United States 

Department of 

Agriculture 

Agricultural 

Marketing 

Service 

Fruit and 

Vegetable 

Programs 

Fresh Products 

Branch

Eggplant 

Shipping Point and Market 

Inspection Instructions

 

May 2002 

 

 
Shipping Point and Market 

Inspection Instructions for 

Eggplant 

These inspection instructions are specifically developed and designed by the 

Fresh Products Branch to assist officially licensed inspectors in the interpretation and 

application of the U.S. Standards for Grades of Eggplant, Section 51.2190. 

These instructions do not establish any substantial rule not legally authorized by 

the official grade standards. This publication supersedes any previously issued 

inspection instructions. 

Refer to General Inspection Instructions for additional information pertaining to 

date, inspection point, carrier, condition of carrier, lading, etc. not covered in these 

instructions. (Reference to “General Inspection Instructions” in all Fresh Products 

Branch publications refers to any on or all of the following - General Shipping Point 

Inspection Instruction, General Market Inspection Instructions, or Fresh fruit and 

Vegetable Certificate Writing Handbooks.) 

Any portion of these instructions beginning with a section number such as 51.--- 

and followed with bold print is material copied directly from the U.S. standards. The 

U.S. Standards for Grades of Eggplant are printed in the appendix of this instruction. 

All of the U.S. standards are available on the Internet under the USDA homepage. 

This replaces Market Inspection Instructions for Eggplant dated November 1979 and 

Shipping Point Inspection Instructions for Eggplant dated October 1992. 

May 2002 

This publication may be duplicated without authorization from USDA. 
i

Factors noted with (Q) are considered quality only. Factors noted with (C) are 

considered condition at market. Factors noted with (Q or C) may be quality or condition 

depending on the circumstances. 

Table of Contents 

TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................... I

GENERAL ....................................................................................................................... 1

REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLING .................................................................................... 1

SIZE OF SAMPLE ............................................................................................................ 1

SAMPLING FOR INTERNAL DEFECTS ................................................................................ 1

NUMBERS OF SAMPLES................................................................................................... 1

TOLERANCES AND APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES .............................................. 2

SIZE .......................................................................................................................... 2

APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES ........................................................................................ 2

NOTESHEET AND CERTIFICATE ................................................................................. 3

PRODUCT ...................................................................................................................... 3

NUMBER/TYPE OF CONTAINERS ...................................................................................... 3

BRANDS/MARKINGS ........................................................................................................ 4

ORIGIN .......................................................................................................................... 4

CONDITION OF PACK ................................................................................................... 4

TEMPERATURE OF PRODUCT .................................................................................... 5

SIZE ................................................................................................................................ 5

REASONABLY UNIFORM IN SIZE ....................................................................................... 5

SPECIFIED SIZE ............................................................................................................. 6

SPECIFIED DIAMETER .................................................................................................. 6

MARKING AS TO COUNT............................................................................................... 6

WHEN UNDERSIZE AND OVERSIZE SPECIMENS ARE ALSO DEFECTIVE ................................. 6

DEFECTS (QUALITY AND CONDITION) ....................................................................... 7

BRUISING (C) ................................................................................................................. 7

CLEANNESS (Q) ............................................................................................................. 7

COLOR (Q) .................................................................................................................... 8

CONDITION OF CALYX ..................................................................................................... 8

DECAY AFFECTING CALYXES (C) ................................................................................. 9

MISSING CALYXES (Q) ............................................................................................... 9

MOLDY CALYXES (C) ................................................................................................. 9

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Inspection Instructions, May 2002 

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ii

DISCOLORATION (C) ....................................................................................................... 9

INTERNAL DISCOLORATION .......................................................................................... 9

DRY SUNSCALD (Q) ..................................................................................................... 10

FIRMNESS (C) .............................................................................................................. 10

SOFT AND FLABBY .................................................................................................... 10

SHRIVELING ............................................................................................................. 11

INSECTS AND WORM INJURY (Q OR C) ........................................................................... 11

SCARS (Q) .................................................................................................................. 11

SHAPE (Q) .................................................................................................................. 12

