United States

Department of

Agriculture

Agricultural

Marketing

Service

Fruit and

Vegetable

Division

Processed

Products

Branch

United States Standards

for Grades of

Frozen Pineapple

Effective date January 25, 1949
This is the first issue of the United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Pineapple

published in the FEDERAL REGISTER of December 25, 1948, (13 FR 8321) to become

effective January 25, 1949.

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 Pineapple

Section Page No.

§52.1741 Product description ........................................ 2

§52.1742 Styles of frozen pineapple. .................................. 2

§52.1743 Grades of frozen pineapple. ................................. 2

§52.1744 Ascertaining the grade. ..................................... 3

§52.1745 Ascertaining the ration of each factor. .......................... 4

§52.1746 Color. ................................................... 4

§52.1747 Uniformity of size and symmetry. .............................. 5

§52.1748 Absence of defects. ........................................ 5

§52.1749 Character. ............................................... 9

§52.1750 Ascertaining the grade of a lot. ............................... 10

§52.1751 Score sheet for frozen pineapple. ............................. 11

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

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

Note: The requirements 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

§52.1741 Product description

Frozen pineapple is prepared from the properly ripened fruit of the pineapple plant

(Ananas sativus or Ananas comosus); is peeled, cored, trimmed, and washed; may be

packed with or without packing media; and is frozen and stored at temperatures necessary

for the preservation of the product.

§52.1742 Styles of frozen pineapple.

(a) Whole slices. Frozen whole slices of pineapple consist of whole, practically

unbroken slices of pineapple that have been cut, at a right angle to the

longitudinal axis, into approximately equal units.

(b) Half slices. Frozen half slices of pineapple are such portions of whole slices

of pineapple that are so matched in size and thickness that two portions are

approximately equivalent to a slice.

(c) Broken slices. Frozen broken slices of pineapple consist of portions of

slices of pineapple, if such portions are approximately of the same thickness

and diameter.

(d) Crushed. Frozen crushed pineapple is pineapple that has been cut,

shredded, or crushed into fine pieces.

(e) Tidbits. Frozen tidbits of pineapple are small, wedge shaped sections cut

from slices or portions of slices of pineapple.

(f) Chunks. Frozen chunks of pineapple are pieces of pineapple which do not

conform to any of the foregoing styles, which need not be symmetrical nor

uniform in size, and which do not exceed 1-1/2 inches in any dimension.

§52.1743 Grades of frozen pineapple.

(a) U.S. Grade A or U.S. Fancy is the quality of whole slices, crushed, tidbits,

or chunks that possess a practically uniform, bright, characteristic yellow

color in the applicable style; are practically uniform in size and symmetry in

the applicable style; are practically free from defects in the applicable style;

possess a good character in the applicable style; possess a normal flavor

and odor; and score not less than 90 points when scored in accordance with

the scoring system outlined in this subpart.
3

(b) U.S. Grade B or U.S. Choice is the quality of whole slices, crushed, tidbits,

or chunks that possess a reasonably uniform, good, characteristic yellow

color in the applicable style; are reasonably uniform in size and symmetry in

the applicable style; are reasonably free from defects in the applicable style;

possess a reasonably uniform, reasonably good character in the applicable

style; possess a normal flavor and odor; and score not less than 80 points

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

(c) U.S. Grade C or U.S. Standard is the quality of half slices and broken slices

that are fairly uniform in size and symmetry; possess a fairly uniform, fairly

good, characteristic yellow color or better color; are fairly free from defects;

possess a fairly good character; possess a normal flavor and odor; and score

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 (1) the quality of whole slices, crushed,

tidbits, or chunks that fail to meet the requirements of U.S. Grade B or U.S.

Choice; or (2) the quality of half slices or broken slices that fail to meet the

requirements of U.S. Grade C or U.S. Standard.

§52.1744 Ascertaining the grade.

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

extent that the mass or units may be easily separated. The grade of frozen

pineapple may be ascertained by considering, in addition to the requirements

of the respective grade, the following factors: Color, uniformity of size and

symmetry, absence of defects, and character.

(b) The relative importance of each factor is expressed numerically on the scale

of 100. The maximum number of points that may be given for each factor is:

Factors Points

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

Uniformity of size and symmetry .............

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

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

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

20

20

30

 30 

100

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

flavors, off flavors, and objectionable odors of any kind.
4

§52.1745 Ascertaining the ration 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).

§52.1746 Color.

(a) "A" classification. Whole slices, crushed, tidbits, or chunks that possess

a practically uniform, bright, characteristic yellow color, may be given a score

of 18 to 20 points. Practically uniform, bright, characteristic yellow color

means that the frozen pineapple has a yellow color typical of frozen

pineapple and that there may be some variation of such color in the mass or

of the units.

