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United States Standards

for Grades of 

Canned Beets

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

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

August 3, 1998.

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 Beets (January 20, 2017)

1

United States Standards for Grades of Canned Beets

Section Page No.

Identity, Style, and Grades ........................................................................................... 2

§52.521 Identity. ........................................................................................................... 2

§52.522 Styles of canned beets.................................................................................... 2

§52.523 Grades of canned beets.................................................................................. 2

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

§52.524 Recommended fill of container........................................................................ 3

§52.525 Recommended minimum drained weight........................................................ 3

Sizes............................................................................................................................... 6

§52.526 Sizes of beets in whole beets ......................................................................... 6

§52.527 Sizes of beet slices in sliced beets.................................................................. 7

Factors of Quality.......................................................................................................... 7

§52.528 Ascertaining the grade.................................................................................... 7

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

§52.530 Color. .............................................................................................................. 8

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

§52.532 Absence of defects. ...................................................................................... 10

§52.533 Texture.......................................................................................................... 12

Lot Certification Tolerances....................................................................................... 12

§52.534 Ascertaining the grade of a lot. ..................................................................... 12

Score Sheet ................................................................................................................. 13

§52.535 Score sheet for canned beets. ...................................................................... 13
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Beets (January 20, 2017)

2

Identity, Style, and Grades

§52.521 Identity.

Canned beets means canned beets as defined in the definitions and standards of 

identity for canned vegetables (21 CFR 155.200), issued pursuant to the Federal Food, 

Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

§52.522 Styles of canned beets.

(a) Whole or whole beets mean canned beets consisting of whole beets that retain 

the approximate original conformation of the whole beet.

(b) Slices or sliced beets means canned beets consisting of slices of beets, 

irrespective of whether such slices are corrugated, fluted, wavy, or scalloped.

(c) Quarters or quartered beets means canned beets consisting of quarters of 

beets.

(d) Dice or diced beets mean canned beets consisting of diced beets.

(e) Julienne, French style, or shoestring means canned beets consisting of strips 

of beets.

(f) Cut means canned beets consisting of units, irrespective of whether such units 

are segmented or wedge shaped, which are not uniform in size or shape or 

which do not conform to any of the foregoing styles.

(g) Unit means an individual beet or portion of a beet in canned beets.

§52.523 Grades of canned beets.

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

characteristics; possess a normal flavor and odor; possess a good color; are 

practically free from defects; are tender; and possess such uniformity of size and 

shape as to score not less than 85 points when scored in accordance with the 

scoring system outlined in this subpart.

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

characteristics; possess a normal flavor and odor; possess a fairly good color; 

are fairly free from defects; are fairly tender; and possess such uniformity of size 

and shape as to score not less than 70 points when scored in accordance with 

the scoring system outlined in this subpart.

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

U.S. Grade C.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Beets (January 20, 2017)

3

Fill of Container and Drained Weights

§52.524 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 be filled as full as practicable with beets 

without impairment of quality and that the product and packing medium occupy not less 

than 90 percent of the total capacity of the container.

§52.525 Recommended minimum drained weight.

The minimum drained weight recommendations in Table No. 1 of this section 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 canned beets is 

determined by emptying the contents of the container upon a U.S. Standard No. 8 sieve 

of proper diameter so as to distribute the product evenly, inclining the sieve slightly to 

facilitate drainage and allow draining for two minutes. The drained weight is the weight 

of the sieve and the beets less the weight of the dry sieve. A sieve 8 inches in diameter 

is used for the No. 2-1/2 size can (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.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Beets (January 20, 2017)

4

Table I

Recommended Minimum Drained Weights for Canned Beets, English System (Avoirdupois)

Container

size or 

designation

Container

Dimensions

1

Water

Capacity

@ 68°F, 

Avoir. 

ozs2

Style3

Whole Sliced

Diced

Quartered 

& cut

Julienne

Size

No. 1-3

inclusive

Size

No. 4-6

inclusive

Small

Medium 

and 

large

8-ounce tall 211x304 8.65 5.5 5.0 5.5 5.0 5.5 5.5 5.3

8-ounce jar ----------- 8.53 5.5 5.0 5.5 5.0 5.5 5.5 5.3

No.1 picnic 211x400 10.90 6.8 6.5 6.8 6.5 7.0 7.0 6.8

No. 300 300x407 15.20 9.0 8.6 9.3 8.8 9.5 9.5 8.1

No. 303 303x406 16.85 10.0 9.5 10.3 9.8 10.5 10.5 9.0

No. 303 jar ------------ 17.68 10.0 9.5 10.3 9.8 10.5 10.5 9.0

No. 2 307x409 20.50 12.5 12.3 12.5 12.0 12.8 12.5 11.5

No. 2-1/2 401x411 29.75 19.5 19.0 19.0 18.5 19.0 18.5 18.3

No. 2-1/2 jar ------------ 29.54 19.3 18.8 18.8 18.3 18.8 18.3 18.0

No. 10 603x700 109.45 67.0 66.0 67.0 66.0 70.0 68.0 64.0

1 The left figure represents the diameter of the container and the right figure represents the height. The first digit in each number represents whole inches and the second two digits 

represent fractions in sixteenths of an inch. Thus 303 is three and three-sixteenth inches. 

