 4.5 3.9

No. 1 tall 16.6 8.3 7.5 9.1 8.3

No. 303 16.85 8.4 7.6 9.3 8.5

No. 303 Glass 17.0 8.5 7.7 9.3 8.5

No. 2 20.5 10.3 9.4 11.3 10.4

No. 2-1/2 29.75 14.9 13.7 16.4 15.2

No. 2-1/2 Glass 29.5 14.8 13.6 16.2 15.0

No. 10 109.45 54.7 52.5 60.2 58.0

§52.1788 Recommended fill weights.

(a) General. The minimum fill weight recommendations specified in Table II are not 

incorporated in the grades of the finished product since fill weight, as such, is not 

a factor of quality for the purposes of these grades.

(b) Method for ascertaining fill weight. Fill weight is determined in accordance 

with the U. S. Department of Agriculture's Variable Control Chart Plan and 

adaptations thereto, as applicable to processed fruits and vegetables and related 

products.

(c) Definitions of terms and symbols. Subgroup means a group of sample units 

representing a portion of a sample.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Plums (January 10, 1977)

Corrected and Reprinted (January 23, 2018)

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XX′min means the minimum lot average fill weight.

LWL_

x means the lower warning limit for subgroup averages.

LRL_

x means the lower reject limit for subgroup averages.

LWL means the lower warning limit for individual fill weight measurements.

LRL means the lower reject limit for individual fill weight measurements.

RR′ means a specified average range value.

Rmax means a specified maximum range for a subgroup.

Sampling allowance code means a code letter on the Sampling Allowance 

Chart of the Variables Control Chart Plan. This letter identifies the appropriate 

line which gives the amount of sampling allowance to be applied to the 

specifications average for fill weights in order to determine compliance with 

requirements for fill weights averages for a sample.

(d) Subgroup size. The subgroup size for the determination of fill weights shall be 

five containers.

(e) Sampling frequency.

(1) Small lots – for lots consisting of 100 cases or less which require four 

hours or more to pack, use the optional fill weight procedure contained in 

the Instructions for Adaption of the Variables Control Chart Plan for Fill 

Weights.

(2) Other than small lots – draw at least one subgroup per code 

approximately every 40 minutes.

(f) Compliance with recommended fill weights. Compliance with recommended 

fill weights shall be in accordance with the acceptance criteria specified in the 

U. S. Department of Agriculture's Variables Control Chart Plan and adaptations 

thereto, as applicable to processed fruits and vegetables and related products.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Plums (January 10, 1977)

Corrected and Reprinted (January 23, 2018)

