United States

Department of

Agriculture

Agricultural

Marketing

Service

Fruit and

Vegetable

Division

Processed

Products

Branch

United States Standards

for Grades of

Dehydrated (Low

Moisture) Apricots

Effective date June 30, 1974
This is the first issue, as amended, of the United States Standards for Grades of

Dehydrated (Low Moisture) Apricots published in the FEDERAL REGISTER of May 23,

1974 (39 FR 18089), to become effective June 30, 1974. This amended issue supersedes

the first issue, which has been in effect since November 30, 1959.

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 Dehydrated, Low-Moisture, Apricots

Section Page No.

§52.3871 Product description. ......................................... 2

§52.3872 Moisture of low-moisture apricots. ............................. 2

§52.3873 Styles of low-moisture apricots. ................................ 2

§52.3874 Grades of low-moisture apricots. ............................... 2

§52.3875 Ascertaining the grade. ...................................... 3

§52.3876 Ascertaining the rating for the factors which are scored. ............ 4

§52.3877 Color. .................................................... 4

§52.3878 Uniformity of size. .......................................... 4

§52.3879 Absence of defects. ......................................... 6

§52.3880 Texture. .................................................. 7

§52.3881 Explanations of methods and analyses. ......................... 8

§52.3882 Ascertaining the grade of a lot. ................................ 9

§52.3883 Score sheet for low-moisture apricots. ......................... 10

Authority: The provisions of this subpart issued under sec. 205, 50 stat. 1090, as

amended; 7 U.S.C. 1624.

S)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))Q

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

§52.3871 Product description.

Dehydrated low-moisture apricots, hereinafter referred to as low-moisture apricots are

prepared from clean and sound fresh or previously dried apricots which are cut, chopped,

or otherwise prepared into various sizes and shapes; are prepared to assure a clean,

sound, wholesome product; are processed by dehydration whereby practically all of the

moisture is removed to produce a very dry texture; and are packaged (including kind of

container and proper closure) to assure retention of the low-moisture characteristics of

the product. The product shall have been subjected to sulfur treatment sufficiently to retain

a characteristic color but no other additives may be present. 

§52.3872 Moisture of low-moisture apricots.

The moisture content of all styles of the finished product shall not be more than 7.5

percent.

§52.3873 Styles of low-moisture apricots.

(a) Nugget-type. Nugget-type is especially processed to produce popcorn-like

or foam-textured units of irregular-shapes of such size that practically all of

the units will pass through 0.625 inch ( 5/8-inch) square openings.

(b) Pieces. Pieces consist of irregularly-shaped cut or chopped pieces of such

size that practically all of the units will pass through 0.625 inch ( 5/8-inch)

square openings.

(c) Diced. Diced consists of predominantly partial cube-shaped units with a

square dimension on one surface of such units.

(d) Slices. Slices consist of predominantly parallel-cut strips of irregular shapes

and thicknesses.

§52.3874 Grades of low-moisture apricots.

(a) U.S. Grade "A" (or U.S. Fancy) low-moisture apricots is the quality of

low-moisture apricots that possess a normal flavor and odor, that possess

a good color, that are reasonably uniform in size, that are practically free

from defects, that possess a good texture; and that for those factors which

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

total score is not less than 85 points: Provided, that the low-moisture

apricots may be fairly uniform in size and may possess a reasonably good

texture, if the total score is not less than 85 points.
3

(b) U.S. Grade "B" (or U.S. Choice) low-moisture apricots is the quality of

low-moisture apricots that possess a normal flavor and odor, that possess a

reasonably good color, that are fairly uniform in size, that are reasonably free

from defects, that possess a reasonably good texture; and that for those

factors which are scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in

this subpart the total score is not less than 70 points: Provided, that the

low-moisture apricots may vary in uniformity of size, if the total score is not

less than 70 points.

(c) Substandard low-moisture apricots is the quality of low-moisture apricots

that fail to meet the requirements of U.S. Grade B.

 

§52.3875 Ascertaining the grade.

In addition to considering other requirements outlined in the standards, the following

quality factors are evaluated:

(a) Factors not rated by score points.

(1) Flavor and odor.

(b) Factors rated by score points.

(1) 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:

Factor: Points

Color ...................................................... 20 

Uniformity of size ............................................. 20 

Absence of defects ............................................ 40 

Texture of fruit ............................................... 20 

Total score ................................................. 100 

(2) The factors of flavor and odor, color, certain defects as may be

applicable, and texture are ascertained upon the low-moisture

apricots and the cooked product as specified in this subpart.
4

(c) Flavor and odor. Normal flavor and odor means that the low-moisture

apricots and the cooked product possess a characteristic flavor and odor that

is free from objectionable flavors or objectionable odors of any kind. A flavor

and odor in the low-moisture apricots indicative of proper sulfur treatment is

not considered objectionable unless after cooking the flavor is objectionable

from such detectable cause.

§52.3876 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, "17 to 20 points" means 17,

18, 19, or 20 points).

§52.3877 Color.

