United States

Department of

Agriculture

Agricultural

Marketing

Service

Fruit and

Vegetable

Division

Processed

Products

Branch

United States Standards

for Grades of

Canned Sweet Cherries

Effective date May 12, 1976
This is the fourth issue, as amended, of the United States Standards for Grades of Canned

Sweet Cherries published in the FEDERAL REGISTER of April 9, 1976 (41 FR 15016) to

become effective May 12, 1976. This issue supersedes the fourth issue, which has been

in effect since June 20, 1973.

Voluntary U.S. grade standards are issued under the authority of the Agricultural

Marketing Act 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 instruction 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 welcome suggestions which might aid in improving

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

standards and grading manuals obtained from:

Chief, Processed Products Branch

Fruit and Vegetable Division, AMS

U.S. Department of Agriculture

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

Washington, D.C. 20090-6456
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Sweet Cherries

Section Page No.

§52.821 Product description. ........................................ 2

§52.822 Types. ................................................... 2

§52.823 Styles. ................................................... 2

§52.824 Grades. .................................................. 2

§52.825 Liquid media and Brix measurements. .......................... 3

§52.826 Fill of container. ........................................... 3

§52.827 Recommended minimum drained weights. ....................... 4

§52.828 Recommended minimum fill weights. ........................... 6

§52.829 Ascertaining the grade. ..................................... 10

§52.830 Ascertaining the rating for the factors which are scored. ........... 10

§52.831 Color. .................................................. 10

§52.832 Uniformity of size. ......................................... 11

§52.833 Absence of defects. ........................................ 14

§52.834 Character. ............................................... 18

§52.835 Ascertaining the grade of a lot. ............................... 19

§52.836 Score sheet for canned sweet cherries. ........................ 20

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

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

Note: Compliance with the provisions of these standards shall not excuse failure to

comply with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or with

applicable State laws and regulations
2

§52.821 Product description.

Canned sweet cherries is the product represented as defined in the Standard of Identity

for Canned cherries (21 CFR 145.125 and 145.126) issued pursuant to the Federal Food,

Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

§52.822 Types.

(a) Light type are of the light sweet varietal group and includes, but is not

limited to, such varieties known as Royal Anne.

(b) Dark type are of the dark sweet varietal group and includes, but is not

limited to, such varieties known as Bing, Black Republican, Schmidt, and

Lambert.

§52.823 Styles.

(a) Unpitted sweet cherries are stemmed cherries without the pits removed.

(b) Pitted sweet cherries are stemmed cherries with the pits removed.

§52.824 Grades.

(a) U.S. Grade A or U.S. Fancy is the quality of canned sweet cherries that are

practically free from defects; that possess a good character; that possess a

normal flavor and odor; and that are of such quality with respect to color and

uniformity of size as to score not less that 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 sweet cherries that are

reasonably free from defects; that possess a reasonably good character; that

possess normal flavor and odor; and that are of such quality with respect to

color and uniformity of size as to 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 sweet cherries that

possess a fairly good color; that are fairly uniform in size; that are fairly free

from defects; that possess a fairly good character; that possess a normal

flavor and odor; and that score not less than 70 points when scored in

accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.
3

(d) Substandard is the quality of canned sweet cherries that fail to meet the

requirements of U.S. Grade C or U.S. Standard and is the quality of canned

sweet cherries that may or may not meet the minimum standard of quality for

canned cherries issued pursuant to the Federal, Food, Drug, and Cosmetic

Act.

§52.825 Liquid media and Brix measurements.

Cut-out requirements for liquid media in canned sweet cherries are not incorporated in the

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

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

applicable, for the respective designations are as follows:

Designations Brix measurements

Extra heavy sirup; Extra heavily

sweetened fruit juice(s) and water; or 25E or more but not more than 35E

Extra heavily sweetened fruit juice(s).

Heavy sirup; or Heavily sweetened fruit 20E or more but less than 25E

juices(s) and water; or Heavily

sweetened fruit juices(s).

Light sirup; or Lightly sweetened fruit 16E or more but less than 20E

juice(s) and water; or Lightly sweetened

fruit juices(s).

Slightly sweetened water; or Extra light Less than 16E

sirup; or Slightly sweetened fruit juice(s)

and water; or Slightly sweetened fruit

juices(s).