2 Avoirdupois oz. figures for glass containers were based on overflow capacity in fluid ounces, measured from the top of the container, see 21 CFR 130.12. Exact capacities may vary 

with mold style

3 Mixed sizes of whole or sliced are based on drained weight for predominant size of individual units.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Beets (January 20, 2017)

5

Table IA

Recommended Minimum Drained Weights for Canned Beets, Metric System (Systeme International)

1

Mixed sizes in whole or sliced styles to be based on drained weight for predominant size of individual units.

Container 

size or 

designation

Container

Dimensions

Diameter x 

Height(mm)

Water

Capacity

@20°C

(grams)

Style1

Whole Sliced

Diced

Quartered 

& cut

Julienne

Size

No. 1-3

inclusive

Size

No. 4-6

inclusive

Small Medium 

and 

large

8-ounce tall 68.3x82.6 245.2 155.9 141.8 155.9 141.8 155.9 155.9 150.3

8-ounce jar ------------- 241.8 155.9 141.8 155.9 141.8 155.9 155.9 150.3

No.1 picnic 68.3x101.7 309.0 192.8 184.3 192.8 184.3 198.5 198.5 192.8

No. 300 76.2x112.7 430.9 255.2 243.8 263.7 249.5 269.3 269.3 229.6

No. 303 81.0x111.1 477.7 283.5 269.3 292.0 277.8 297.7 297.7 255.2

No. 303 jar -------------- 500.4 283.5 269.3 292.0 277.8 297.7 297.7 255.2

No. 2 87.3x115.9 581.2 354.4 348.7 354.4 340.2 362.9 354.4 326.0

No. 2-1/2 103.2x119.1 843.4 552.8 538.7 538.7 524.5 538.7 524.5 518.8

No. 2-1/2 jar ---------------- 837.45 547.2 533.0 533.0 518.8 533.0 518.8 510.3

No. 10 157.2x177.8 3102.9 1899.5 1871.1 1899.5 1871.1 1984.5 1927.8 1814.4
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Beets (January 20, 2017)

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Sizes

§52.526 Sizes of beets in whole beets

The size of any beet is determined by measuring the smallest diameter through the center transverse to the longitudinal

axis of the beet. The word and number designations of the various sizes of beets in whole beets are shown in Table No. II 

of this section. Such table also specifies the count range per container for stated container sizes.

Table No. II

Sizes of Beets in Whole Beets

Word designation Number 

designation

Count Range Per Container

8-ounce Tall No. 1 Picnic

No. 303 can

No. 303 jar No. 2 can

No. 2-1/2 can

No. 2-1/2 jar No. 10 can

Tiny

Size 1

Size 2

20 and over.

14 to/not 

including 20.

25 and over.

18 to/not 

including 25.

35 and over.

25 to/not 

including 35.

44 and over.

31 to/not 

including 44.

70 and over.

50 to/not 

including 70.

250 and over

175 to/not 

including 250.

Small

Size 3

Size 4

10 to/not 

including 14.

5 to/not 

including 10.

12 to/not 

including 18.

8 to/not 

including 12.

18 to/not 

including 25.

10 to/not 

including 18.

22 to/not 

including 31.

13 to/not 

including 22.

35 to/not 

including 50.

20 to/not 

including 35.

125 to/not 

including 175.

75 to/not 

including 125.

Medium

Size 5

Size 6

5 to/not 

including 8.

Less than 5.

7 to/not 

including 10.

Less than 7.

9 to/not 

including 13.

Less than 9.

15 to/not 

including 20.

Less than 15.

50 to/not

including 75.

Less than 50.

Assorted sizes1

Mixed sizes2

.................. .................. ................... ................... ................... .................... .....................

1 Assorted sizes are a combination of any 2 adjacent sizes.

2 Mixed sizes are a combination of more than 2 adjacent sizes.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Beets (January 20, 2017)

7

§52.527 Sizes of beet slices in sliced beets.

The size of any slice in sliced beets is determined by measuring the smallest diameter 

of the largest surface of the slice. The word designation of the various sizes of slices in 

sliced beets is shown in Table No. III of this section.

Table No. III

Sizes of Slices in Sliced Beets

Word designation Smallest diameter in inches.

Small Less than 2 inches.

Medium From 2 inches up to but not including 2-1/2 inches.

Large Not less than 2-1/2 inches.

