United States

Department of

Agriculture

Agricultural 

Marketing

Service

Fruit and

Vegetable

Division

Fresh

Products

Branch

United States Standards

for Grades of

Florida Grapefruit

Effective February 20, 1997

(Reprinted - February 1997)
1

United States Standards for Grades of Florida Grapefruit

Grades 

51.750 U.S. Fancy.

51.751 U.S. No. 1 Bright.

51.752 U.S. No. 1.

51.753 U.S. No. 1 Golden.

51.754 U.S. No. 1 Bronze.

51.755 U.S. No. 1 Russet.

51.756 U.S. No. 2 Bright.

51.757 U.S. No. 2.

51.758 U.S. No. 2 Russet.

51.759 U.S. No. 3.

Tolerances

51.760 Tolerances.

Application of Tolerances

51.761 Application of tolerances.

Size

51.762 Size.

Definitions

51.763 Similar varietal characteristics.

51.764 Well colored.

51.765 Firm.

51.766 Well formed.

51.767 Mature.

51.768 Smooth texture.

51.769 Injury.

51.770 Discoloration.

51.771 Fairly well colored.

51.772 Fairly smooth texture.

51.773 Damage.

51.774 Fairly firm.

51.775 Slightly misshapen.

51.776 Slightly rough texture.

51.777 Serious damage.

51.778 Slightly colored.

51.779 Poorly colored.

51.780 Misshapen.

51.781 Slightly spongy.

51.782 Very serious damage.
2

51.783 Diameter.

51.784 Classification of defects.

Grades

§51.750 U.S. Fancy.

"U.S. Fancy" consists of grapefruit which meet the following requirements:

(a) Basic requirements:

(1) Discoloration: Not more than one-tenth of the surface, in the aggregate, may be affected by

discoloration. (See §51.770.);

(2) Firm;

(3) Mature;

(4) Similar varietal characteristics;

(5) Smooth texture;

(6) Well colored; and,

(7) Well formed.

(b) Free from:

(1) Ammoniation;

(2) Buckskin;

(3) Caked melanose;

(4) Decay;

(5) Scab;

(6) Sprayburn;

(7) Unhealed skin breaks; and,

(8) Wormy fruit.

(c) Free from injury caused by:

(1) Bruises;

(2) Green spots;

(3) Oil spots;

(4) Scale;

(5) Scars;

(6) Skin breakdown; and,

(7) Thorn scratches.

(d) Free from damage caused by:

(1) Dirt or other foreign material;

(2) Disease;

(3) Dryness or mushy condition;

(4) Hail;

(5) Insects;

(6) Sprouting;

(7) Sunburn; and,

(8) Other means.

(e) For tolerances see §51.760.

§51.751 U.S. No. 1 Bright.

The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 1 except that fruit shall have not
3

more than one-fifth of its surface, in the aggregate, affected by discoloration. For tolerances see

§51.760.

§51.752 U.S. No. 1.

"U.S. No. 1" consists of grapefruit which meet the following requirements:

(a) Basic requirements:

(1) Discoloration: Not more than one-third of the surface, in the aggregate, may be affected by

discoloration. (See §51.770.);

(2) Fairly smooth texture;

(3) Fairly well colored;

(4) Firm;

(5) Mature;

(6) Similar varietal characteristics; and,

(7) Well formed.

(b) Free from:

(1) Decay;

(2) Unhealed skin breaks; and,

(3) Wormy fruit.

(c) Free from damage caused by:

(1) Ammoniation;

(2) Bruises;

(3) Buckskin;

(4) Caked melanose;

(5) Dirt or other foreign material;

(6) Disease;

(7) Dryness or mushy condition;

(8) Green spots;

(9) Hail;

(10) Insects;

(11) Oil spots;

(12) Scab;

(13) Scale;

(14) Scars;

(15) Skin breakdown;

(16) Sprayburn;

(17) Sprouting;

(18) Sunburn;

(19) Thorn scratches; and,

(20) Other means.