(a) "A" Classification. Low-moisture apricots that possess a good color may

be given a score of 17 to 20 points. Good color means that the over-all

color is characteristic for the product and respective style ranging from bright

reddish-orange to bright orange-amber among the units and within individual

units and is reasonably uniform; and that such characteristic color, upon

cooking, is a reasonably bright color typical of cooked low-moisture apricots

that have been properly prepared and processed.

(b) "B" Classification. If the low-moisture apricots possess a reasonably good

color, a score of 14 to 16 points may be given. Low-moisture apricots 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 over-all color may vary considerably

ranging from slightly dull orange to dull amber; and that such characteristic

color, upon cooking, may be slightly dull but is typical of cooked low-moisture

apricots that have been properly prepared and processed.

(c) "SStd" Classification. Low-moisture apricots that fail 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).

§52.3878 Uniformity of size.

(a) "A" Classification. Low-moisture apricots that are reasonably uniform in

size may be given a score of 17 to 20 points. Reasonably uniform in size

has the following meanings for the respective styles:
5

(1) Nugget-type; pieces. Practically all of the units are of such size and

shape as to pass through 0.625 ( 5/8-inch) square openings and not

more than 10 percent, by weight, of the low-moisture apricots may

pass through meshes of a U.S. Standard No. 8 sieve (0.0937-inch )

(±)3 percent, square openings).

(2) Diced. Practically all of the units, except for fine pieces, are definite

partial cube-shapes and not less than 60 percent, by weight, of the

low-moisture apricots approximate cube-shapes of 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch

square on one surface dimension; and not more than 5 percent by

weight, of the low-moisture apricots may pass through meshes of a

U.S. Standard No. 8 sieve (0.0937-inch, (±)3 percent, square

openings).

(3) Slices. Practically all of the units except for small pieces, are definite

parallel-cut strips and not less than 70 percent, by weight, of the

dehydrated apricots approximate 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in width and

approximate 3/4 inch or more in length; and not more than 5 percent,

by weight, of the low-moisture apricots may pass through meshes of

a U.S. Standard No. 8 sieve (0.0937-inch (±)3 percent, square

openings):

(b) "B" Classification. If the low-moisture apricots are fairly uniform in size,

a score of 14 to 16 points may be given. Fairly uniform in size has the

following meanings for the respective styles:

(1) Nugget-type; pieces. Practically all of the units are of such size and

shape as to pass through 0.625 ( 5/8-inch) square openings and not

more than 25 percent, by weight, of the low-moisture apricots may

pass through meshes of a U.S. Standard No. 8 sieve (0.0937-inch,

(±)3 percent, square openings).

(2) Diced. Practically all of the units, except for fine pieces, are definite

partial cube-shapes and not less than 40 percent, by weight, of the

low-moisture apricots approximate cube-shapes of 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch

square on one surface dimension; and not more than 10 percent, by

weight, of the low-moisture apricots may pass through meshes of a

U.S. Standard No. 8 sieve (0.0937-inch, (±)3 percent, square

openings).
6

(3) Slices. Practically all of the units, except for small pieces, are definite

parallel-cut strips of varying lengths; and not less than 50 percent, by

weight, of the low-moisture apricots approximate 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch

in width; and not more than 10 percent, by weight, of the low-moisture

apricots may pass through meshes of a U.S. Standard No. 8 sieve

(0.0937-inch, (±)3 percent, square openings).

(c) "SStd" Classification. Low-moisture apricots that fail 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 U.S. Grade B, regardless of the total

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

§52.3879 Absence of defects.

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

from damaged and seriously damaged units and from other defects or injury

that affect the appearance or eating quality of the units or product.

(b) Definitions.

(1) Damaged units are units that possess defects which materially affect

the appearance of the low-moisture apricots and are of such nature

that they may or may not disappear upon cooking and include, but are

not limited to:

(i) Units that are definitely mechanically damaged other than from

preparation by cutting or chopping; and

(ii) Units that possess scars, blemishes, insect injury or other

abnormality.

(2) Seriously damaged units include units that are seriously darkened

(very dark brown to black) or which in any other way seriously affect

the appearance of the low-moisture apricots and that the damage is

of such nature that it does not disappear upon cooking.

(c) "A" Classification. Low-moisture apricots that are practically free from

defects may be given a score of 34 to 40 points. Practically free from

defects means that the low-moisture apricots are practically free from

defects that affect more than slightly the appearance or eating quality either

in the low-moisture apricots or after cooking; and that not more than a total

of 5 percent, by weight, of the low-moisture apricots may be damaged units:

Provided, that not more than 2 percent, by weight, of the low-moisture

apricots may be seriously damaged units.
7

(d) "B" Classification. If the low-moisture apricots are reasonably free from

defects, a score of 28 to 33 points may be given. Low-moisture apricots 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 low-moisture apricots are

reasonably free from any defects that affect materially the appearance or

eating quality either in the low-moisture apricots or after cooking; and that

not more than a total of 10 percent, by weight, of the low-moisture apricots

may be damaged units; Provided, that not more than 4 percent, by weight,

of the low-moisture apricots may be seriously damaged units.