7

Table III Recommended Fill Weight Values

Container designation 

(metal unless otherwise stated) Purple plums, whole, unpeeled

Sampling 

allowance 

code

XX′min LWL

_

x LRL_x LWL LRL RR′ Rmax

8Z tall (211 x 304) and 8Z glass 4.6 4.1 3.8 3.5 2.9 1.3 2.7 J

No.303 (303 x 406) and No.303 glass 9.8 9.2 8.8 8.4 7.7 1.6 3.4 M

No.2 (307 x 409) less than 17 11.5 10.8 10.4 9.9 9.1 1.9 3.9 O

17 or more 12.0 11.3 10.9 10.4 9.6 1.9 3.9 O

No. 2 1⁄2 (401 x 411): Less than 17 17.0 16.1 15.6 15.0 14.0 2.3 4.9 S

17 to 22 17.5 16.6 16.1 15.5 14.5 2.3 4.9 S

23 or more 18.0 17.1 16.6 16.0 15.0 2.3 4.9 S

No. 2 1⁄2 Glass: Less than 17 16.5 15.6 15.1 14.5 13.5 2.3 4.9 S

17 or more 17.0 16.1 15.6 15.0 14.0 2.3 4.9 S

No.10 (603 x 700): Less than 17 66.0 64.5 63.7 62.6 60.9 4.0 8.4 Z

70 or more 68.0 67.5 66.7 65.6 63.9 4.0 8.4 Z

Purple Plums, Halved, Peeled and Unpeeled

8Z tall and 8Z glass 5.2 4.7 4.5 4.2 3.7 1.2 2.5 I

No.303 and 303 glass 10.7 10.2 9.9 9.5 8.9 1.4 3.0 K

No. 2 13.3 12.7 12.3 11.9 11.2 1.6 3.4 M

No. 2 1⁄2 18.7 17.9 17.5 16.9 16.0 2.1 4.4 Q

No. 2 1⁄2 glass 18.5 17.7 17.3 16.7 15.8 2.1 4.4 Q

No. 10 70.0 68.7 68.0 67.0 65.5 3.5 7.4 X

Green – Yellow Plums, Whole, Unpeeled

8Z tall (211 x 304) and 8Z glass 5.1 4.6 4.3 4.0 3.4 1.3 2.7 J

No.303 (303 x 406) and No.303 glass 10.0 9.4 9.0 8.6 7.9 1.6 3.4 M

No.2 (307 x 409) 12.2 11.5 11.1 10.6 9.8 1.9 3.9 O

No. 2 1⁄2 (401 x 411) 18.2 17.3 16.8 16.2 15.2 2.3 4.9 S

No. 2 1⁄2 glass 17.9 17.0 16.5 15.9 14.9 2.3 4.9 S

No. 10 (603 x 700) 67.0 65.5 64.7 63.6 61.9 4.0 8.4 Z

Green – Yellow Plums, Whole, Peeled

8Z tall and 8Z glass 5.3 4.8 4.5 4.2 3.6 1.3 2.7 J

No. 303 and No. 303 glass 10.5 9.9 9.5 9.1 8.4 1.6 3.4 M

No. 2 12.8 12.1 11.7 11.2 10.4 1.9 3.9 O

No. 2 1⁄2 18.7 17.8 17.3 16.7 15.7 2.3 4.9 S

No. 2 1⁄2 glass 18.4 17.5 17.0 16.4 15.4 2.3 4.9 S

No. 10 68.8 67.3 66.5 65.4 63.7 4.0 8.4 Z
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Plums (January 10, 1977)

Corrected and Reprinted (January 23, 2018)

8

§52.1789 Sample unit size

Compliance with requirements for the various quality factors is based on the following 

sampling unit size for the applicable style:

(a) Whole - 25 whole plums.

(b) Halves - 50 halves.

§52.1790 Ascertaining the grade of a sample unit.

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

the following quality factors are evaluated:

(1) Factors not rated by score points.

(i) Varietal characteristics;

(ii) Flavor and odor.

(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 are:

Factors: Points

Color 20

Uniformity of size 20

Defects 30

Character 30

Total Score 100

(b) Definition of flavor and odor. Normal flavor and odor means that the product 

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

§52.1791 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 inclusive (for example, 18 to 20 points

means 18, 19, or 20 points).

§52.1792 Color.

(a) General. The factor of color refers to the color of the skin and any exposed flesh 

typical for the varietal group and to the intensity and brightness of such 
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Plums (January 10, 1977)

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characteristic color. Characteristic mottling on the skin for the varietal group is 

considered as typical color and not as lacking in uniformity of color.

(b) Definitions of color.

(1) Well colored. The color is bright and well developed, typical of wellmatured plums. Any exposed flesh is at least reasonably bright and with 

respect to purple plums the packing media is a practically clear and highly 

colored purple liquid.

(2) Reasonably well colored. The color is reasonably bright and reasonably 

well developed, typical of reasonably well-matured plums. Any exposed 

flesh is at least fairly bright and with respect to purple plums the packing 

media is a reasonably clear and reasonably high colored purple liquid.

(3) Fairly well colored. The color is fairly bright and fairly well developed, 

typical of fairly well-matured plums. Any exposed flesh may be slightly 

dull.

(4) Poorly colored. The color may be dull and poorly developed, typical of 

immature plums, including the dead brown color of canned purple plums. 

Any exposed flesh may be excessively dull; or the plums may be off-color 

due to improper processing.

(c) “A” classification. Canned plums that possess a good color may be given a 

score of 18 to 20 points. Good color means that the plums are well colored and 

as a mass possess a practically uniform color, typical of a single varietal group; 

and the number of reasonably well colored plums does not exceed the number 

specified for the style in §52.1796.

(d) “B” classification. Canned plums that possess a reasonably good color may 

be given a score of 16 or 17 points. Canned plums that fall 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 good color means that the plums 

are reasonably well colored and as a mass possess a reasonably uniform color, 

typical of a single varietal group; and the number of fairly well colored units does 

not exceed the number specified for the style in §52.1796.

(e) “C” classification. Canned plums that possess a fairly good color may be given 

a score of 14 or 15 points. Canned plums that fall 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 plums may be at least fairly 

well colored; possess a color typical of a single varietal group which have been 

properly processed; that such characteristic color may be markedly variable; and 

the number of poorly colored plums does not exceed the number specified for the 

style in §52.1796.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Plums (January 10, 1977)

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(f) “SStd” classification. Canned plums that fail to meet the requirements of 

paragraph (e) 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).

§52.1793 Uniformity of size.

(a) General. Compliance with uniformity of size is ascertained by determining the 

percent by which the weight of the largest full-sized unit exceeds the weight of 

the smallest full sized unit in the sample unit. Plums of halved style that are not 

cleanly divided into halves shall be separated into two approximately equal 

halves before ascertaining uniformity of size.

(b) “A” classification. Canned plums that are practically uniform in size may be 

given a score of 18 to 20 points. Practically uniform in size means that the 

number of units that are in excess of the maximum weight variation does not 

exceed the number specified for the style for U. S. Grade A in §52.1796.