(d) For tolerances see §51.760.

§51.753 U.S. No. 1 Golden.

The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 1 except that not more than 30

percent, by count, of the fruit shall have more than one-third of their surface, in the aggregate,

affected by discoloration. For tolerances see §51.760.
4

§51.754 U.S. No. 1 Bronze.

The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 1 except that at least 30 percent, by

count, of the fruit shall have more than one-third of their surface, in the aggregate, affected by

discoloration. The predominating discoloration on each of these fruits shall be of rust mite type. 

For tolerances see §51.760.

§51.755 U.S. No. 1 Russet.

The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 1 except that at least 30 percent, by

count, of the fruit shall have more than one-third of their surface, in the aggregate, affected by any

type of discoloration. For tolerances see §51.760.

§51.756 U.S. No. 2 Bright.

The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 2 except that fruit shall have not

more than one-fifth of its surface, in the aggregate, affected by discoloration. For tolerances see

§51.760.

§51.757 U.S. No. 2.

"U.S. No. 2" consists of grapefruit which meet the following requirements:

(a) Basic requirements:

(1) Discoloration: Not more than one-half of the surface, in the aggregate, may be affected by

discoloration. (See §51.770.);

(2) Fairly firm;

(3) Mature;

(4) Similar varietal characteristics;

(5) Slightly colored;

(6) Not more than slightly misshapen; and,

(7) Not more than slightly rough texture.

(b) Free from:

(1) Decay;

(2) Unhealed skin breaks; and,

(3) Wormy fruit.

(c) Free from serious damage caused by:

(1) Ammoniation;

(2) Bruises;

(3) Buckskin;

(4) Caked melanose;

(5) Dirt or other foreign material;

(6) Disease;

(7) Dryness or mushy condition;

(8) Green spots;

(9) Hail;

(10) Insects;

(11) Oil spots;

(12) Scab;

(13) Scale;

(14) Scars;
5

(15) Skin breakdown;

(16) Sprayburn;

(17) Sprouting;

(18) Sunburn;

(19) Thorn scratches; and,

(20) Other means.

(d) For tolerances see §51.760.

§51.758 U.S. No. 2 Russet.

The requirements for this grade are the same as for U.S. No. 2 except that at least 10 percent of

the fruit shall have more than one-half of their surface, in the aggregate, affected by any type of

discoloration. For tolerances see §51.760.

§51.759 U.S. No. 3.

"U.S. No. 3" consists of grapefruit which meet the following requirements:

(a) Basic requirements:

(1) Mature;

(2) Misshapen;

(3) Poorly colored;

(4) Rough texture, not seriously bumpy;

(5) Similar varietal characteristics; and,

(6) Slightly spongy.

(b) Free from:

(1) Decay;

(2) Unhealed skin breaks; and,

(3) Wormy fruit.

(c) Free from very serious damage caused by:

(1) Ammoniation;

(2) Bruises;

(3) Buckskin;

(4) Caked melanose;

(5) Disease;

(6) Dryness or mushy condition;

(7) Hail;

(8) Insects;

(9) Oil spotting;

(10) Scab;

(11) Scale;

(12) Scars;

(13) Skin breakdown;

(14) Sprayburn;

(15) Sprouting;

(16) Sunburn; and,

(17) Other means.

(d) For tolerances see §51.760.
Shipping point, as used in these standards, means the point of origin of the shipment in the producing area or 1

at port of loading for ship stores or overseas shipment, or, in the case of shipments from outside the continental United

States, the port of entry into the United States.

6

Tolerances

§51.760 Tolerances.

In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling in each of the foregoing

grades, the following tolerances, by count, based on a minimum 25 count sample, are provided as

specified:

(a) Defects.

(1) U.S. Fancy, U.S. No. 1 Bright, U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 1 Golden, U.S. No. 1 Bronze, U.S.

No. 1 Russet, U.S. No. 2 Bright, U.S. No. 2, and U.S. No. 2 Russet.