Assorted sizes.1

Mixed sizes.2

1Assorted sizes are a combination of any 2 adjacent sizes.

2Mixed sizes are a combination of more than 2 adjacent sizes.

Factors of Quality

§52.528 Ascertaining the grade.

(a) The grade of canned beets may be ascertained by considering, in conjunction 

with the requirements of the respective grade, the respective ratings of the 

factors of color, uniformity of size and shape, absence of defects, and texture.

(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 each 

such factor is:

Factors: Points

Color 25

Uniformity of size and shape 15

Absence of defects 30

Texture 30

Total Score 100

(c) Normal flavor and normal odor. Canned beets are free from objectionable 

flavors and objectionable odors of any kind.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Beets (January 20, 2017)

8

§52.529 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, 12 to 15 points 

means 12, 13, 14, or 15 points).

§52.530 Color.

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

score of 21 to 25 points.

Good color means that the canned beets possess a color that is uniform, bright, 

and typical of canned beets produced from beets of similar varietal

characteristics.

(b) “C” classification. If the canned beets possess a fairly good color, a score of 

18 to 20 points may be given. Canned beets 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 canned beets possess a color that is typical of 

canned beets produced from beets of similar varietal characteristics and such 

color may be variable or slightly dull.

(c) “SStd” classification. Canned beets that fail to meet the requirements of 

paragraph (b) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 17 points and shall not 

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

is a limiting rule).

§52.531 Uniformity of size and shape.

(a) “A” classification. Canned beets that are practically uniform in size and shape 

may be given a score of 12 to 15 points.

Practically uniform in size and shape has the following meanings with respect 

to the various styles of canned beets:

(1) Whole beets. The size of the individual beet is not more than 2-1/4 

inches in diameter, measured as aforesaid; the beets may vary 

moderately in shape, and the diameter of the largest beet does not exceed 

the diameter of the smallest beet by more than 50 percent of the diameter 

of the smallest beet.

(2) Quartered beets. The beets from which the quarters have been prepared 

were of a size not more than 2-1/2 inches in diameter, measured as 
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Beets (January 20, 2017)

9

aforesaid, and the weight of the largest quarter does not exceed the 

weight of the smallest quarter by more than 50 percent of the weight of the 

smallest quarter.

(3) Sliced beets. The individual slice is not more than 5/16 inch in thickness 

when measured at the thickest portion; the size of each slice is not more 

than 3-1/2 inches in diameter, measured as aforesaid, and the diameter of 

the largest slice does not exceed the diameter of the smallest slice by 

more than 50 percent of the diameter by the smallest slice.

(4) Diced beets. The units are practically uniform in size and shape with 

edges measuring not more than 3/8 inch; and the aggregate weight of the 

units which are smaller than one-half of a cube and of all large and 

irregular units does not exceed 15 percent of the weight of all units.

(5) Julienne, French style, or shoestring. The strips of beets are practically 

uniform in size and shape, with cross sections measuring not more than 

3/16 inch, and the aggregate weight of all strips less than 1-1/2 inches in 

length does not exceed 25 percent of the weight of all the strips.

(6) Cut. The individual units weigh not less than 1/4 ounce nor more than 2 

ounces each and the largest unit weighs not more than four times the 

weight of the smallest unit. An occasional unit which is not representative 

of the general size of all units is excluded in determining size variation.

(b) “C” classification. If the canned beets are fairly uniform in size and shape, a 

score of 8 to 11 points may be given.

Fairly uniform in size and shape has the following meanings with respect to the 

various styles of canned beets:

(1) Whole beets. The size of the individual beet is not more than 2-1/2 

inches in diameter, measured as aforesaid; the beets may vary

considerably in shape, and the diameter of the largest beet is not more 

than twice the diameter of the smallest beet.

(2) Quartered beets. The beets from which the quarters have been cut were 

of a size not more than 3-1/2 inches in diameter, measured as aforesaid, 

and the weight of the largest quarter is not more than twice the weight of 

the smallest quarter.

(3) Sliced beets. The individual slice is not more than 3/8 inch in thickness 

when measured at the thickest portion; the size of each slice is not more 

than 3-1/2 inches in diameter, measured as aforesaid; and the diameter of 

the largest slice is not more than twice the diameter of the smallest slice.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Beets (January 20, 2017)

10

(4) Diced beets. The units are fairly uniform in size and shape, with edges 

measuring not more than 1/2 inch; and the aggregate weight of all units 

which are smaller than one-half of a cube and all large and irregular units 

does not exceed 25 percent of the weight of all units.

(5) Julienne, French style, or shoestring. The strips of beets are fairly 

uniform in size shape, with cross sections measuring not more than 3/16 

inch and the aggregate weight of all strips less than 1-1/2 inches in length 

does not exceed 40 percent of the weight of all the strips.