SIMILAR VARIETAL CHARACTERISTICS (Q) ...................................................................... 13

STEM PUNCTURES (Q & C) ........................................................................................... 13

SUNKEN/PITTED AREAS (C) .......................................................................................... 13

FREEZING AND FREEZING INJURY (C) ............................................................................. 14

DECAY (C) ................................................................................................................... 14

APPENDIX I -- U. S. GRADE STANDARDS ................................................................ 15

UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR GRADES OF EGGPLANT ............................................... 15

APPENDIX II ................................................................................................................. 18

EXAMPLE 1 -- INSPECTION NOTESHEET .......................................................................... 18

EXAMPLE 1 -- INSPECTION SCORESHEET ........................................................................ 19

EXAMPLE 1 -- INSPECTION CERTIFICATE ......................................................................... 20

EXAMPLE 2 -- INSPECTION CERTIFICATE ......................................................................... 21

1

GENERAL 

The U.S. Standards for Grades of Eggplant can be applied to all types of 

eggplant regardless of size, shape, or color. However, the standards do require a lot of 

eggplant to be of “similar varietal characteristics.” (Refer to Similar Varietal 

Characteristics section). 

REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLING 

The importance of obtaining representative samples cannot be over emphasized. 

Accurate certification is possible only if the samples examined are truly representative 

of the entire lot or accessible portion. All portions of a lot or load should receive the 

same attention in sampling regardless of the difficulty involved in reaching all layers or 

parts of a load. 

Size of Sample 

The tolerances in the U.S. Standards for Grades of Eggplant are determined on 

the basis of count. The sample size shall be a minimum of 50 eggplant for packages 

containing 50 or more specimens; the entire contents of the container shall be the 

sample size for packages with less than 50 specimens.

Sampling for Internal Defects 

When inspecting eggplant for internal defects, randomly select and cut, a 

minimum of two fruit for packages containing 15 fruit or less, cut a minimum of four

fruit for packages containing more than 15 fruit. If no defects are found it will not be 

necessary to continue cutting. However, if defect(s) are found cut the remainder of the 

sample. 

Numbers of Samples 

Due to potential variations in size, quality, condition, or all of these, no definite 

rule can be provided as to a required number of samples. It is the inspector's 

responsibility to examine enough samples to ensure an accurate picture of the entire 

lot. 

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Inspection Instructions, May 2002
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TOLERANCES AND APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES 

§51.2194 Tolerances. In order to allow for variations incident to 

proper grading and handling, other than for size, not more than 10 

percent, by count, in any lot shall be permitted for eggplants which 

fail to meet the requirements of the grade, including therein not more 

than 1 percent for decay. 

Total Defects 10% 

including decay 1% 

Size

§51.2196 Size requirements...(1) In order to allow for variations 

incident to proper sizing, not more than 5 percent, by count, of the 

eggplants in any lot may be below any specified minimum diameter 

and not more than 5 percent may be above any specified maximum 

diameter. 

Minimum diameter 5% 

Maximum diameter 5% 

Size is not a requirement of the U.S. grades; this tolerance is provided for 

instances when size is specified. (Refer to Size section). 

Application of Tolerances 

§51.2195 Application of tolerances to individual packages. (a) The 

contents of individual packages in the lot, based on sample 

inspection, are subject to the following limitations, provided the 

averages for the entire lot are within the tolerances specified for the 

grade: 

(1) For a tolerance of 10 percent or more, individual packages in any 

lot may contain not more than one and one-half times the 

tolerance specified, except that when the package contains 15 

specimens or less, individual packages may contain not more 

than double the tolerance specified; and, 
3

(2) For a tolerance of less than 10 percent, individual packages in 

any lot may contain not more than double the tolerance specified: 

Provided, That at least one specimen which does not meet the 

requirements shall be allowed in any one package. 

Packages containing more than 15 eggplants: 

Total Defects 10% x 1-1/2 = 15%

including decay 1% x 2 = 2% 

Packages containing 15 eggplants or less: 

Total Defects 10% x 2 = 20% 

including decay 1% x 2 = 2% 

NOTESHEET AND CERTIFICATE 

Entries on the notesheet and certificate are to be kept in a legible and accurate 

manner. Notations shall be recorded so anyone familiar with inspection procedures can 

interpret and write a certificate. When the inspection is complete, it is the responsibility 

of the inspector to ensure all information is properly recorded. 

