United States

Department of

Agriculture

Agricultural

Marketing

Service

Fruit and

Vegetable

Division

Processed

Products

Branch

United States Standards

for Grades of

Frozen Grapefruit

Effective date February 20, 1948
This is the first issue of the United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Grapefruit,

which became effective February 20, 1948.

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 Frozen Grapefruit

Section Page No.

§52.1171 Product description. ........................................ 2

§52.1172 Grades of frozen grapefruit. .................................. 2

§52.1173 Ascertaining the grade. ...................................... 2

§52.1174 Ascertaining the rating of each factor. ......................... 3

§52.1175 Wholeness. ............................................... 3

§52.1176 Color. ................................................... 6

§52.1177 Absence of defects. ......................................... 6

§52.1178 Character. ................................................ 8

§52.1179 Ascertaining the grade of a lot. ................................ 9

§52.1180 Score sheet for frozen grapefruit. ............................. 10

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

§52.1171 Product description.

Frozen grapefruit is prepared from the matured fruit of the grapefruit tree (Citrus paradisi),

after the fruit has been washed and peeled, and has been separated into segments by

removing the core, seeds, and membrane; may be packed with or without packing media;

and is frozen and stored at temperatures necessary for the preservation of the product.

§52.1172 Grades of frozen grapefruit.

(a) U.S. Grade A or U.S. Fancy is the quality of frozen grapefruit of which not

less than 75 percent by weight of the grapefruit consists of segments that are

whole or almost whole; that possesses a practically uniform, bright, typical

color; that is practically free from defects; that possesses a good character;

that possesses a normal flavor and odor; and scores 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 frozen grapefruit of which not

less than 50 percent by weight of the grapefruit consists of segments that are

whole or almost whole; that possesses a reasonably uniform and reasonably

good color; that is reasonably free from defects; that possesses a reasonably

good character; that possesses a normal flavor and odor; and scores not less

than 80 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined

in this subpart.

(c) U.S. Broken is the quality of frozen grapefruit of which less than 50 percent

by weight of the grapefruit consists of segments that are whole or almost

whole; that possesses a reasonably uniform and reasonably good color; that

is reasonably free from defects; that possesses a reasonably good character;

that possesses a normal flavor and odor; and scores not less than 70 points

when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.

(d) U.S. Grade D or Substandard is the quality of frozen grapefruit that fails to

meet the requirements of U.S. Grade B or U.S. Choice and U.S. Broken.

§52.1173 Ascertaining the grade.

(a) The grade of frozen grapefruit is determined immediately after thawing to the

extent that the units may be separated easily. Such grade may be

ascertained by considering, in addition to the requirements of the respective

grade, the following factors: Wholeness, color, absence of defects, and

character.
3

(b) The relative importance of each factor has been expressed numerically on the

scale of 100. The maximum number of points that may be given for each

factor is:

Factors Points

Wholeness .....................................

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

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

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

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

20

20

30

 30

100

(c) Normal flavor and odor means that the grapefruit is free from objectionable

flavors, off flavors, and objectionable odors of any kind.

§52.1174 Ascertaining the rating of each factor. 

The essential variations within each factor are so described that the value may be

ascertained for each factor and expressed numerically. The numerical range within each

factor is inclusive (for example, 18 to 20 points means 18, 19, or 20 points).

§52.1175 Wholeness.

(a) Definitions.

(1) Whole or whole segment means any segment that retains its

apparent original conformation, is not excessively trimmed, and

weighs not less than 3/8 ounce. A whole segment that is excessively

trimmed or that weighs less than 3/8 ounce is considered a broken

segment.

(2) Almost whole or almost whole segment means any portion of a

segment that is not less than 75 percent of the apparent original

segment size, is not excessively trimmed, and weighs not less than

3/8 ounce. An almost whole segment that is excessively trimmed or

that weighs less than 3/8 ounce is considered a broken segment.

(3) Broken or broken segment means a portion of a segment that is

less than 75 percent of the apparent original segment size, a whole

or almost whole segment that is excessively trimmed, a whole or

almost whole segment that weighs less than 3/8 ounce, and portions

of segments that are joined together only by a thread or membrane.
4

(b) "A" classification. Frozen grapefruit that consists of not less than 75

percent by weight of units that are whole or almost whole segments may be

given a score of 18 to 20 points.

(c) "B" classification. If the frozen grapefruit consists of at least 50 percent but

less than 75 percent by weight of units that are whole or almost whole

segments, a score of 16 or 17 points may be given. Frozen grapefruit that

falls 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).

(d) "Broken" classification. If the frozen grapefruit consists of less than 50

percent by weight of the units that are whole or almost whole segments, a

score of 0 to 15 points may be given. Frozen grapefruit that falls into this

classification shall not be graded above U.S. Broken, regardless of the total

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

(e) General. The evaluation of the score points for the factor of wholeness may

be determined from Table No. I of this paragraph which indicates the score

range in the respective grades and denotes the minimum requirement for

whole or almost whole segments and the maximum allowances for broken

segments for the score indicated.
5

Table No. 1

Grade Score Whole or almost whole Broken Segments

points segments Maximum (by weight)

Minimum (by weight)

U.S. Grade A or

U.S. Fancy

20 100% 0%

19 85% 15%

18 75% 25%

U.S. Grade B or 17 60% 40%

U.S. Choice 16 50% 50%

U.S. Broken

15 45% 55%

14 40% 60%

13 35% 65%

12 30% 70%

11 25% 75%

10 20% 80%

9 15% 85%

8 10% 90%

7 5% 95%

6 0% (1)

5 0% (1)

4 0% (1)

3 0% (1)

2 0% (1)

1 0% (1)

0 0% (1)

(1) Large to small: 100% and depending on size of broken units.
6

§52.1176 Color.