(i) For defects at shipping point . Not more than 10 percent of the fruit in any lot may fail to 1

meet the requirements of the specified grade: Provided, that included in this amount not more

than 5 percent shall be allowed for defects causing very serious damage, including in this latter

amount not more than 1 percent for decay or wormy fruit.

(ii) For defects en route or at destination. Not more than 12 percent of the fruit which fail to

meet the requirements of the specified grade: Provided, that included in this amount not more

than the following percentages shall be allowed for defects listed:

(A) 10 percent for fruit having permanent defects; or,

(B) 7 percent for defects causing very serious damage, including therein not more than 5 percent

for very serious damage by permanent defects and not more than 3 percent for decay or wormy

fruit.

(2) U.S. No. 3.

(i) For defects at shipping point . Not more than 10 percent of the fruit in any lot may fail to 1

meet the requirements of the grade: Provided, that included in this amount not more than 1

percent shall be for decay or wormy fruit.

(ii) For defects en route or at destination. Not more than 12 percent of the fruit which fail to

meet the requirements of the grade: Provided, that included in this amount not more than the

following percentages shall be allowed for defects listed:

(A) 10 percent for fruit having permanent defects; or,

(B) 3 percent for decay or wormy fruit.

(b) Discoloration.

(1) U.S. No. 1 Bright, U.S. No. 1, U.S. No. 2 Bright, and U.S. No. 2. Not more than 10

percent of the fruit in any lot may fail to meet the requirements relating to discoloration as

specified in each grade. No sample may have more than 20 percent of the fruit with excessive

discoloration: And provided further, that the entire lot averages within percentage specified.

(2) U.S. No. 1 Golden. Not more than 30 percent of the fruit shall have in excess of one-third of

their surface, in the aggregate, affected by discoloration, and no part of any tolerance shall be

allowed to increase this percentage. No sample may have more than 40 percent of the fruit with

excessive discoloration: And provided further, that the entire lot averages within the

percentage specified.
7

(3) U.S. No. 1 Bronze, and U.S. No. 1 Russet. At least 30 percent of the fruit shall have in

excess of one-third of the surface, in the aggregate, affected by discoloration, and no part of any

tolerance shall be allowed to reduce this percentage. No sample may have less than 20 percent of

the fruit with required discoloration: And provided further, that the entire lot averages within

the percentage specified.

(4) U.S. No. 2 Russet. At least 10 percent of the fruit shall have in excess of one-half of the

surface, in the aggregate, affected by discoloration, and no part of any tolerance shall be allowed

to reduce this percentage: And provided further, that the entire lot averages within the

percentage specified.

Application of Tolerances

§51.761 Application of tolerances.

Individual samples are subject to the following limitations, unless otherwise specified in §51.760. 

Individual samples shall have not more than one and one-half times a specified tolerance of 10

percent or more, and not more than double a specified tolerance of less than 10 percent:

Provided, that at least one decayed or wormy fruit may be permitted in any sample: And

provided further, that the averages for the entire lot are within the tolerances specified for the

grade.

Size

§51.762 Size.

(a) Fruits shall be fairly uniform in size and shall be packed in containers according to approved

and recognized methods.

(b) "Fairly uniform in size" means that not more than 10 percent of the grapefruit per sample may

vary more than one-half inch in diameter.

(c) In order to allow for variations incident to proper sizing, not more than 10 percent of the

samples in any lot may fail to meet the requirements of size.

Definitions

§51.763 Similar varietal characteristics.

"Similar varietal characteristics" means that the fruits in any container are similar in color and

shape.

§51.764 Well colored.

"Well colored" means that the fruit has characteristic color for the variety with practically no trace

of green color.

§51.765 Firm.

"Firm" means that the fruit is not soft, or noticeably wilted or flabby, and the skin is not spongy or

puffy.

§51.766 Well formed.

"Well formed" means that the fruit has the shape characteristic of the variety.

§51.767 Mature.