Detailed instructions pertaining to date, inspection point, place of inspection, type 

of carrier, lading, etc., which are not covered by these instructions may be found in the 

General Inspection Instructions. Your supervisor may give additional information and 

instructions. 

Product 

“Eggplants” shall be used to describe this commodity in the “Product” heading. 

Type or variety may be reported in the “Product/Variety” section on the shipping point 

notesheet and certificate or in the “Lot ID” section on the market notesheet and 

certificate. 

Number/Type of Containers 

The number of containers shall always be reported. In the market the inspector 

shall always verify the container count provided by the applicant to the maximum extent 

possible and reported as “inspector’s count.” If the number of containers available for 

inspection does is not match the application it is the inspector’s responsibly to confirm 

that the amount presented for inspection constitutes the lot. If an accurate count 

cannot be determined the inspector may report the count at someone else’s authority. 

However, the reason for doing so must be reported on the notesheet (e.g., numerous ** **  

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Inspection Instructions, May 2002 
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pallets with mixed product.) At shipping point locations the applicant generally provides 

a manifest for count and it is acceptable to use this for the number of containers. 

Eggplants are generally packed and shipped in wirebound crates or fiberboard 

cartons. 

Brands/Markings 

The brand, variety, size, count, point of origin and other important information 

appearing on the container should be reported on the notesheet in the 

“Brands/Markings” section. Only the brand name and other pertinent information 

should appear in this section on the certificate. 

Origin 

The inspector should not make a positive statement on their own authority, but 

when container markings list the State or country of origin, it should be quoted in the 

appropriate space on the notesheet and certificate. This policy is necessary because 

some firms may use one mark on the same product packed in several States. The 

inspector can certify only to the marks and has no means of knowing what State or 

country the eggplant was grown. If packages are not marked or the eggplants are in 

bulk, refer to the General Inspection Instructions. 

CONDITION OF PACK 

Eggplants are usually wrapped in paper and this fact should be reported along 

with any liners or pads under the lids when describing pack. 

The following terms shall be used to describe the tightness of pack: 

Very Tight. This means the eggplants are packed so tightly that it usually 

results in injury. 

Tight. This is the most desirable pack. The container is sufficiently filled and the 

eggplants are placed tight enough so that there is no movement within the container. 

Fairly Tight. This pack allows for slight movement within the container, but not 

enough to cause bruising under normal handling conditions. Eggplants may be slightly 

below the top edge of the container but not more than 1/2 inch below. 

Slack. The container is not sufficiently full and free movement of the eggplants 

occurs. The amount of slack shall be reported in inches or fractions of an inch.
5

TEMPERATURE OF PRODUCT 

Inspectors do not normally determine or report temperatures at shipping point. 

However, due to the importance of the pulp temperature of fresh fruits and vegetables 

when in transit or at destination, it is essential that the inspector accurately read and 

report the temperature and range in temperatures on each lot. Pulp temperature must 

be reported regardless of the location of the product, whether in the carrier, warehouse, 

or stacked on the platform. Remember to pre-cool the thermometer in order to obtain 

true readings. 

A minimum of three temperatures for each lot must be taken and recorded on the 

notesheet. More temperatures shall be taken if the lot is abnormally cold, heated, or 

there is a specific request for temperature. 

SIZE 

§51.2196 Size requirements. (a) The size of eggplants may be 

specified in terms of count, minimum diameter, or a range in 

diameter in the container. Eggplants packed as U.S. Fancy or 

U.S. No. 1 grade shall be reasonably uniform in size, except when a 

range in diameter is specified. 

Size is not a requirement of the U.S. grades it is a separate and additional 

requirement. Therefore, a lot can fail the size requirements and still meet the 

requirements of the grade. 