(c) “B” classification. Canned plums that are reasonably uniform in size may be 

given a score of 16 or 17 points. Reasonably uniform in size means that the 

number of units that are in excess of the maximum weight variation does not 

exceed the number specified for the style for U. S. Grade B in §52.1796.

(d) “C” classification. Canned plums that are fairly uniform in size may be given a 

score of 14 or 15 points. Canned plums that fall 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). Fairly uniform in size means that the number of units that are 

in excess of the maximum weight variation does not exceed the number specified 

for the style for U. S. Grade C in §52.1796.

(e) “SStd” classification. Canned plums that fail 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).

§52.1794 Defects.

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

leaves, crushed or broken units, pits or loose pits for the applicable styleblemished and seriously blemished units-and from any other defects not 

specifically mentioned which detract from the appearance or edibility of the 

product.

(b) Definition.

(1) A unit in whole style means a whole or substantially whole plum. In 
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Plums (January 10, 1977)

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halved style, any whole or partially whole plum is separated into two 

approximately equal halves and each half therefrom is considered a unit.

(2) Small stem means the small stem or portion thereof that attaches the 

plum to the branch of the tree.

(3) Harmless extraneous material means leaves or portions thereof or other 

harmless plant material.

(4) Crushed or broken means that a unit bears marks of crushing or is 

otherwise crushed or broken bit due to ripeness. In whole style, plums 

that possess broken skin or that are split to the pit cavity are not 

considered crushed or broken unless the entire pit cavity is exposed or the 

unit is mutilated to the extent that it is not intact as a whole or substantially 

whole plum. In halved style, halves of plum that are slightly split are not 

considered crushed or broken unless the unit is seriously mutilated.

(5) A pit means a whole pit or any portion thereof. In whole style, only loose 

pits are considered as defects. In halved style, pits are considered as 

defects whether loose or attached to a unit.

(6) Blemished means any injury which, singly or in the aggregate on a unit or 

in a unit (except for internal gummosis), materially affects the appearance 

of the unit and includes, but is not limited to:

(i) Surface areas blemished by sunburn, scab, or other discoloration 

(exclusive of characteristic mottling) having an aggregate area 

exceeding that of a circle three sixteenths of an inch in diameter 

not extending into the fruit tissue and materially affecting the 

appearance or eating quality of the unit;

(ii) Surface areas blemished by sunburn, scab, or other serious 

discoloration (exclusive of characteristic mottling) having an 

aggregate area equivalent of, or less than, that of a circle three 

sixteenths of an inch in diameter and extending into the fruit tissue 

so that the flesh is materially discolored or toughened;

(iii) Abnormalities, such as doubles and growth cracks, but not 

shriveled areas;

(iv) External gummosis.

(7) Seriously blemished means any damage that seriously affects the 

appearance or edibility of the unit, regardless of area.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Plums (January 10, 1977)

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12

(c) “A” classification. Canned plums that are practically free from defects may be 

given a score of 27 to 30 points. Practically free from defects means that the 

number specified for the style and respective type of defects in §52.1796.

(d) “B” classification. Canned plums that are reasonably free from defects may be 

given a score of 24 to 26 points. Canned plums that fall 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 the 

number of defects that may be present does not exceed the number specified for 

the style and respective type of defect in §52.1796.

(e) “C” classification. Canned plums that are fairly free from defects may be given 

a score of 21 to 23 points. Canned plums that fall 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 the number of defects 

that may be present does not exceed the number specified for the style and 

respective type of defect in §52.1796.

(f) “SStd” classification. Canned plums that fail to meet the requirements of 

paragraph (e) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 20 points and shall not 

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

is a limiting rule).

§52.1795 Character.

(a) General. The factor of character refers to the texture and condition of the flesh, 

to the tenderness and firmness of the plums, and to shriveled areas of the skin.

(b) Definitions.

(1) Good character. The units are thick-fleshed, tender, may be soft but hold 

their apparent original conformation, and otherwise possess a good 

texture of both skin and flesh characteristic of canned plums that have

been properly processed from well-ripened or well-matured plums.

(2) Reasonably good character. The units may be reasonably fleshy, may 

be variable in texture from soft to slightly firm, and otherwise possess a 

reasonably good texture of both skin and flesh characteristic of canned 

plums that have been properly processed from reasonably well-ripened or 

reasonably well-matured plums.

(3) Fairly good character. The units may be thin fleshed, possess a fairly 

good texture of both skin and flesh, may be variable in texture from very 

soft to slightly tough but are not so soft as to show material disintegration, 

and may possess shriveled areas that materially affect, but do not 

seriously affect, the appearance of the product.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Plums (January 10, 1977)

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(4) Poor character. The units may be very thin fleshed, possess a poor 

texture of both skin and flesh, may be variable in texture from mushy to 

more than slightly tough, and may possess shriveled areas that seriously 

affect the appearance of the product.