"Mature" shall have the same meaning assigned the term in the Florida Citrus Code, Chapter 601,

1995 Edition, and the Official Rules Affecting the Florida Citrus Industry, in effect as of February

12, 1995. These grapefruit maturity requirements are contained in the Florida Citrus Code,

Chapter 601, Florida Statutes, Sections 601.16, 601.17, and 601.18, 1995 Edition, and the State

of Florida Department of Citrus Official Rules Affecting the Florida Citrus Industry, Part 1,
8

Chapter 20-13 Market Classification, Maturity Standards and Processing or Packing Restrictions

for Hybrids in effect as of February 12, 1995. This incorporation by reference was approved by

the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51. 

Copies may be obtained from, Florida Department of Citrus, Post Office Box 148, Lakeland,

Florida 33802 or copies of both regulations may be inspected at USDA, AMS, F&VD, FPB,

Standardization Section, Room 2065-S, 14th and Independence Ave., Washington, DC 20250 or

at the Office of the Federal Register, Suite 700, 800 North Capitol Street, Washington, DC.

§51.768 Smooth texture.

"Smooth texture" means that the skin is thin and smooth for the variety and size of the fruit. 

"Thin" means that the skin thickness does not average more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm), on a central

cross section, on grapefruit 4-1/8 inches (104.8 mm) in diameter.

§51.769 Injury.

"Injury" means any specific defect described in §51.784, Table I; or an equally objectionable

variation of any one of these defects, any other defect, or any combination of defects, which

slightly detracts from the appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the fruit.

§51.770 Discoloration.

"Discoloration" means russeting of a light shade of golden brown caused by rust mite or other

means. Lighter shades of discoloration caused by smooth or fairly smooth superficial scars or

other means may be allowed on a greater area, or darker shades may be allowed on a lesser area,

provided no discoloration caused by speck-type melanose or other means may detract from the

appearance of the fruit to a greater extent than the shade and amount of discoloration allowed in

the grade.

§51.771 Fairly well colored.

"Fairly well colored" means that except for an aggregate area of green color which does not

exceed the area of a circle 1 inch (25.4 mm) in diameter, the characteristic color predominates

over the green color.

§51.772 Fairly smooth texture.

"Fairly smooth texture" means that the skin is fairly thin and not coarse for the variety and size of

the fruit. "Fairly thin" means that the skin thickness does not average more than 1/2 inch (12.7

mm), on a grapefruit 4-1/8 inches (104.8 mm) in diameter.

§51.773 Damage.

"Damage" means any specific defect described in §51.784, Table I; or an equally objectionable

variation of any one of these defects, any other defect, or any combination of defects, which

materially detracts from the appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the fruit.

§51.774 Fairly firm.

"Fairly firm" means that the fruit may be slightly soft, but not bruised, and the skin is not spongy

or puffy.

§51.775 Slightly misshapen.

"Slightly misshapen" means that the fruit has fairly good shape characteristic of the variety and is

not more than slightly elongated or pointed or otherwise deformed.

§51.776 Slightly rough texture.

"Slightly rough texture" means that the skin may be slightly thick but not excessively thick,

materially ridged or grooved. "Slightly thick" means that the skin thickness does not average
9

more than 5/8 inch (15.9 mm), on a central cross section, on a grapefruit 4-1/8 inches (104.8 mm)

in diameter.

§51.777 Serious damage.

"Serious damage" means any specific defect described in §51.784, Table I; or an equally

objectionable variation of any one of these defects, any other defect, or any combination of

defects, which seriously detracts from the appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the

fruit.

§51.778 Slightly colored.

"Slightly colored" means that except for an aggregate area of green color which does not exceed

the area of a circle 2 inches (50.8 mm) in diameter, the fruit surface shows some characteristic

color.

§51.779 Poorly colored.

"Poorly colored" means that not more than 25 percent of the surface may be of a solid dark green

color.

§51.780 Misshapen.

"Misshapen" means that the fruit is decidedly elongated, pointed, or flatsided.