Reasonably Uniform in Size 

When determining whether eggplants are “reasonably uniform” in size, use the 

following as a guide: “the weight of the smallest eggplant in the container is not less 

than one-half the weight of the largest eggplant.” There is no tolerance provided in the 

standards for eggplants not meeting this requirement. Therefore, if one specimen is 

found outside this requirement, the container and the lot fails to meet the requirement of 

“reasonably uniform.” Since “reasonably uniform” is a size requirement and not a 

requirement of the U.S. Fancy or U.S. No. 1 grades, lots not meeting this requirement 

would be reported as “U.S. Fancy or U.S. No. 1. (provided that all grade requirements 

were met) Fails to meet reasonably uniformed in size.” 
6

Specified Size 

The size of eggplants may be specified by count, minimum diameter, or range 

(minimum and maximum) in diameter in the container. When inspecting on the basis of 

U.S. Fancy or U.S. No. 1, eggplants must be reasonably uniform in size unless a range

in diameter is specified. There is no uniformity requirement in the U.S. No. 2 grade. 

Specified Diameter

§51.2207 Diameter. “Diameter” means the greatest dimension of the 

eggplant measured at right angles to the longitudinal axis. 

When a diameter is specified, it must be reported in connection with the grade. 

Additionally, report the range of size and a mostly statement in the “Description of 

Product” section on shipping point certificate and in the “Other” section on market 

certificate. Size columns must be kept on the notesheet to substantiate the size 

reported. Diameter shall be reported in inches and fractions of inches. For example 

“U.S. No.1, 3 to 4-1/2 inches in diameter.” 

A tolerance of 5 percent is provided for eggplants not meeting the minimum 

diameter specified and a 5 percent tolerance is provided for eggplants not meeting 

the maximum diameter specified. See tolerances and application of tolerances 

section. 

Marking as to Count

When count is specified or when containers are marked to count and do not 

conform to count report this fact in the “Description of Products” section on shipping 

point certificates and in the “Other” section on market certificates. Report the range 

and the average of eggplant per container as well as percentage of containers not 

conforming to count. For example “Count ranges from 15 to 22, average 18 eggplants 

per container; 60% of cartons fail to meet count as marked.” 

If the containers are marked to count and do not conform to count it may be a 

misbranding violation. For further instructions, see PACA Ruling on Grade and Size 

Markings in the General Inspection Instructions. 

When Undersize and Oversize Specimens are Also Defective 

Undersize and oversize specimens that are also defective, should be scored 

twice; once for offsize and once for the defect. This is necessary because the grades 

have separate tolerances for size (when size is specified) and grade defects. 

Generally, the percentage of offsize specimens that are also defective will be negligible, 

and will make no material difference in the grade certification. When the percentage of
7

 offsize specimens that are also defective amounts to 1% or more, the percentage shall 

be cross-referenced on the notesheet and certificate. Report this information in the 

“Description of Product” section on the shipping point certificate and in the “Other” 

section on market certificate. For example: “2% undersize also included in the 4% 

reported for quality defects.” 

DEFECTS (QUALITY AND CONDITION) 

Statements pertaining to freshness, maturity, shape, color, the amount and type 

of defects, and the amount of decay are shown under the appropriate headings. 

Factors noted with (Q) are considered as QUALITY only. Factors noted with (C) shall 

be reported as CONDITION on market certificates. Those factors noted with (Q or C)

may be considered as QUALITY or CONDITION, depending on the circumstances. 

Bruising (C) 

Bruising may result from a pack that is too tight or from rough handling. It is 

important not to confuse flatten or depressed areas with bruises. Bruised areas will be 

soft with the underlying flesh discolored. Flatten or depressed areas without underlying 

flesh discolored should not be scored. 

Scoring Guide 

The following scoring guide is based on a traditional eggplant 4 to 5 inches in 

diameter. Score as injury when the area(s) affected exceeds 1/2 inch in diameter 

(aggregate area). Score as damage when the area(s) affected exceed a circle 1 inch in 

diameter (aggregate area) and as serious damage when exceeding a circle 1-1/2 

inches in diameter (aggregate area). Allow correspondingly larger or smaller areas on 

larger or smaller eggplant. 

Cleanness (Q) 

The U.S. grades for eggplant have the following requirements for cleanness: 

U.S. Fancy & U.S. No. 1: Clean. 

U.S. No. 2: No requirement. 

Definitions: 

§51.2200 Clean. “Clean” means that the eggplant is practically free 

from dirt or other foreign matter.

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Inspection Instructions, May 2002 
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Scoring Guide 

When inspecting based on the U.S. Fancy or U.S. No. 1 grade score eggplants 

as “not clean” when dirt or foreign matter is readily apparent on the fruit or calyx against 

the total tolerance for the grade. 