(b) "B" classification. Whole slices, crushed, tidbits, or chunks that possess

a reasonably uniform, good characteristic yellow color, may be given a score

of 16 or 17 points. Frozen pineapple 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, good,

characteristic yellow color means that the frozen pineapple may have

considerable variation of such color in the mass or of the units.

(c) "C" classification. Half slices or broken slices that possess a fairly uniform,

fairly good, characteristic yellow color or better color may be given a score

of 14 or 15 points. Frozen pineapple that falls 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 uniform, fairly good,

characteristic yellow color, means that the individual units of the frozen

pineapple may vary markedly from a uniform, typical yellow color and may

be slightly dull in color.

(d) "SStd" classification. Frozen pineapple that possesses a grayish cast or

is definitely dull or off-color for any reason, or that fails to meet the

requirements of paragraphs (a), (b), or (c) of this section for the applicable

style may be given a score of 0 to 13 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).
5

§52.1747 Uniformity of size and symmetry.

(a) General. The factor of uniformity of size and symmetry shall not be scored

when grading frozen crushed pineapple or frozen chunks of pineapple. The

other three factors shall be scored and the total shall be multiplied by 100

and divided by 80, dropping any fractions, to determine the total score.

(b) "A" classification. If the frozen pineapple units are practically uniform in

size and symmetry, a score of 18 to 20 points may be given. Practically

uniform in size and symmetry has the following meaning with respect to,

and applies only to, the following styles of frozen pineapple:

(1) Whole slices and tidbits. All of the units within each style are the

same apparent thickness, size, and shape, with not more than a slight

deviation in actual dimensions.

(c) "B" classification. If the frozen pineapple units are reasonably uniform in

size and symmetry, a score of 16 or 17 points may be given. Frozen

pineapple 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 in size and symmetry has the

following meaning with respect to, and applies only to, the following styles

of frozen pineapple:

(1) Whole slices and tidbits. The units within each style may vary in

thickness, size, and shape with more than a slight deviation in actual

dimensions.

(d) "C" classification. If the frozen pineapple units consist of half slices or

broken slices, a score of 14 or 15 points may be given. Frozen pineapple

that falls 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).

§52.1748 Absence of defects.

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

from blemished units; from excessively trimmed units; from broken units; and

from crushed units. (See Table No. I of this subpart.)

(1) Blemished units are units of frozen pineapple with any fruit eye more

than 1/32 inch in diameter, deep fruit eyes regardless of area, brown

spots, peel, bruise, or other injury.
6

(2) Excessively trimmed units means that the units have been so

trimmed that they do not retain their apparent original conformation.

(3) Broken units means that whole slices are definitely severed from

core hole to perimeter.

(4) Crushed units, except for crushed style, means that the units have

been crushed to the extent that they are not of normal shape.

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

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

the following meaning with respect to, and applies only to, the following

styles of frozen pineapple:

(1) Whole slices. No units are crushed; no units are excessively

trimmed; not more than 5 percent, by count, may be blemished; and

not more than 10 percent, by count, may be broken in one place only.

One blemished unit and one broken unit are permitted if one unit

exceeds the respective allowance of 5 percent and 10 percent by

count.

(2) Tidbits and chunks. Not more than 5 percent, by count, may be

crushed and not more than 5 percent by count, may be blemished.

(3) Crushed. Not more than 1/2 percent by weight, may be blemished

units. In determining the weight of blemished material, the weight of

the entire blemished piece is included and the percentage is based

on the net weight of the pineapple.

(c) "B" classification. Frozen pineapple that is reasonably free from defects

may be given a score of 24 to 26 points. Frozen pineapple 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 has the following meaning with respect to,

and applies only to, the following styles of frozen pineapple:

(1) Whole slices. Not more than 3 percent, by count, may be

excessively trimmed; not more than 5 percent, by count, may be

crushed; and not more than 12 1/2 percent, by count, may be

blemished; and not more than 25 percent, by count, may be broken

in one place only.
7

(2) Tidbits and chunks. Not more than 5 percent, by count, may be

crushed and not more than 12 1/2 percent by count, may be

blemished.

(3) Crushed. Not more than 1 percent by weight, may be blemished

units. In determining the weight of blemished material, the weight of

the entire piece is included and the percentage is based on the net

weight of the frozen pineapple.

(d) "C" classification. Frozen pineapple that is fairly free from defects may be

given a score of 21 to 23 points. Frozen pineapple that falls 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 has the following meaning with respect to, and applies

only to, the following styles of frozen pineapple:

(1) Half slices and broken slices. Not more than 5 percent, by count,

may be crushed, and not more than 12 1/2 percent, by count, may be

blemished. Since half slices and broken slices of frozen pineapple

are whole slices broken in more than one place, these styles are

scored in this classification and 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).