(a) General. Federal inspection certificates may designate pink grapefruit

whenever that fact is determined.

(1) The uniformity and intensity of the typical color is considered in

determining the factor of color.

(b) "A" classification. Frozen grapefruit that possesses a practically uniform,

bright, typical color may be given a score of 18 to 20 points. Practically

uniform, bright, typical color means that the grapefruit may possess not

more than a slight variation from the typical color of properly matured

grapefruit or pink grapefruit from which prepared.

(c) "B" classification. If the frozen grapefruit possesses a reasonably uniform

and reasonably good color, a score of 16 or 17 points may be given. Frozen

grapefruit that falls 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 uniform and reasonably good color means

that the grapefruit may be variable in color, is fairly bright, and is not off

color.

(d) "SStd" classification. Frozen grapefruit that fails to meet the requirements

of paragraph (c) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 15 points and

shall not be graded above U.S. Grade D or Substandard, regardless of the

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

§52.1177 Absence of defects.

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

from harmless extraneous material, from seeds, from portions of covering

membrane, and from damaged units.

(1) Harmless extraneous material means leaves, small pieces of peel,

and other similar material.

(2) Seed means any seed, whether or not fully developed, that measures

more than 3/16 inch in any dimension. A large seed is one that may

be plump and measures more than 3/8 inch in any dimension.

(3) Damaged unit means any unit that is damaged by pathological injury,

by lye peeling, by discoloration, or by similar injury or that is damaged

to such an extent that the appearance or eating quality of the unit is

seriously affected.
7

(b) "A" classification. Frozen grapefruit that is practically free from defects

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

means that no harmless extraneous material is present; that not more than

5 percent by weight of the grapefruit may be damaged units; and that for

each 16 ounces of net weight there may be present:

(1) Not more than 6 seeds including not more than 1 large seed; and

(2) Not more than an aggregate area of 1 square inch on the units

covered by membrane.

(c) "B" classification. If the frozen grapefruit is reasonably free from defects,

a score of 24 to 26 points may be given. Frozen grapefruit that falls 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 not more than 10 percent

by weight of the grapefruit may be damaged units; and that for each 16

ounces of net weight there may be present:

(1) Not more than 1 small piece of harmless extraneous material;

(2) Not more than 12 seeds including not more than 3 large seeds; and

(3) Not more than an aggregate area of 2 square inches on the units

covered by membrane.

(d) "SStd" classification. Frozen grapefruit that fails to meet the requirements

of paragraph (c) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 23 points and

shall not be graded above U.S. Grade D or Substandard, regardless of the

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

(e) General. The evaluation of the score points for the factor of absence of

defects may be determined from Table No. II of this paragraph which

indicates the maximum allowances for each type of defects for the score

indicated.
8

Table No. II

Grade and material membrane

score points

Harmless Damaged Seeds Aggregate area

extraneous units covered by

Maximum

Per 16 ounces By weight Per 16 ounces

U.S. Grade A or U.S. Fancy:

30 ...... None ........ 1% None ........... None.

29 ...... None ........ 2% 2, but no large seeds 1/2 square

inch.

28 ...... None ........ 3% 4, but no large seeds 3/4 square

inch.

27 ...... None ........ 5% 6, including 1 large 1 square inch.

seed ...........

U.S. Grade B or U.S. Choice and Broken:

26 ...... 1 small piece . . 7% 8, including 1 large 1-1/2 square

seed ........... inches.

25 ...... 1 small piece . . 9% 10, including 2 large 1-3/4 square

seeds .......... inches.

24 ...... 1 small piece . . 10% 12, including 3 large 2 square

seeds .......... inches.

U.S. Grade D or Substandard:

23 or less More than allowances permitted for 24 points.

§52.1178 Character.

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

cells and reflects the maturity of the grapefruit.

(b) "A" classification. Frozen grapefruit that possesses a good character may

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

grapefruit is moderately firm and fleshy; that the segments possess a welldeveloped, juicy, cellular structure; that the product is fairly free from loose

cell sacs; and that not more than 5 percent by weight of the grapefruit

consists of soft, fibrous, or ricey segments.
9

(c) "B" classification. If the frozen grapefruit possesses a reasonably good

character, a score of 24 to 26 points may be given. Frozen grapefruit that

falls 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 grapefruit is fairly firm

and fleshy and that not more than 15 percent by weight of the grapefruit

consists of soft, fibrous, or ricey segments.

(d) "SStd" classification. Frozen grapefruit that fails to meet the requirements

of paragraph (c) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 23 points and

shall not be graded above U.S. Grade D or Substandard, regardless of the

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

§52.1179 Ascertaining the grade of a lot.

The grade of a lot of frozen grapefruit 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 to §52.83).
10

§52.1180 Score sheet for frozen grapefruit.

Number, size and kind of container ......................................

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

Label (style of pack: ratio of fruit-sugar, etc, if shown) ........................

Net Weight .........................................................

Color (if pink varieties) ................................................

Factors Score points

 Wholeness ..................

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

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

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

Total score .............

20 (A) 18-20

20 (A) 18-20

30 (A) 27-30

 30 (A) 27-30

100 

 (B) 16-17 1/

 (SStd) 0-15 1/

 (B) 16-17 1/

 (SStd) 0-15 1/

 (B) 24-26 1/

 (SStd) 0-23 1/

 (B) 24-26 1/

 (SStd) 0-23 1/

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

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

1/ Indicates limiting rule.

Recodified in the Federal Register of December 9, 1953 (18 F.R. 7989)

Section 52.1179 amended May 22, 1957 (22 F.R. 3535)