In water Not applicable

In fruit juice(s) and water Not applicable

In fruit juice(s) Not applicable

Artificially sweetened Not applicable

§52.826 Fill of container.

The standard fill of container for canned sweet cherries is the maximum quantity of

cherries which can be sealed in the container and before or after sealing is so processed

by heat to prevent spoilage, without crushing such ingredient. Canned sweet cherries that

do not meet this requirement are Below Standard in Fill.
Xd

LL

Xd

LL

4

§52.827 Recommended minimum drained weights.

(a) General. The minimum 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 purposes of these grades.

(b) Method for ascertaining drained weights. The drained weight of canned

sweet cherries is determined by emptying the contents of the container upon

a U.S. Standard No. 8 circular sieve of proper diameter containing 8 meshes

to inch (0.0937 - inch + 3 percent, square openings) so as to distribute the

product evenly, inclining the sieve to a 17 to 20 degree angle to facilitate

drainage, and allowing to drain for 2 minutes. The drained weight is the

weight of the sieve and sweet cherries less the weight of the dry sieve. A

sieve 8 inches in diameter is used for the equivalent of No. 3 size cans (404

x 414) and smaller, and a sieve 12 inches in diameter is used for containers

larger than the equivalent of the No. 3 size can.

(c) Definition of symbols.

(1) the average drained weight of all the sample units in the

sample. 

(2) lower limit for drained weights of individual sample units.

(d) Compliance with recommended drained weights. A lot of canned sweet

cherries is considered as meeting the minimum drained weight

recommendations if the following criteria are met:

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

sample meets the recommended minimum average drained weight

(designated as in Table I); and 

(2) The number of sample units which fail to meet the recommended

drained weight lower limit for individuals (designated as in Table

I) does not exceed the applicable acceptance number specified in

Table II.
LL Xd

LL XdLL XdLL Xd

5

Table I. Recommended Minimum Drained Weights for Pitted and Unpitted Canned Sweet Cherries

Container (overall dimensions) capacity declared (ounces) Sweetened

designation (fluid water or juice

(metal, unless ounces) (ounce)

otherwise stated)

Container size flow sirups and in sirups and slightly (ounces)

Over- In extra heavy In heavy In light sirup In water

dietetic packs

whether or not

packed in

water (ounces)

Diameter Height

(inches) (inches)

8Z tall ....... 211 304 ....... 4.3 4.7 4.6 5.0 4.8 5.2 4.8 5.2

No. 300 ...... 300 407 ...... 8.4 8.9 8.7 9.2 8.2 8.7 8.2 8.7

No. 303 ..... 301 411 ....... 9.0 9.7 9.3 10.0 9.5 10.2 9.5 10.2

No. 1 tall ..... 303 406 ....... 9.0 9.7 9.3 10.0 9.5 10.2 9.5 10.2

No. 303 glass . ....... ...... 17.0 9.0 9.7 9.3 10.0 9.5 10.2 9.5 10.2

No. 2 ........ 307 409 ....... 11.3 12.0 11.8 12.5 12.0 12.7 12.0 12.7

No. 2 1/2 ..... 401 411 ....... 16.6 17.5 17.1 18.0 17.6 18.5 17.6 18.5

No. 2 1/2 glass ....... ...... 28.35 16.3 17.2 16.8 17.7 17.3 18.2 17.3 18.2

No. 10 ....... 603 700 ....... 61.7 64.5 63.7 66.5 68.2 70.0 68.2 70.0

Table II - Single Sampling Plan for Drained Weights

Sample size (number of sample units) .... 3 6 13 21 29 38 48 60 72

Acceptance No. ..................... 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
X

)

min

LWLX ̄

LRLX ̄

LWL

LRL

R

)

Rmax

6

§52.828 Recommended minimum fill weights.

(a) General. The minimum fill weight recommendations specified in Table III and IV 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 of ascertaining fill weight. Fill weight is determined in accordance with the U.S. Standards for

Inspection by Variables and the U.S. Standards for Determination of Fill Weights.

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

sample.

means the minimum lot average fill weight.

means the lower warning limit for subgroup averages.

means the lower reject limit for subgroup averages.

means the lower warning limit for individual fill weight measurements.

means the lower reject limit for individual fill weight measurements.

means a specified average range value.

means a specified maximum range for a subgroup.

