Marketing and

Regulatory

Programs

Agricultural

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Specialty

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Program

Specialty

Crops

Inspection

Division

United States Standards

for Grades of 

Canned Pimientos

Effective January 20, 2017
This issue of the United States Standards for Grades of Canned Pimientos 

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

October 23, 1967.

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 Pimientos (January 20, 2017)

1

United States Standards for Grades of Canned Pimientos

Section Page No.

Identity, Types of Packs, Styles, and Grades ............................................................. 2

§52.2681 Identity......................................................................................................... 2

§52.2682 Types of pack. ............................................................................................. 2

§52.2683 Styles of canned pimientos.......................................................................... 2

§52.2684 Grades of canned pimientos........................................................................ 3

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

§52.2685 Recommended Fill of Container. ................................................................. 3

§52.2686 Recommended drained weight. ................................................................... 3

§52.2687 Compliance with Recommended Drained Weights...................................... 4

Factors of Quality.......................................................................................................... 5

§52.2688 Ascertaining the grade of a sample unit. ..................................................... 5

§52.2689 Ascertaining the rating for the factors which are scored. ............................. 6

§52.2690 Color............................................................................................................ 6

§52.2691 Uniformity of size and shape. ...................................................................... 8

§52.2692 Defects. ..................................................................................................... 11

§52.2693 Character................................................................................................... 12

Lot Compliance ........................................................................................................... 13

§52.2694 Ascertaining the grade of a lot................................................................... 13

Score Sheet ................................................................................................................. 14

§52.2695 Score sheet for canned pimientos. ............................................................ 14
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Pimientos (January 20, 2017)

2

Identity, Types of Packs, Styles, and Grades

§52.2681 Identity.

(a) Canned pimientos means the canned product properly prepared from clean, 

sound, succulent pods of the pimiento plant (Capsicum annuum) as such product 

is defined in the Standards of Identity for Canned Pimientos (21 CFR 155.200) 

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

(b) For the purposes of these grade standards, Pimientos are a group of sweet 

peppers of the pimiento-type or Spanish pepper. This group includes Pimiento, 

Perfection, Truhart, and similar varieties. Pimiento fruit pods are smooth, 

typically conical or heart-shaped, pointed at the blossom end, thick walled, red to 

reddish-yellow color, and possess a mild and sweet distinct pimiento flavor.

(c) The finished product is prepared from peeled pods and may contain acidifying 

and firming agents and any other ingredient permissible under the provisions of 

the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

§52.2682 Types of pack.

(a) Regular pack (see Table I).

(b) Heavy pack (see Table I).

§52.2683 Styles of canned pimientos.

(a) Whole or whole pimientos mean pimientos that retain the approximate 

conformation of a whole pod pimiento.

(b) Halves or halved means pimientos cut longitudinally into two approximately 

equal parts.

(c) Pieces mean pimientos cut or broken into units with at least one square inch 

area each and may include less than 50 percent, by weight, of whole pods.

(d) Whole and pieces mean pimientos consisting of a combination of whole and 

pieces of pimientos and containing not less than 50 percent, by weight, of whole 

pimientos.

(e) Slices or sliced means pimientos sliced into strips.

(f) Diced means pimientos cut into approximate cube-shaped units or cut into 

approximately square pieces.

(g) Chopped means pimientos cut or broken into units of less than one square inch 

area each.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Pimientos (January 20, 2017)

3

§52.2684 Grades of canned pimientos.

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

characteristics; possess a normal flavor; and for the applicable type and style:

(1) Possess a good color;

(2) Are practically uniform or fairly uniform in size and shape for the 

applicable styles;

(3) Are practically free from defects;

(4) Possess a good character; and

(5) Score not less than 90 points as outlined in this subpart.

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

characteristics; possess a normal flavor; and for the applicable type and style:

(1) Possess a fairly good color;

(2) Are fairly uniform in size and shape for the applicable styles;

(3) Are fairly free from defects;

(4) Possess a fairly good character; and

(5) Score not less than 80 points as outlined in this subpart.