Color (Q) 

The U.S. grades for eggplant have the following requirements for color: 

U.S. Fancy: Well colored. 

U.S. No. 1: Fairly well colored. 

U.S. No. 2: No requirement. 

Definitions: 

§51.2198 Well colored. “Well colored” means that the eggplant has a 

uniform good color characteristic for the variety over practically the 

entire surface. 

§51.2203 Fairly well colored. “Fairly well colored” means that the 

eggplant has a fairly good color characteristic for the variety, except 

that streaks of green color which do not materially affect the 

appearance shall be permitted. 

Color is one of the most important factors in the marketing of eggplant. Eggplant 

can vary color from full white, green, pale lavender, dark bluish-purple to a light 

purplish-red depending upon the variety. 

Scoring Guide 

It is common for eggplant to have streaks or areas of green color. Eggplant that 

shows more streaks of green than permitted by the grade must be score against the 

total tolerance for the grade. The U.S. Fancy grade permits very little or practically no 

green steaks of color. The U.S. No. 1 grade permits streaks of green that do not 

materially affect the appearance of the eggplant (see visual aid C-2). 

Condition of Calyx 

The appearance of the calyx affects the marketability of the fruit. Freshness and 

color of the calyx should be described; however, it is not considered a defect. Report 

the condition of the calyxes using general terms in the “Description of Products” section 
9

on shipping point certificates and in the “Other” section on market certificates. For 

example: “Most calyxes fresh and green, some dry and light to dark brown in color.” 

Decay Affecting Calyxes (C)

Score decay affecting the calyxes against the 1% decay tolerance. 

Missing Calyxes (Q)

Missing calyxes may be caused by rough handling or improper harvesting 

methods. Whatever the cause, eggplants that have calyxes partially to completely 

missing shall be scored against the total tolerance for the grade. 

Moldy Calyxes (C)

Mold affecting the calyx must seriously affect the appearance of the eggplant to 

be scored as damage. 

Discoloration (C) 

Discoloration is one of the most prevalent condition defects affecting eggplant. 

Report the discoloration with a description of the color(s) such as “brown discoloration” 

or “tan to brown discoloration.” 

Scoring Guide 

When the discoloration affects more than 5% of the surface in the aggregate, 

score as injury. Score as being damaged when the aggregate area exceeds more than 

10% of the surface and as serious damage when exceeding more than 25% of the 

surface. 

Internal Discoloration

When cutting for internal defects you may encounter discoloration not associated 

with bruising. For sampling and reporting instructions, refer to “Sampling for Internal 

Defects” section. 

Scoring Guide 

The following scoring guide is based on a traditional eggplant 4 to 5 inches in 

diameter. When the affected area(s) is dark-brown or black and exceeds 1/2 inch in 

diameter in the aggregate, score as injury. Score as damage when the area(s) affected 

exceeds a circle 1 inch in diameter in the aggregate and as serious damage when 

exceeding a circle 1-1/2 inches in diameter in the aggregate. Allow corresponding 

larger areas for lighter shades of color. Allow correspondingly larger or smaller areas 

on larger or smaller eggplant. 

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Revised, May 2011, HU-155-8(e) 

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Inspection Instructions, May 2002
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Dry Sunscald (Q) 

Sunscald is caused by the exposure of the eggplant to direct sunlight. It appears 

as a light-colored, soft, sometimes wrinkled area. As the injured tissues dry out the 

affected area sinks and becomes bleached. 

Scoring Guide 

The following scoring guide is based on a traditional eggplant 4 to 5 inches in 

diameter. Score sunscald as injury when the affected area(s) exceeds a circle 3/4 inch 

in diameter, as damage when exceeding a circle 1-1/4 inches in diameter, and as 

serious damage when exceeding a circle 1-3/4 inches in diameter. Allow 

correspondingly larger or smaller areas on larger or smaller eggplant. 

Firmness (C) 

All grades require eggplant to be firm. 

§51.2199 Firm. “Firm” means that the eggplant is not soft, flabby or 

shriveled. 

The following terms are to be used to describe firmness: 

Firm – The eggplant may yield to slight pressure, but is not soft, shriveled or 

flabby. 