Sampling allowance code -- means a code letter on the sampling allowance chart of the U.S. Standards for

Inspection by Variables. This letter identifies the appropriate line which gives the amount of sampling allowance

to be applied to the specification average for fill wights in order to determine compliance with requirements for

fill weight averages for a sample.
7

(d) Compliance with recommended fill weights. Compliance with the

recommended fill weights shall be in accordance with the acceptance criteria

specified in the U.S. Standards for Inspection by Variables and the U.S.

Standards for Determination of Fill Weights.
X

)

min LWLX ̄ LRLX ̄ LWL LRL R

) Rmax

8

Table III - Recommended Fill Weight Values, Canned Light Sweet Cherries

Container designation Sampling

(metal, unless Allowance

otherwise designated) Code

Unpitted

8Z Tall ........... 5.4 5.2 5.0 4.9 4.6 0.6 1.3 D

No. 300 ........... 9.6 9.3 9.1 8.9 8.5 0.9 1.9 F

No. 1 Tall ......... 10.7 10.3 10.1 9.9 9.5 1.0 2.1 G

No. 303 ........... 10.7 10.3 10.1 9.9 9.5 1.0 2.1 G

No. 303 glass ...... 10.7 10.3 10.1 9.9 9.5 1.0 2.1 G

No. 2 ............. 13.0 12.6 12.4 12.1 11.6 1.1 2.3 H

No. 2-1/2 glass ..... 18.8 18.3 18.0 17.7 17.1 1.3 2.7 J

No. 2-1/2 .......... 19.0 18.5 18.2 17.9 17.3 1.3 2.7 J

No. 10 ............ 71.5 70.5 70.0 69.3 68.2 2.6 5.4 T

Pitted

8Z Tall ........... 5.5 5.3 5.1 4.9 4.7 0.6 1.3 D

No. 300 ........... 9.8 9.5 9.3 9.1 8.7 0.9 1.9 F

No. 1 Tall ......... 10.9 10.5 10.3 10.1 9.7 1.0 2.1 G

No. 303 ........... 10.9 10.5 10.3 10.1 9.7 1.0 2.1 G

No. 303 glass ...... 10.9 10.5 10.3 10.1 9.7 1.0 2.1 G

No. 2 ............. 13.3 12.9 12.7 12.4 11.9 1.1 2.3 H

No. 2-1/2 glass ..... 19.2 18.7 18.4 18.1 17.5 1.3 2.7 J

No. 2-1/2 .......... 19.4 18.9 18.6 18.3 17.7 1.3 2.7 J

No. 10 ............ 73.0 72.0 71.5 70.8 69.7 2.6 5.4 T
X

)

min LWLX ̄ LRLX ̄ LWL LRL R

) Rmax

9

Table IV - Recommended Fill Weight Values, Canned Dark Sweet Cherries

Container designation Sampling

(metal, unless Allowance

otherwise designated) Code

Unpitted

8Z Tall ........... 5.4 5.2 5.0 4.9 4.6 0.6 1.2 D

No. 300 ........... 9.6 9.2 9.0 8.8 8.4 0.9 2.0 G

No. 1 Tall ......... 10.7 10.3 10.1 9.8 9.3 1.1 2.2 H

No. 303 ........... 10.7 10.3 10.1 9.8 9.3 1.1 2.2 H

No. 303 glass ...... 10.7 10.3 10.1 9.8 9.3 1.1 2.2 H

No. 2 ............. 13.0 12.5 12.3 12.0 11.5 1.2 2.5 I

No. 2-1/2 glass ..... 18.8 18.3 18.0 17.7 17.1 1.3 2.7 J

No. 2-1/2 .......... 19.0 18.5 18.2 17.9 17.3 1.3 2.7 J

No. 10 ............ 71.5 70.4 69.9 69.1 67.9 2.8 5.9 U

Pitted

8Z Tall ........... 5.5 5.3 5.1 5.0 4.7 0.6 1.2 D

No. 300 ........... 9.8 9.4 9.2 9.0 8.6 0.9 2.0 G

No. 1 Tall ......... 10.9 10.5 10.3 10.0 9.5 1.1 2.2 H

No. 303 ........... 10.9 10.5 10.3 10.0 9.5 1.1 2.2 H

No. 303 glass ...... 10.9 10.5 10.3 10.0 9.5 1.1 2.2 H

No. 2 ............. 13.3 12.8 12.6 12.3 11.8 1.2 2.5 I

No. 2-1/2 glass ..... 19.2 18.7 18.4 18.1 17.5 1.3 2.7 J

No. 2-1/2 .......... 19.4 18.9 18.6 18.3 17.7 1.3 2.7 J

No. 10 ............ 73.0 71.9 71.4 70.6 69.4 2.8 5.9 U
10

§52.829 Ascertaining the grade.