(c) Substandard is the quality of canned pimientos that fail to meet the 

requirements of U.S. Grade C.

Fill of Container and Drained Weights

§52.2685 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 purpose of these 

grades. It is recommended that each container of canned pimientos be filled with 

pimientos as full as practicable without impairment of quality.

§52.2686 Recommended drained weight.

The drained weight recommendations in Table I 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 these grades. The drained weight of pimientos is determined by emptying 

the contents of the container upon a U.S. Standard No. 8 circular sieve of proper 
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Pimientos (January 20, 2017)

4

diameter containing 8 meshes to the inch [0.0937-inch (2.38 mm), ± 3%, square 

openings] so as to distribute the product evenly, inclining the sieve slightly to facilitate 

drainage, and allow draining for 2 minutes. A sieve 8 inches in diameter is used for No. 

2-1/2 size cans (401 x 411) and smaller sizes, and a sieve 12 inches in diameter is used 

for containers larger than the No. 2-1/2 size can.

§52.2687 Compliance with Recommended Drained Weights.

Compliance with the recommended drained weights in Table I is determined by 

averaging the drained weights from all the containers in the sample which represents a 

specific lot; and such lot is considered as meeting the recommendations if the following 

criteria are met:

(a) The sample average meets the recommended minimum drained weight; and

(b) The containers which do not meet the recommended minimum drained weight 

are within the range of variability of good commercial practice and there is no 

unreasonable shortage of pimientos in any container.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Pimientos (January 20, 2017)

5

Table I – Recommended Minimum Drained Weights of Pimientos

Metal or 

glass 

container 

designation

Metal 

(container 

dimension) 

inches and 

sixteenths

Capacity Styles of Pimientos

Avdp. ozs. 

of water at 

68° F 

(Weight)

Whole; 

halves

Whole 

and 

pieces

Pieces Diced; 

chopped Sliced

Regular 

pack: Ounces Ounces Ounces Ounces Ounces

2 Z Jar 2.28 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5

4 Z Pimiento 211 x 200 4.90 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2

4 Z Jar 4.88 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2 3.2

7 Z Pimiento 300 x 206 7.50 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2

7 Z Jar 8.10 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3

No. 300 300 x 407 15.20 10.0 10.2 10.2 10.2 10.0

No. 303 303 x 406 16.85 11.0 11.2 11.2 11.2 11.0

No. 303 Jar 17.65 11.2 11.5 11.5 11.5 11.2

No. 2 307 x 409 20.50 13.2 13.5 14.0 14.0 13.2

No. 2-1/2 401 x 411 29.75 20.2 20.5 20.5 20.5 20.2

No. 2-1/2 Jar 29.38 20.0 20.2 20.2 20.2 20.0

No. 10 603 x 700 109.45 70.7 72.2 74.0 74.0 71.7

Containers of different capacities than 

above:

Not less than 66 percent of water capacity (avoirdupois 

weight at 68° F.) of the container.

Heavy pack: Little free liquid and drained weight is not less than 90 

percent of the water capacity (avoirdupois weight at 68° F.) 

of the container.

Factors of Quality

§52.2688 Ascertaining the grade of a sample unit.

(a) General. The grade of a sample unit is ascertained by considering certain 

factors which are not scored; the ratings for the factors of color, uniformity of size 

and shape, defects, and character which are scored; the total score; and the 

limiting rules which may apply.

(b) Factors not rated by score points.

(1) Varietal characteristics.

(2) Flavor: Normal flavor means that the canned pimientos have a good, 

characteristic, mild but distinct pimiento flavor and are free from 
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Pimientos (January 20, 2017)

6

objectionable or bitter flavors and objectionable odors of any kind.

(c) 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 each factor is:

§52.2689 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 expresses numerically. The numerical 

range within each factor is inclusive (for example, 27 to 30 points means 27, 28, 29, or 

30 points).

§52.2690 Color.