Flabby – The eggplant yields readily to slight pressure, does not have a 

desirable degree of firmness, and is not spongy. 

Soft – The eggplant yields readily to pressure, lacks entirely in firmness, or is 

soft and spongy. 

Shriveled – The eggplant has lost moisture from the surface or stem, which 

causes the surface to appear, wrinkled or shriveled. Eggplant will shrivel if left 

on the plant too long, if the plant is not healthy, or if not kept at the proper 

relative humidity. 

Scoring Guide 

Soft and Flabby

Score soft or flabby eggplant as serious damage in all grades.
11

Shriveling 

Score shriveled eggplant as serious damage in all grades. At shipping point, 

score any amount. In transit or at destination, as a guide, allow 5% of the surface to be 

affected before scoring. 

Insects and Worm Injury (Q or C) 

Several types of insects and worms may cause injury to eggplant. The most 

recognizable and the one most often found at destination is the aphid. 

Scoring Guide 

Insects

The following scoring guide is based on a traditional eggplant 4 to 5 inches in 

diameter. When an eggplant shows evidence of feeding, score as injury when the 

exceeds a circle 5/8 inch in diameter (aggregate area), score as damage when the area 

exceeds a circle 1 inch diameter (aggregate area), and score as serious damage when 

the area exceeds a circle 2 inches diameter (aggregate area). Allow correspondingly 

larger or smaller areas on larger or smaller eggplant. 

Eggplants having five or more live or dead insects present shall be scored as 

serious damage. 

Worms

Both the U.S. Fancy and the U.S. No. 1 grades require that eggplants be free 

from worm holes. Score any worm hole, regardless of the size, against these grades as 

damage. When four or more worm holes are present score as serious damage. 

Eggplants that have more than one live or dead worm attached to them shall be 

scored as serious damage. 

In transit or at destination, if damage is fresh, or if live insect(s) are present or a 

combination of live and dead, report as a condition factor. Report as a quality factor 

when the damage is old or if the insect(s) are dead. 

Scars (Q) 

Scarring is a very common defect affecting eggplant. The epidermis of growing 

eggplant is very tender and easily injured. Generally, scars are the result of fruit 

rubbing against the plant or ground.
12

Scoring Guide 

§51.2202 Injury...(a) Scars when they are slightly rough or when 

they are fairly smooth and more than slightly affect the appearance, 

shape or color of the eggplant. 

§51.2205 Damage...(a) Scars when they are rough or materially 

cracked, or when they materially affect the appearance, shape or 

color of the eggplant. 

Score scars as serious damage when they seriously affect the appearance, 

shape, or color of the eggplant. Refer to visual aid C-1 when scoring scarring as 

damage or serious damage. 

Shape (Q) 

The U.S. grades for eggplant have the following requirements for shape: 

U.S. Fancy: Well shaped. 

U.S. No. 1: Fairly well shaped. 

U.S. No. 2: No requirement. 

Definitions: 

§51.2201 Well shaped. “Well shaped” means that the eggplant has 

the normal shape characteristic of the variety, except that the shape 

may be slightly irregular, provided the appearance of the eggplant is 

not more than slightly affected. 

§51.2204 Fairly well shaped. “Fairly well shaped” means that the 

eggplant may be slightly abnormal in shape but not to an extent that 

the appearance is materially affected. 

In determining whether an eggplant is well shaped or fairly well shaped, be sure 

to take into consideration the shape peculiar to the variety. 
13

Similar Varietal Characteristics (Q) 

The U.S. grades for eggplant require that eggplants be of similar varietal 

characteristics. 

§51.2197 Similar varietal characteristics. "Similar varietal 

characteristics" means that the eggplants in any lot are similar in 

type, color, and character of growth. 

Eggplants that are of a different type, color, or character of growth when 

compared to the predominant eggplant in the lot shall be scored as “dissimilar varietal 

characteristics.” 

Stem Punctures (Q & C) 

Stem punctures are generally considered a quality factor due to the fact that 

eggplants are normally tissue wrapped and tightly packed. However, if there is reason 

to believe the injury occurred after packing score as a condition factor. 

Scoring Guide 

Score eggplant with one stem puncture as damage, score as serious damage 

when two or more are present. 