(a) The grade of canned sweet cherries is ascertained by considering, in

conjunction with the requirements of the respective grade, the respective

ratings for the factors of color, uniformity of size, absence of defects, and

character.

(b) 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 .......................... 30

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

Absence of defects ............... 30

Character ...................... 20 

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

(c) Normal flavor and odor means that the canned sweet cherries are free from

objectionable flavors and objectionable odors of any kind.

§52.830 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, 27 to 30 points means 27, 28,

29, or 30 points).

§52.831 Color.

(a) General. The factor of color refers to the color typical of the varietal group -

either light sweet or dark sweet; and to the intensity and brightness of such

characteristic color.

(b) "A" classification. Canned sweet cherries that possess of good color may

be given a score of 27 to 30 points. Good color means that the cherries

are bright and possess a color typical of well-matured cherries of similar

varieties which have been properly processed; that in light sweet cherries,

the basic background color, exclusive of blush, is a pinkish-yellow to pale

amber color and that the blush appears as a surface color ranging from very

light pinkish-tan to tannish-brown; and that in dark sweet cherries, the basic

background color is a typical deep-red to purple-red or purple-black.
11

(c) "B" classification. If the canned sweet cherries possess a reasonably good

color, a score of 24 to 26 points may be given. Reasonably good color

means that the cherries possess a color typical of reasonably well-matured

cherries of similar varieties which have been properly processed; that in light

sweet cherries, the basic background color, exclusive of blush, is a pinkishyellow to amber color which may be no more than slightly dull and that the

blush appears as a surface color ranging from tan to tannish-brown; and that

in dark sweet cherries, the basic background color is a typical deep red to

purple-red or purple-black which may be no more than slightly dull.

(d) "C" classification. If the canned sweet cherries possess a fairly good color,

a score of 21 to 23 points may be given. Canned sweet cherries that fall into

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

regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule). Fairly

good color means that the cherries possess a color typical of fairly wellmatured cherries of similar varieties which have been properly processed;

that in light sweet cherries, the basic background color and blush may be

variable or may be slightly dull but is not off-color; and that in dark sweet

cherries, the cherries may possess a slightly dull deep red to slightly dull

purple - red color or slightly dull purple-black color that may be variable but

is not off-color.

(e) "SStd" classification. Canned sweet cherries that fail to meet the

requirements of paragraph (d) 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.)

§52.832 Uniformity of size.

(a) General. The factor of uniformity of size refers to the uniformity of diameters

in pitted and unpitted cherries, and to the variation of weight and minimum

weight in unpitted cherries.

(1) Diameter of a cherry is the diameter of a rigid round hole through

which the cherry will just pass without using force. In pitted cherries,

the diameter is that which approximates the apparent original size had

the cherry not been pitted but does not apply to any pitter-torn

cherries.

(b) "A" classification. Canned sweet cherries that are practically uniform in

size may be given a score of 18 to 20 points. Practically uniform in size

means that:
12

(1) In unpitted cherries. 

(i) The weight of each cherry is not less than one-tenth oz. (2.84

grams);

(ii) The weight of the largest cherry is not more than twice the

weight of the smallest cherry: and 

(iii) The diameter of the cherry with the greatest diameter may

exceed the diameter of the cherry with the smallest diameter

by not more than three-sixteenths in.; and in 85 percent, by

count, of all the cherries with the most uniform diameters may

exceed the diameter of the cherries with the smallest diameters

by not more than one-sixteenth in.

(2) In pitted cherries.

(i) The diameter of the cherry with the greatest diameter may

exceed the diameter of the cherry with the smallest diameter

by not more then three-sixteenths in.; and in 85 percent, by

count, of all the cherries with the most uniform diameters the

diameter of the cherries with the smallest diameters by not

more than one-sixteenth in. 

(c) "B" classification. If the canned sweet cherries are reasonably uniform in

size, a score 16 or 17 points may be given. Reasonably uniform in size

means that:

(1) In unpitted cherries.