(a) Evaluation of color. The evaluation of color of canned pimientos shall be 

determined immediately after opening the container. The color is based upon the 

brightness and the uniformity of the exterior red to reddish-yellow color of the 

units. Green or dull oxidized reddish-brown units are scored under this factor 

when the overall color is affected.

(b) Color standards. The color of the units is classified by using the USDA plastic 

color standards for canned pimientos as follows:

(1) Pimiento Red means a red color equal to or redder than the USDA 

Pimiento Red color standard.

(2) Pimiento Reddish-Yellow means a reddish-yellow color equal to or 

redder than USDA Pimiento Reddish-Yellow but less red than USDA 

Pimiento Red color standard.

(3) Information regarding these color standards may be obtained from:

Factors: Points

Color 30

Uniformity of size and shape 20

Defects 40

Character 10

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

7

Specialty Crops Inspection Division

Specialty Crops Program,

USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service

1400 Independence Avenue, SW, STOP 0240

Washington, D.C. 20250

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

score of 27 to 30 points.

Good color means that the overall color of the product is bright, practically 

uniform, and typical of canned pimientos; and that the color on the exterior 

surfaces complies with the requirements for the applicable style as outlined in 

Table II.

(d) “C” classification. If the canned pimientos possess a fairly good color, a score 

of 24 to 26 points may be given. Canned pimientos 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 overall color of the product may be variable 

and slightly dull but none of the units may be green or of a greenish cast or off 

color; and the color on the exterior surface complies with the applicable style as 

outlined in Table II.

(e) “SStd” classification. Canned pimientos that fail to meet the requirements of 

paragraph (d) of this section or that are definitely off color 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).

Table II – Color Classification of Canned Pimientos

“A” Classification

Style(s)

USDA Pimiento Red 

(9/10 or more of 

surface area on each 

unit)

USDA Pimiento Red 

(3/4 or more of surface 

area on each unit)

USDA Pimiento 

Reddish-Yellow

Whole, halves, 

whole and pieces

Minimum 90 percent, by 

count, of units1

Remainder of 

surface areas may 

be no less red

Pieces Minimum 90 percent, by 

weight, of units

Sliced, diced, 

chopped

Minimum 90 percent, by 

weight, of units

1 Except permit one unit to fail in any container with less than ten units, provided the average of all sample units from the lot 

meets the percentage, by count, tolerance.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Pimientos (January 20, 2017)

8

“C” Classification

Style(s)

USDA Pimiento 

Reddish-Yellow (9/10 

or more of surface 

area on each unit).

USDA Pimiento 

Reddish-Yellow (3/4 or 

more of surface area 

on each unit).

USDA Pimiento 

Reddish-Yellow

Whole, halves, 

whole and pieces

Minimum 90 percent, by 

count, of units1

Remainder of 

surface areas may 

be less red

Pieces Minimum 90 percent, by 

weight, of units

Sliced, diced, 

chopped

Minimum 90 percent, by 

weight, of units

1

Except permit 1 unit to fail in any container with less than 10 units, provided the average of all sample units from the lot meets 

the percent, by count, tolerance.

§52.2691 Uniformity of size and shape.

(a) Ascertaining dimensions.

(1) Width of whole and halved pimientos. The width is the widest surface 

measured at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the flattened pimiento 

pod.

(2) Length of whole and halved pimientos. The length is the longest 

surface measured from the stem end to blossom end of the flattened 

pimiento pod.

(3) Square area measurement of a piece. The square area of a piece is 

calculated by multiplying the average width times the average length of 

the flattened single wall piece.

(4) Length and width of sliced pimientos. The length of a slice is the 

longest measurement. The width of a slice is the widest flat surface 

measured at right angles to the length.

(5) Size of diced pimientos. The size of a dice is measured along the edge 

which is most representative of the cube's size.

(b) Definitions of shapes, sizes, and trim.

(1) Other shapes and sizes means noticeably large or small units that vary 
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Pimientos (January 20, 2017)

9

in shape and size from normal units of the style; and in diced style means 

units smaller than one-half the volume of an average size cube.