(6) Cut. The individual units weigh not less than 1/8 ounce nor more than 3 

ounces each and the largest unit weighs not more than twelve times the 

weight of the smallest unit. An occasional unit which is not representative 

of the general size of all the units is excluded in determining size variation.

(c) “SStd” classification. Canned beets that fail to meet the requirements of 

paragraph (b) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 7 points and 

shall not be graded above U.S. Grade C, regardless of the total score for 

the product (this is a partial limiting rule).

§52.532 Absence of defects.

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

defective units. Defective units are slabs, units damaged by mechanical injury, 

units blemished by brown or black internal or external discoloration, pathological 

injury or insect injury and units blemished by other means.

(1) Slab means any portion of a whole beet obtained in slicing that possesses 

only one cut surface or cut surfaces of unequal areas varying in diameter 

more than 1/2 inch.

(2) Damaged by mechanical injury means crushed, broken, or cracked 

units, units with excessively frayed edges and surfaces, units with 

unpeeled areas, excessively trimmed units, or damaged by other means.

(3) Blemished means any blemish affecting an aggregate area greater than 

the area of a circle 3/16 inch in diameter or any blemish which seriously 

affects the appearance or eating quality of the unit.

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

given a score of 26 to 30 points. 

Practically free from defects has the following meanings with respect to the 

various styles of canned beets:

(1) Whole beets. The aggregate weight of all defective units does not 
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Beets (January 20, 2017)

11

exceed 15 percent of the weight of all the units, and of such 15 percent 

not more than one-half thereof or one beet whichever weighs more, may 

consist of blemished units.

(2) Sliced, quartered, and cut beets. The aggregate weight of all blemished 

units and units damaged by mechanical injury does not exceed 15 percent 

of the weight of all the units, and of such 15 percent not more than onehalf thereof or one slice, quarter or cut, whichever weighs more, may 

consist of blemished units, and with respect to sliced beets not more than 

10 percent of the weight of all the units may consist of units that are slabs.

(3) Diced, Julienne, French style, or shoestring beets. The aggregate 

weight of all defective units does not exceed 10 percent of the weight of all 

the units, and of such 10 percent not more than one-half thereof may

consist of blemished units.

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

a score of 22 to 25 points. Canned beets 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 has the following meanings with respect to the various 

styles of canned beets:

(1) Whole beets. The aggregate weight of all defective units does not 

exceed 30 percent of the weight of all the units, and of such 30 percent 

not more than one-half may consist of blemished units.

(2) Sliced, quartered, and cut beets. The aggregate weight of all blemished 

units and units damaged by mechanical injury does not exceed 30 percent 

of the weight of all the units, and of such 30 percent not more than onehalf thereof may consist of blemished units, and with respect to sliced 

beets not more than 25 percent of the weight of all the units may consist of 

units that are slabs.

(3) Diced, julienne, French style, or shoestring beets. The aggregate 

weight of all defective units does not exceed 25 percent of the weight of all 

the units, and of such 25 percent not more than one-half thereof may 

consist of blemished units.

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

paragraph (c) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 21 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 Beets (January 20, 2017)

12

§52.533 Texture.

The factor of texture refers to the tenderness of the beets, and the degree of freedom 

from stringy or coarse fibers.

(a) “A” classification. Canned beets that possess a tender texture may be given a 

score of 26 to 30 points.

Tender texture means that the beets are tender, not fibrous, and possess a 

uniform character.

(b) “C” classification. If the canned beets possess a fairly tender texture, a score 

of 22 to 25 points may be given. Canned beets 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 tender texture means that the beets are fairly tender, may be variable in 

character but not tough or hard, and may possess a few stringy or coarse fibers.

(c) “SStd” classification. Canned beets that fail to meet the requirements of 

paragraph (b) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 21 points and shall not 

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

is a limiting rule).

Lot Certification Tolerances

§52.534 Ascertaining the grade of a lot.

The grade of a lot of canned beets 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).
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Beets (January 20, 2017)

13

Score Sheet

§52.535 Score sheet for canned beets.

Number, size, and kind of container 

Container marks or identification

Label

Net weight (ounces) 

Vacuum (inches)

Drained weight (ounces)

Style

Count (whole)

Size of slices (diameter)

Size of Cut (diced or julienne) (inches)

Factors Grade Score Points

Color 25

“A” 21-25

“C” 18-201

“SStd” 0-171

Uniformity of size and shape 15

“A” 12-15

“C” 8-11

“SStd” 0-72

Absence of defects 30

“A” 26-30

“C” 22-251

“SStd” 0-211

Texture 30

“A” 26- 30

“C” 22-251

“SStd” 0-211

Total Score 100

Normal Flavor and odor

U.S. Grade

 1Indicates limiting rule.

 2Indicates partial limiting rule.