(i) The weight of each cherry is not less than one-tenth oz. (2.84

grams);

(ii) The weight of the largest cherry is not more than twice the

weight of the smallest cherry; and

(iii) The diameter of the cherry with the greatest diameter may

exceed the diameter of the cherry with the smallest diameter

by not more than three-sixteenths in.; and in 85 percent by

count, of all the cherries with the most uniform diameters the

diameter of the cherries with the greatest diameters may

exceed the diameter of the cherries with the smallest diameters

by not more than one-eighth in.
13

(2) In pitted cherries.

(i) The diameter of the cherry with the greatest diameter may

exceed the diameter of the cherry with the smallest diameter

by not more than three-sixteenths in.; and in 85 percent, by

count, of all the cherries with the most uniform diameters, the

diameter of the cherries with the greatest diameters may

exceed the diameter of the cherries with the smallest diameters

by not more than one-eight in.

(d) "C" classification. If the canned sweet cherries are fairly uniform in size,

a score of 14 or 15 points may be given. Canned sweet cherries that fall into

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

regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule). "Fairly

uniform in size" means that:

(1) In unpitted cherries.

(i) The weight of each cherry is not less than one-tenth oz. (2.84

grams);

(ii) The weight of the largest cherry is not more than twice the

weight of the smallest cherry; and 

(iii) The cherries may vary in diameter measurements.

(2) In pitted cherries.

(i) The cherries may vary in diameter measurements.

(e) "SStd" classification. Canned unpitted sweet cherries which 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 (this is a limiting

rule), and are also Below Standard in Quality for the applicable reasons:

(1) Small; and/or

(2) Mixed sizes.
14

§52.833 Absence of defects.

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

from harmless extraneous material; from portions of stems; from portions of

stems; from pits or portions thereof in pitted style; from slightly damaged,

damaged, seriously damaged, slightly misshapen, misshapen, blemished,

and seriously blemished cherries; and from any other defects which detract

from the appearance or edibility of the product. Processing cracks are not

considered as defects but are considered under the factor of character

(§52.834).

(1) Cherry means a whole cherry, whether or not pitted, or portions of

such cherries which in the aggregate approximate the average size

of a cherry.

(2) Harmless extraneous material means any vegetable substance

(including, but not limited to, a leaf or portions thereof, a stem or

portion thereof longer than one-half in.) that is harmless.

(3) Portions of cherry stems, whether loose or attached, means such

portions that are one-half in. or less and such portions are considered

as a defect separate from harmless extraneous material.

(4) A pit is considered as a defect only in the style of pitted cherries and

means a whole pit or portions of pits computed as follows:

(i) A single piece of pit shell, whether or not within or attached to

a whole cherry, that is not larger than one-half pit shell is

considered as one-half pit;

(ii) A single piece of pit shell, whether or not within or attached to

a whole cherry, that is larger than one-half pit shell is

considered as one pit;

(iii) Pieces of pit shell, within or attached to a whole cherry, when

their combined size is larger than one-half pit shell are

considered as one-half pit;

(iv) Pieces of pit shell, within or attached to a whole cherry, when

their combined size is not larger than one-half pit shell are

considered as one-half pit.
15

(5) Slightly damaged means any injury other than blemishes which

affects the appearance of the cherry, and includes:

(i) Circular cracks with slight discoloration, such as rain checks,

confined entirely within the stem basin and more than onefourth in. but not more than one-half in. in length;

(ii) Cracks with slight discoloration, such as rain checks outside

the stem basin and more than three-sixteenths in. but not more

than three-eighths in. in length;

(iii) Mutilated cherries in unpitted style whereby the cherry is

seriously torn at the stem and that such torn area exceeds that

of a circle one-fourth in. in diameter; and mutilated cherries in

pitted style whereby the cherry is so pitter-torn or so damaged

by other similar means that the entire pit cavity is exposed and

the appearance of the cherry is seriously affected.

(6) Damaged means any injury other than blemishes which materially

affects the appearance of the cherry and includes:

(i) Circular cracks with discoloration, such as rain checks,

confined entirely within the stem basin and more than one-half

in. in length; and

(ii) Cracks with discoloration, such as rain checks, outside the

stem basin and more than three-eighths in. in length.