Sunken/Pitted Areas (C) 

Sunken or pitted areas, which can be cause by low temperatures, are one of the 

more common defects that affect eggplant. These areas vary in size, number, and 

depth. 

Scoring Guide 

The following scoring guide is based on a traditional eggplant 4 to 5 inches in 

diameter. Score as injury when the area(s) affected exceeds 1/2 inch in diameter 

(aggregate area). Score as damage when the area(s) affected exceed a circle 1 inch in 

diameter (aggregate area) and as serious damage when exceeding a circle 1-1/2 

inches in diameter (aggregate area). Allow correspondingly larger or smaller areas on 

larger or smaller eggplant. 
14

Freezing and Freezing injury (C) 

The term “frozen” is only be used when ice crystals are present. Frozen 

eggplant or portions of the fruit in a frozen state will be darker and glassy in comparison 

to the rest of the fruit, with a distinct line of demarcation between the affected and the 

unaffected portion. 

“Freezing injury” is the term that should be used when it is evident that the 

eggplant has been frozen, but is not in a frozen condition at the time of inspection. The 

affected eggplant may be soft, pitted, discolored and watersoaked in appearance. 

When reporting frozen or freezing injury it is important to give the following 

information: 

• Record pulp temperatures taken at various locations. 

• Determine and record extent of the injury in the load. 

• Determine and record extent of the injury in the containers. 

• Determine and record degree to which individual specimens are affected. 

• Describe the pattern of freezing or freezing injury in clear, concise terms. 

When the location of injury indicates where or when the freezing occurred this is 

to be stated. For example, “freezing injury so located as to indicate occurred after 

packing but not in present location.” 

Decay (C) 

All grades require eggplant to be free from decay and any amount on fruit or 

calyx is scorable against the 1% tolerance. Various types of decay affect eggplant such 

as Phomopis Rot, Alternaria Rot, Bacterial Soft Rot, Cottony Leak, and Gray Mold. Do 

not report the type of decay on the certificate. However, when in excess of the 

tolerance report the degree of advancement as; early, moderate, or advanced, and 

state the percentage of decay affecting the calyxes and the percentage affecting the 

eggplant. This is to be reported in the “Description of Products” section on shipping 

point certificates and in the “Other” section on market certificates. 
15

Appendix I -- U. S. Grade Standards 

United States Standards for Grades of Eggplant1

Effective October 29, 1953 

Grades 

51.2190 U. S. Fancy. 

51.2191 U. S. No. 1. 

51.2192 U. S. No. 2. 

Unclassified 

51.2193 Unclassified. 

Tolerances 

51.2194 Tolerances. 

Application of Tolerances 

51.2195 Application of tolerances to individual packages. 

Size Requirements 

51.2196 Size requirements. 

Definitions 

51.2197 Similar varietal characteristics. 

51.2198 Well colored. 

51.2199 Firm. 

51.2200 Clean. 

51.2201 Well shaped. 

51.2202 Injury. 

51.2203 Fairly well colored. 

51.2204 Fairly well shaped. 

51.2205 Damage. 

51.2206 Serious damage. 

51.2207 Diameter. 

Grades

§51.2190 U.S. Fancy. 

U.S. Fancy consists of eggplants of similar varietal characteristics, which are well colored, firm, clean, 

well shaped, and which are free from decay and worm holes and free from injury caused by scars, 

freezing, disease, insects, or mechanical or other means. 

§51.2191 U.S. No. 1. 

U.S. No. 1 consists of eggplants of similar varietal characteristics, which are fairly well colored, firm, 

clean, fairly well shaped, and which are free from decay and worm holes and free from damage caused by 

scars, freezing, disease, insects, or mechanical or other means. 

§51.2192 U.S. No. 2. 

U.S. No. 2 consists of eggplants which are firm and which are free from decay and free from serious 

damage caused by freezing, disease, insects, or mechanical or other means. 

 

1

Packing of the product in conformity with 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. 
16

Unclassified 

§51.2193 Unclassified. 

Unclassified consists of eggplants which have not been classified in accordance with any of the foregoing 

grades. The term “unclassified" is not a grade within the meaning of these standards but is provided as a 

designation to show that no grade has been applied to the lot. 