(2) Very small pieces in slices style means units shorter than one-half inch 

length.

(3) Well trimmed in whole style means that the pod is neatly trimmed at the 

stem end and when trimmed at the blossom end the normal size and 

shape of the pod is substantially preserved.

(4) Fairly well trimmed means that the unit is trimmed but not mutilated to 

such an extent as to seriously affect the appearance of the pod.

(c) “A” classification. Canned pimientos that are practically uniform in size and 

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

Practically uniform in size and shape means that most of the pods are well 

trimmed and that:

(1) The pimientos comply with measurement, shape, and uniformity 

requirements for “A” classification in Table III; and

(2) Any such variation does not materially detract from the overall appearance 

of the product.

(d) “C” classification. If the canned pimientos are fairly uniform in size and shape, 

a score of 16 or 17 points may be given.

Fairly uniform in size and shape means that most of the pods are at least fairly 

well trimmed and that:

(1) The pimientos comply with the measurement, shape and uniformity 

requirement for “C” classification in Table III; and

(2) Any such variation does not seriously detract from the overall appearance 

of the product.

(e) “SStd” classification. Canned pimientos that fail to meet the requirements of 

paragraph (d) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 15 points and 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 Pimientos (January 20, 2017)

10

Table III – Uniformity of Size and Shape for Canned Pimientos

Styles

“A” Classification

Measurement and/or shape of 

individual unit

Uniformity of all units 

in container 

(unless indicated otherwise).

Whole, halved

Minimum 1-1/2 inches in any 

dimension (does not apply to a piece 

when added to assure well filled 

container).

Largest unit does not exceed 

smallest unit by more than 3/4 inch in 

any dimension1. Maximum 25 

percent, by count, of whole pods may 

be split the full length of pod.

Whole and pieces

Minimum 1-1/2 inches in any 

dimension of whole.

Minimum 1 square inch per piece.

Largest whole does not exceed 

smallest whole by more than 3/4 inch 

in any dimension1. Maximum 5 

percent, by weight, of pieces less 

than 1 square inch each.

Pieces Minimum 1 square inch Maximum 5 percent, by weight, of 

pieces less than 1 square inch each.

Sliced Minimum 1-1/4 inches length

Maximum 35 percent, by weight, of 

pieces less than 1-1/4 inches in 

length, provided very small pieces do 

not materially affect the appearance.

Diced Maximum 1/2 inch. Approximate cube 

or square pieces.

Maximum 15 percent, by weight, of 

other shapes and sizes of units.

Chopped Less than 1 square inch Maximum 5 percent, by weight, of 

units larger than 1 square inch each.

1 In containers with 10 or more units, requirements apply only to the 90 percent, by count, of most uniform units. In containers with 

less than 10 units, disregard least uniform unit, and apply to remainder of units.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Pimientos (January 20, 2017)

11

Table III – Uniformity of Size and Shape for Canned Pimientos (Continued)

Styles

“C” Classification

Measurement and/or shape of 

individual unit

Uniformity of all units 

in container 

(unless indicated otherwise).

Whole, halved

Minimum 1-1/4 inches in any 

dimension (does not apply to a piece 

when added to assure well filled 

container).

Largest unit does not exceed 

smallest unit by more than 1 inch in 

any dimension1. 

Whole and pieces Minimum 1-1/4 inches in any 

dimension of whole.

Largest whole does not exceed 

smallest whole by more than 1 inch 

in any dimension1. Maximum 10

percent, by weight, of pieces less 

than 1 square inch each.

Pieces Minimum 1 square inch Maximum 10 percent, by weight, of 

pieces less than 1 square inch each.

Sliced Minimum 1-1/4 inches length

Maximum 35 percent, by weight, of 

pieces less than 1/4 inches in length, 

provided very small pieces do not 

exceed 25 percent, by weight, of 

units.

Diced Maximum 1/2 inch. Approximate cube 

or square pieces.

Maximum 25 percent, by weight, of 

other shapes and sizes of units.