(e) "SStd" Classification. Low-moisture apricots that fail to meet the

requirements of paragraph (d) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 27

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

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

§52.3880 Texture.

(a) "A" Classification. Low-moisture apricots that possess a good texture may

be given a score of 17 to 20 points. Good texture means with respect to the

low-moisture apricots that the units may vary in texture from partially pliable

to brittle but are otherwise reasonably uniform in texture; and, after cooking

in accordance with the method outlined in this subpart, meet the following

requirements for the applicable style:

(1) Nugget-type. The cooked mass has a reasonably uniform texture

and finish that is coarse or grainy without practically any hard

particles.

(2) Pieces. The cooked product is practically free from hard, firm, or

tough units and there is no more than moderate disintegration except

for fine pieces that may have been present.

(3) Diced. The cooked product is practically free from hard or tough units

and substantially retains the semblance of diced apricots except for

small pieces or odd-shaped pieces that may have been present.

(4) Slices. The cooked product is practically free from hard or tough

units and substantially retains the semblance of strips of apricots

except for small pieces or odd-shaped pieces that may have been

present.
8

(b) "B" Classification. If the low-moisture apricots possess a reasonably good

texture, a score of 14 to 16 points may be given. Reasonably good texture

means with respect to the low-moisture apricots that the units may vary in

texture from partially pliable to brittle and may lack uniformity of texture; and,

after cooking in accordance with the method outlined in this subpart, meet

the following requirements for the applicable style:

(1) Nugget-type. The cooked mass has a fairly uniform texture and

finish that may range from fine and grainy to coarse and grainy; and

hard particles may be noticeable but not objectionable.

(2) Pieces. The cooked product is fairly free from hard, firm, or tough

units and may disintegrate generally into a coarse, sauce-like

consistency.

(3) Diced. The cooked product is fairly free from hard or tough units and

consists of substantial amounts of diced apricot pieces intermingled

with a slight amount of mushiness from small pieces which may have

been present.

(4) Slices. The cooked product is fairly free from hard or tough units and

consists of substantial amounts of strips of apricots intermingled with

a slight amount of mushiness from small pieces which may have been

present.

(c) "SStd" Classification. Low-moisture apricots that fail 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).

§52.3881 Explanations of methods and analyses.

(a) Moisture method. Moisture in low-moisture apricots is determined in

accordance with the official method applicable to dried fruits as outlined in

the "Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical

Chemists" or in accordance with methods which produce equivalent results.

(b) Cooking procedure.

(1) General. The cooking procedures that follow are not intended to be

a recipe for purposes of food preparation but are for the purposes of

ascertaining compliance with requirements for applicable quality

factors as outlined in this subpart.
9

(2) Method. Add 50 grams of low-moisture apricots to 400 ml. of water,

bring to a boil, and simmer with only gentle and occasional stirring for

the time specified for the respective styles:

(i) Nugget-type; pieces. Simmer for 15 minutes.

(ii) Diced; sliced. Simmer for 25 minutes.

(c) Screening method. The technique for ascertaining compliance with the

requirements in all styles for particles that pass through a U.S. Standard No.

8 sieve is as follows:

(1) Nugget-type; pieces; diced; slices.

(i) Place a 100-gram representative sample of the low-moisture

apricots on a U.S. Standard No. 8, 8-inch diameter, full-height

sieve to which a bottom pan has been attached;

(ii) Place the assembly on a smooth level surface and with a

steady, fairly rapid sieving motion, move the assembly

approximately 20 inches in a straight line and return to its

original position, repeating the movement 20 times;

(iii) Weigh the fine material sifted through to the bottom pan and,

on the basis of the original sample, calculate the percentage

which passed through the No. 8 sieve.

§52.3882 Ascertaining the grade of a lot.

The grade of a lot of low-moisture apricots covered by these standards is determined by

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).
10

§52.3883 Score sheet for low-moisture apricots.

Size and kind of container ....................................................

Container mark or identification ................................................

Label (including statement of sulfur content) ......................................

Net weight ................................................................

Moisture content (percent) ....................................................

Style ....................................................................

Factors Score points

Color .................. 20 (SStd) 0 - 13 1/

(A) 17 - 20

(B) 14 - 16 1/

Uniformity of size ......... 20 (SStd) 0 - 13 2/

(A) 17 - 20

(B) 14 - 16

Absence of defects ....... 40 (SStd) 0 - 27 1/

(A) 34 - 40

(B) 28 - 33 1/

Texture ................ 20 (SStd) 0 - 13 1/

(A) 17 - 20

(B) 14 - 16

Total score ..... 100

Flavor and odor ( ) Normal ( ) Off ..............................................

Grade ...................................................................

1/ Indicates limiting rule. 

2/ Indicates partial limiting rule. 

Dated: May 20, 1974

/s/ 

E. L. Peterson

Administrator

Agricultural Marketing Service