Tolerances 

§51.2194 Tolerances. 

In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling, other than for size, not more than 

10 percent, by count, in any lot shall be permitted for eggplants which fail to meet the requirements of the 

grade, including therein not more than 1 percent for decay. 

Application of Tolerances 

§51.2195 Application of tolerances to individual packages. 

(a) The contents of individual packages in the lot, based on sample inspection, are subject to the following 

limitations, provided the averages for the entire lot are within the tolerances specified for the grade: 

(1) For a tolerance of 10 percent or more, individual packages in any lot may contain not more than one 

and one-half times the tolerance specified, except that when the package contains 15 specimens or less, 

individual packages may contain not more than double the tolerance specified; and, 

(2) For a tolerance of less than 10 percent, individual packages in any lot may contain not more than 

double the tolerance specified: Provided, That at least one specimen which does not meet the 

requirements shall be allowed in any one package. 

Size Requirements 

§51.2196 Size requirements. 

(a) The size of eggplants may be specified in terms of count, minimum diameter, or a range in diameter in 

the container. Eggplants packed as U.S. Fancy or U.S. No. 1 grade shall be reasonably uniform in size, 

except when a range in diameter is specified. 

(1) In order to allow for variations incident to proper sizing, not more than 5 percent, by count, of the 

eggplants in any lot may be below any specified minimum diameter and not more than 5 percent may be 

above any specified maximum diameter. 

Definitions 

§51.2197 Similar varietal characteristics. 

"Similar varietal characteristics" means that the eggplants in any lot are similar in type, color, and 

character of growth. 

§51.2198 Well colored. 

"Well colored" means that the eggplant has a uniform good color characteristic for the variety over 

practically the entire surface. 

§51.2199 Firm. 

“Firm" means that the eggplant is not soft, flabby or shriveled. 

§51.2200 Clean. 

"Clean" means that the eggplant is practically free from dirt or other foreign matter. 

§51.2201 Well shaped. 

"Well shaped" means that the eggplant has the normal shape characteristic of the variety, except that the 

shape may be slightly irregular, provided the appearance of the eggplant is not more than slightly 

affected. 

§51.2202 Injury. 

"Injury" means any defect which more than slightly affects the appearance, or the edible or shipping 

quality of the eggplant. The following defect, or any combination of defects, the seriousness of which 

exceeds the maximum allowed for any one defect, shall be considered as injury: 

(a) Scars when they are slightly rough or when they are fairly smooth and more than slightly affect the 

appearance, shape or color of the eggplant. 

§51.2203 Fairly well colored. 

"Fairly well colored" means that the eggplant has a fairly good color characteristic for the variety, except 

that streaks of green color which do not materially affect the appearance shall be permitted. 
17

§51.2204 Fairly well shaped. 

"Fairly well shaped" means that the eggplant may be slightly abnormal in shape but not to an extent that 

the appearance is materially affected. 

§51.2205 Damage. 

"Damage" means any defect which materially affects the appearance, or the edible or shipping quality of 

the eggplant. The following defect, or any combination of defects, the seriousness of which exceeds the 

maximum allowed for any one defect, shall be considered as damage: 

(a) Scars when they are rough or materially cracked, or when they materially affect the appearance, 

shape or color of the eggplant. 

§51.2206 Serious damage. 

"Serious damage" means any defect which seriously affects the appearance, or the edible or shipping 

quality of the eggplant. 

§51.2207 Diameter. 

"Diameter" means the greatest dimension of the eggplant measured at right angles to the longitudinal 

axis. 
18

Example 1 -- Inspection Notesheet

** ** 

Appendix II 

Revised, May 2011, HU-155-8(f) 

Page 18, Eggplant, Shipping Point and Market 

Inspection Instructions, May 2002
19

Example 1 -- Inspection Scoresheet

Revised, May 2011, HU-155-8(g) 

Page 19, Eggplant, Shipping Point and Market 

Inspection Instructions, May 2002 
20

Example 1 -- Inspection Certificate 

**** 

Revised, May 2011, HU-155-8(h) 

Page 20, Eggplant, Shipping Point and Market 

Inspection Instructions, May 2002 
21

Example 2 -- Inspection Certificate