(7) Seriously damaged means damaged to the extent that the

appearance or edibility of the cherry is seriously affected.

(8) Slightly misshapen cherries include, but is not limited to, cherries

which are slightly deformed or in which there is a cleavage (or deep

furrow) with the skin unbroken at the suture extending more than

three-sixteenths in. but no more than one-half the length from the

stem cavity to the apex.

(9) Misshapen cherries means cherries which are deformed to the extent

that the appearance is materially affected and includes, but is not

limited to double cherries in unpitted style and cherries in which there

is a cleavage (or deep furrow) with the skin unbroken at the suture

extending more than one-half the length from the stem cavity to the

apex.
16

(10) Blemished means any blemished areas on the skin, which singly or

in the aggregate, materially affect the appearance of the cherry; and

includes:

(i) Such surface blemishes having an aggregate area exceeding

that of a circle three-sixteenths in. in diameter, not extending

into the fruit tissue but which materially affect the appearance

of the cherry; or 

(ii) Such blemishes having and aggregate area equivalent of, or

less than, that of a circle three-sixteenths in. in diameter and

extending into the fruit tissue so that the flesh is materially

discolored.

(11) Seriously blemished means blemished to the extent that the

appearance or edibility of the cherry is seriously affected.

(b) "A" classification. Canned sweet cherries that are practically free from

defects may be given a score of 27 to 30 points. Practically free from

defects means that the canned sweet cherries are practically free from any

defects not specifically mentioned that affect the appearance or edibility of

the product and that for the applicable style not more than the following

defects or defective units may be present:

(1) One piece of harmless extraneous material for each 60 oz. of net

contents;

(2) One portion of cherry stem for each 20 oz. of net contents;

(3) In pitted style, 1 pit for each 20 oz. of net contents; and

(4) A total of 10 percent, by count, of the cherries may be slightly

damaged, damaged, seriously damaged, slightly misshapen,

misshapen, blemished, seriously blemished, or any combination

thereof but not more than 5 percent, by count, of the cherries may be

damaged, seriously damaged, misshapen, blemished. seriously

blemished, or any combination thereof: Provided, that not more than

2 percent, by count, of the cherries may be seriously blemished and

seriously damaged.
17

(c) "B" classification. If the canned sweet cherries are reasonably free from

defects, a score of 24 to 26 points may be given. Canned sweet cherries

that fall into this classification shall not be graded above U.S. Grade B or

U.S. Choice, regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting

rule). Reasonably free from defects means that the canned sweet cherries

are reasonably free from any defects not specifically mentioned that affect

the appearance or edibility of the product and that for the applicable style not

more than the following defects or defective units may be present:

(1) One piece of harmless extraneous material for each 40 oz. of net

contents;

(2) A total of 5 portions of cherry stems but not more than 1 portion of

cherry stem may be longer than one-fourth in. but not longer than

one-half in. for each 20 oz. of net contents;

(3) In pitted style, 1 pit for each 20 oz. of new contents; and

(4) A total of 20 percent, by count, of the cherries may be slightly

damaged, damaged, seriously damaged, slightly misshapen,

misshapen, blemished, seriously blemished, or any combination

thereof but not more than 10 percent, by count, of the cherries may be

damaged, seriously damaged, misshapen, blemished, seriously

blemished, or any combination thereof: Provided, that not more than

4 percent, by count, of the cherries; may be seriously blemished and

seriously damaged.

(d) "C" classification. If the canned sweet cherries are fairly free from defects,

a score of 21 to 23 points may be given. Canned sweet cherries that fall into

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

regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule). Fairly

free from defects means that the canned sweet cherries are fairly free from

any defects not specifically mentioned that affect the appearance or edibility

of the product and that for the applicable style not more than the following

defects or defective units may be present:

(1) One piece of harmless extraneous material for each 20 oz. of net

contents.

(2) A total of 10 portions of cherry stems but not more than 3 portions of

cherry stems, each of which may be linger than one-fourth in. but not

longer than one-half in. for each 20 oz. of net contents;

(3) In pitted style, 1 pit for each 20 oz. of net contents; and
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(4) A total of 30 percent, by count, of the cherries may be slightly

damaged, damaged, seriously damaged, misshapen, blemished,

seriously blemished, or any combination thereof but not more than 15

percent, by count, of the cherries may be blemished, seriously

blemished, and seriously damaged. 