Chopped Less than 1 square inch Maximum 10 percent, by weight, of 

units larger than 1 square inch each.

1 In containers with 10 or more units, requirements apply only to the 90 percent, by count, of most uniform units. In containers with 

less than 10 units, disregard least uniform unit, and apply to remainder of units.

§52.2692 Defects.

(a) General. Defects refer to the degree of freedom from grit, sand, silt, seeds, core 

and stem material, peel (except insignificant pieces of charred peel at the stem 

end and the blossom end), units blemished internally or externally by brown or 

black discoloration, pathological injury or insect injury; and any other defects not 

specifically defined which affect the appearance or edibility of the units or the 

product.

(b) “A” classification. Canned pimientos that are practically free from defects may 

be given a score of 36 to 40 points.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Pimientos (January 20, 2017)

12

Practically free from defects means that any combination of defects present, 

including the maximum limits for peel and seeds for “A” classification in Table IV, 

may no more than slightly detract from the appearance or edibility of the product.

(c) “C” classification. Canned pimientos that are fairly free from defects may be 

given a score of 32 to 35 points. Canned pimientos 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 any combination of defects present, 

including the maximum limits for peel and seeds for C classification in Table IV 

does not seriously detract from the appearance or edibility of the product.

(d) “SStd” classification. Canned pimientos that fail to meet the requirements of 

paragraph (c) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 31 points and shall not 

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

is a limiting rule).

Table IV – Maximum Allowances for Peel and Seeds in Canned Pimientos

Defect “A” classification “C” classification

Peel

Average - 1/4 square inch 

per 5 ounces (avoir.) of total 

contents.

Average - 1/2 square inch 

per 5 ounces (avoir.) of total 

contents.

Seeds1- Styles; Whole, 

halved, whole and pieces

Average - 6 seeds per pod 

(or equivalent size of a 

whole pod).

Average - 12 seeds per pod 

(or equivalent size of a 

whole pod).

Pieces, sliced, diced, 

chopped

Average - 5 seeds per ounce 

(avoir.) of total contents.

Average - 8 seeds per ounce 

(avoir.) of total contents.

1 Undeveloped seeds are not counted in tolerances.

§52.2693 Character.

(a) General. The factor of character refers to the tenderness, texture, and firmness 

of the unit and the condition and thickness of the flesh.

(b) “A” classification. Canned pimientos that possess a good character may be 

given a score of 9 or 10 points.

Good character means the units are firm and full fleshed and tender without 

apparent disintegration, and possess a practically uniform texture.

(c) “C” classification. If the canned pimientos possess a fairly good character a 
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Pimientos (January 20, 2017)

13

score of 8 points may be given. Canned pimientos 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 character means that the units may be somewhat lacking in 

firmness and fleshiness and may show some evidence of disintegration but are 

not soft or mushy nor tough.

(d) “SStd” classification. Canned pimientos that fail to meet the requirements of 

paragraph (c) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 7 points and shall not 

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

is a limiting rule).

Lot Compliance

§52.2694 Ascertaining the grade of a lot.

The grade of a lot of canned pimientos 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 Food Products (§52.1 through §52.83).
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Pimientos (January 20, 2017)

14

Score Sheet

§52.2695 Score sheet for canned pimientos.

Number, size, and kind of container 

Container marks or identification

Label 

Net weight (ounces) 

Vacuum (inches)

Drained weight (ounces)

Type of pack: ( ) regular, ( ) heavy pack

Style (whole, halves, pieces, sliced, etc.)

Size of whole pimientos (inches)

Count of whole pimientos

Factors Grade Score Points

Color 30

“A” 27-30

“C” 24-261

“SStd” 0-231

Uniformity of size and shape 20

“A” 18-20

“C” 16-171

“SStd” 0-151

Defects 40

“A” 36-40

“C” 32-351

“SStd” 0-311

Character 10

“A” 9-10

“C” 81

“SStd” 0-71

Total Score 100

Normal flavor and odor

U.S. Grade

1Indicates limiting rule.