(c) “A” classification. Canned plums that possess a good character may be given 

a score of 27 to 30 points. To score in this classification the number of units that 

are of reasonably good character shall not exceed the number specified for the 

style in §52.1796.

(d) “B” classification. Canned plums that possess a reasonably good character 

may be given a score of 24 to 26 points. Canned plums that fall 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). To score in this classification the 

number of units that are fairly good character shall not exceed the number 

specified for the style in §52.1796.

(e) “C” classification. Canned plums that possess a fairly good character may be 

given a score of 21 to 23 points. Canned plums that fall 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). To score in this classification the number of units 

that are of poor character shall not exceed the number specified for the style in 

§52.1796.

(f) “SStd” classification. Canned plums that fail to meet the requirements of 

paragraph (e) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 20 points shall not be 

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

limiting rule).
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Plums (January 10, 1977)

Corrected and Reprinted (January 23, 2018)

14

§52.1796 Allowances for quality factors.

Table IV

Style – Whole Sample Unit Size – 25 Plums

FACTORS Maximum number of units permissible for respective grade

A B C

Color

Reasonably Good 2 No limit No limit

Fairly Good 0 4 No limit

Poor 0 0 4

Uniformity of size

Variation of weight:

Exceeds 50% 1 No limit No limit

Exceeds 75% 0 1 No limit

Exceeds 100% 0 0 1

Absence of defects Ind1 Avg2 Ind Avg Ind Avg

Harmless 

extraneous material 0 0 1 0.2 1 0.4

Small stem 1 0.6 1 N/A 2 N/A

Loose pits 1 N/A3 2 N/A 3 N/A

Crushed or broken 0 0 1 N/A 6 N/A

Blemished and 

seriously blemished

2

including

N/A

including

4

including

N/A

including

7

including

N/A

including

Seriously blemished 1 N/A 1 N/A 3 N/A

Blemished, 

seriously blemished 

and crushed or 

broken

.......... .......... .......... .......... 8 N/A

Character

Reasonably good 2 No limit No limit

Fairly good 0 5 No limit

Poor 0 0 5

 1 Means individual sample unit

2 Means average of all sample units in the sample

3 Means not applicable
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Plums (January 10, 1977)

Corrected and Reprinted (January 23, 2018)

15

Table V

Style – Halves Sample Unit Size – 50 Halves

FACTORS Maximum number of units permissible for respective grade

A B C

Color

Reasonably good 5 No limit No limit

Fairly good 0 7 No limit

Poor 0 0 4

Uniformity of 

size

Variation of 

weight:

Exceeds 50% 3 No limit No limit

Exceeds 75% 0 3 No limit

Exceeds 100% 0 0 3

Absence of 

defects Ind4 Avg5 Ind Avg Ind Avg

Harmless 

extraneous 

material

0 0 1 0.2 1 0.4

Small stem 1 0.6 1 N/A 2 N/A

Loose pits 1 0.5 1 N/A 2 N/A

Crushed or 

broken 0 0 2 N/A 12 N/A

Blemished and 

seriously 

blemished

5

including

0

including

7

including

N/A

including

15

including

N/A

including

Seriously 

blemished 1 N/A6 2 N/A 7 N/A

Blemished, 

seriously 

blemished and 

crushed or broken

.......... .......... .......... .......... 17 N/A

Character

Reasonably good 5 No limit No limit

Fairly good 0 10 No limit

Poor 0 0 10

 4 Means individual sample unit

5 Means average of all sample units in the sample

6 Means not applicable
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Plums (January 10, 1977)

Corrected and Reprinted (January 23, 2018)

16

§52.1797 Ascertaining the grade of a lot.

The grade of a lot of canned plums covered by these standards 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 Products (7 CFR 52.1 through 52.83).

§52.1798 Score sheet for canned plums.

Size and kind of container

Container mark or identification

Label

Net weight (ounces)

Vacuum (inches)

Count

Drained weight (ounces)

Brix measurement

Sirup designation (extra heavy, heavy, etc.)

Varietal type

Style (whole) (halves)

Factors Score points

Color 20

“A” 18-20

“B” 16-177

“C” 14-157

“SSTD” 0-137

Uniformity of size 20

“A” 18-20

“B” 16-17

“C” 14-158

“SSTD” 0-137

Absence of defects 30

“A” 27-30

“B” 24-267

“C” 21-237

“SSTD” 0-207

Character 30

“A” 27-30

“B” 24-267

“C” 21-237

“SSTD” 0-207

Total score 100

Normal flavor and odor

Grade

 7 Indicates limiting rule

8 Indicates partial limiting rule
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Plums (January 10, 1977)

Corrected and Reprinted (January 23, 2018)

17