(e) "SStd" classification. Whole slices, crushed, tidbits, and chunks of

pineapple that fail to meet the paragraph (c) of this section; and half slices

or broken slices of frozen pineapple 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 U.S. Grade D or Substandard regardless of the total

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

(f) Evaluation of score. The evaluation of the score for the factor of absence

of defects may be determined from Table No. I of this subpart which

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

indicated.
8

Table No. 1-Allowances for Defects in Frozen Pineapple

Grade Score Blemished slices

points units

Whole slices Crushed- Half slices and broken Tidbits and chunks

Crushed Excessively Blemished Broken Crushed Blemished Crushed Blemished

units trimmed units units units units units units

Maximum allowances

By count By weight By count

U.S. Grade A or 30 None None 2% 4% 1/4% .......

U.S. Fancy

.......... 2% 2%

29 None None 3% 6% 1/4% ....... .......... 3% 3%

28 None None 4% 8% 1/2% ....... .......... 4% 4%

27 None None 5% 10% 1/2% ....... .......... 5% 5%

U.S. Grade B or 26 1% 1% 6% 15% 3/4% .......

U.S. Choice

.......... 2% 6%

25 3% 2% 9% 20% 3/4% ....... .......... 3% 9%

24 5% 3% 12 1/2% 25% 1% ....... .......... 5% 12 1/2%

U.S. Grade C or 23 ........

U.S. Standard

.......... ......... ...... ......... 1% 6% ........ .........

22 ........ .......... ......... ...... ......... 3% 9% ........ .........

22 ........ .......... ......... ...... ......... 5% 12 1/2% ........ .........

U.S. Grade D or 20 or More than allowances permitted for 24 points. More than allowances More than allowances

Substandard less permitted for 21 points permitted for 24 points
9

§52.1749 Character.

(a) General. The factor of character refers to the degree of ripeness and texture

of the fruit.

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

be given a score of 27 to 30 points. Good character has the following

meaning with respect to, and applies only to, the following styles of frozen

pineapple:

(1) Whole slices, tidbits, and crushed. The fruit is of practically

uniform ripeness and there may be present not more than 2 1/2

percent, by weight of the pineapple, that is core material or fibrous

stock; and in the case of whole slices and tidbits, the fruit is

reasonably firm and the fruitlets appear as a compact structure,

reasonably free from porosity.

(2) Chunks. The fruit is of practically uniform ripeness and normally has

had more of the fibrous portions around the core hole removed than

is the case with other styles of pack; the fruit is reasonably firm and

the fruitlets appear as a compact structure, reasonably free from

porosity.

(c) "B" classification. Frozen pineapple that possesses a reasonably good

character may be given a score of 24 to 26 points. Frozen pineapple which

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 has the following meaning with respect to, and

applies only to, the following styles of frozen pineapple:

(1) Whole slices, tidbits, and crushed. The fruit is of reasonably

uniform ripeness and there may be present not more than 5 percent,

by weight of the pineapple, that is core material or fibrous stock; and,

in the case of whole slices and tidbits, the fruitlets are reasonably

compact in structure, fairly free from porosity.

(2) Chunks. The fruit is of reasonably uniform ripeness and normally has

had more of the fibrous portions around the core hole removed than

is the case with other styles of pack; and the fruitlets are reasonably

compact in structure, fairly free from porosity.
10

(d) "C" classification. Frozen pineapple that possesses a fairly good

character, a score of 21 to 23 points may be given. Frozen pineapple that

falls 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 has the following meaning with respect to, and

applies only to, the following styles of frozen pineapple:

(1) Half slices and broken slices. The texture may be variable and

there may be present not more than 5 percent, by weight of the

pineapple, that is core material or fibrous stock and the fruitlets may

be flaccid and loosely constructed.

(e) "SStd" classification. Whole slices, crushed, tidbits, and chunks of

pineapple that fail to meet paragraph (c) of this section; and half slices and

broken slices 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 U.S. Grade D or Substandard regardless of the total score for the

product (this is a limiting rule).

§52.1750 Ascertaining the grade of a lot.

The grade of a lot of frozen pineapple 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 to 52.83; 22 F.R. 3535).
11

§52.1751 Score sheet for frozen pineapple.

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

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

Label (style of pack: Ratio of fruit to sugar, etc., if shown) ....................

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

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

Count (of whole slices) ................................................

Factors Score Points

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

Uniformity of size and symmetry ........

Absence of Defects .................

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

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

20 "B" 16-17 _1/

20 "B" 16-17 _1/

30 "B" 24-26 _1/

30 "B" 24-26 _1/

 "D" 0-20 _1/

100

"A" 18-20

"C" 14-15 _1/

"D" 0-13 _1/

"A" 18-20

"C" 14-15 _1/

"A" 27-30

"C" 21-23 _1/

"D" 0-20 _1/

"A" 27-30

"C" 21-23 _1/

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

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

_1/ Indicates limiting rule.

Recodified in the FEDERAL REGISTER of December 9, 1953, (18 F.R. 8037).

Section 52.1750 amended May 22, 1957, (22 F.R. 3535).