(e) "SStd" classification. Canned sweet cherries which fail to meet the

requirements of paragraph (d) 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); and may be Below Standard in

Quality for the applicable reasons:

(1) Partially pitted; and/or

(2) Blemished.

§52.834 Character.

(a) General. The factor of character refers to the fleshiness and to the

tenderness and texture in relation to maturity in the canned sweet cherries

and to the presence of serious processing cracks in unpitted style.

(1) Serious processing cracks means cracks without any discoloration

that are so deep as to expose the pit; processing cracks that are not

serious are not scoreable.

(b) "A" classification. Canned sweet cherries that possess a good character

may be given a score of 18 to 20 points. Good character means that the

cherries are thick-fleshed, are tender but not soft or noticeably flabby, and

otherwise possess a good texture characteristic of canned sweet cherries

that have been properly processed from well-matured cherries; that not more

than 10 percent, by count, of the cherries may possess a reasonably good

character; and that, in unpitted style not more than 5 percent, by count, of the

cherries may possess seriously processing cracks. 

(c) "B" classification. If the canned sweet cherries possess a reasonably good

character, a score of 16 or 17 points may be given. Canned sweet cherries

that fall into this classification shall not be graded above U.S. Grade B or

U.S. Choice, regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting

rule). Reasonably good character means that the cherries are reasonably

thick-fleshed, are reasonably tender but not more slightly soft nor markedly

flabby, and otherwise possess a texture characteristic of canned sweet

cherries that have been properly processed from reasonably well-matured

cherries; that not more than 10 percent, by count, of the cherries may

possess a fairly good character provided, in unpitted cherries, none are thinfleshed; and that, in unpitted style, not more than 10 percent, by count, of the

cherries may possess serious processing cracks.
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(d) "C" classification. If the canned sweet cherries possess a fairly good

character, a score of 14 or 15 points may be given. Canned sweet cherries

that fall into this classification shall not be graded above U.S. Grade C or

U.S. Standard, regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting

rule). Fairly good character means that the cherries may be lacking in

thickness of flesh, but in unpitted cherries the total weight of pits is not more

than 12 percent of the weight of drained cherries; may be variable in

tenderness and texture, ranging from firm to soft, but characteristic of canned

sweet cherries that may have been processed from slightly immature to

slightly overmature cherries; that not more than 10 percent, by count, of the

cherries may be markedly flabby; and that, in unpitted style, serious

processing cracks may be present.

(e) "SStd" classification. Canned sweet cherries 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). Canned unpitted sweet cherries

in which the total weight of the pits is more than 12 percent of the weight of

drained cherries are also Below Standard in Quality - thin fleshed.

§52.835 Ascertaining the grade of a lot.

The grade of a lot of canned sweet cherries 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 (7 CFR 52.1 through 52.83).
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§52.836 Score sheet for canned sweet cherries.

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

Container marks or identification ........................................

Label ..............................................................

Net weight (ounces) ..................................................

Vacuum (inches) .....................................................

Drained weight (ounces) ...............................................

Count per container ..................................................

Brix measurement ....................................................

Sirup designation (extra heavy, heavy, etc.) ...............................

Type: ( ) Light - - - - ( ), dark .........................................

Style ( ) Unpitted - - - ( ), pitted ........................................

Factors Score Points

Color .....................

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

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

Character .................

Total Score ............

30 "B" 24-26

20 "B" 16-17

30 "B" 24-26 _1/

20 "B" 16-17 _1/

 

100

"A" 27-30

"C" 21-23 _1/

"SStd" 0-20 _1/

"A" 18-20

"C" 14-15 _1/

"SStd" 0-13 _1/

"A" 27-30

"C" 21-23 _1/

"SStd" 0-20 _1/

"A" 18-20

"C" 14-15 _1/

"SStd" 0-13 _1/

Normal flavor and odor ................................................

U.S. Grade .........................................................

_1/ Indicates limiting rule.
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The U.S. Standards for Grades of Canned Sweet Cherries as herein amended, shall

become effective May 12, 1976, and thereupon will supersede the U.S. Standards for

Grades of Canned Sweet Cherries which have been in effect since June 20, 1973.

Dated: April 6, 1976

/s/

Donald E. Wilkinson

Administrator

Agricultural Marketing Service