§51.781 Slightly spongy.

"Slightly spongy" means that the fruit is puffy or slightly wilted but not flabby.

§51.782 Very serious damage.

"Very serious damage" means any specific defect described in §51.784, Table I; or an equally

objectionable variation of any one of these defects, any other defect, or any combination of

defects, which very seriously detracts from the appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of

the fruit.

§51.783 Diameter.

"Diameter" means the greatest dimension measured at right angles to a line from stem to blossom

end.
10

§51.784 Classification of defects.

Table I

Factor Injury Damage Serious Damage Very Serious Damage

Ammoniation Not occurring as light speck Scars are cracked or dark and Aggregating more than 25

type. aggregating more than a percent of the surface.

circle 1 inch (25.4 mm) in

diameter.

Bruises Segment walls are collapsed, Segment walls are collapsed, Segment walls are collapsed, Fruit is split open, peel is

or rag is ruptured and juice or rag is ruptured and juice or rag is ruptured and juice badly watersoaked, or rag is

sacs are ruptured. sacs are ruptured. sacs are ruptured. ruptured and juice sacs are

ruptured causing a mushy

condition affecting all

segments more than 3/4 inch

(19.1 mm) at bruised area or

the equivalent of this

amount, by volume, when

affecting more than one area

on the fruit.

Buckskin Aggregating more than a Aggregating more than 25 Aggregating more than 50

circle 1-1/4 inches (31.8 mm) percent of the surface. percent of the surface.

in diameter.

Caked melanose Aggregating more than a Aggregating more than a Aggregating more than 25

circle 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) in circle 1 inch (25.4 mm) in percent of the surface.

diameter. diameter.

Dryness or mushy condition Affecting all segments more Affecting all segments more Affecting all segments more

than 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) at than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) at than 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) at

stem end, or the equivalent of stem end, or the equivalent of stem end, or the equivalent

this amount, by volume, when this amount, by volume, when of this amount, by volume,

occurring in other portions of occurring in other portions of when occurring in other

the fruit. the fruit. portions of the fruit.
11

Green spots Aggregating more than a Aggregating more than a Aggregating more than a Aggregating more than 1/3

circle 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) in circle 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) in circle 1 inch (25.4 mm) in of the surface, caused by

diameter, caused by scale. diameter, caused by scale. diameter, caused by scale. scale.

Oil spots Aggregating more than a Aggregating more than a Aggregating more than a Aggregating more than 1/3

circle 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) in circle 1 inch (25.4 mm) in circle 1-1/2 inches (38.1 mm) of the surface.

diameter. diameter. in diameter.

Scab Materially detracts from the Seriously detracts from the Aggregating more than 25

shape or texture, or shape or texture, or percent of the surface.

aggregating more than a aggregating more than a

circle 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) in circle 7/8 inch (22.2 mm) in

diameter. diameter.

Scale More than a few adjacent to Blotch aggregating more than Blotch aggregating more than Aggregating more than 25

the "button" at the stem end, a circle 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) in a circle 1 inch (25.4 mm) in percent of the surface.

or more than 6 scattered on diameter, or occurring as a diameter, or occurring as a

other portions of the fruit. ring more than a circle 1-1/4 ring more than a circle 1-1/2

inches (31.8 mm) in inches (38.1 mm) in

diameter. diameter.

Scars, Hail, or Thorn Depressed, not smooth, or Very deep or very rough Very deep or very rough Very deep or very rough or

scratches detracts from appearance aggregating more than a aggregating more than a unsightly that appearance is

[For smooth or fairly

smooth superficial scars

see §51.770.]

more than the amount of circle 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) in circle 1 inch (25.4 mm) in very seriously affected.

discoloration permitted in the diameter; deep or rough diameter; deep or rough

grade. aggregating more than a aggregating more than 5

circle 1 inch (25.4 mm) in percent of fruit surface; slight

diameter; slightly rough or of depth or slightly rough

slight depth aggregating more aggregating more than 15

than 10 percent of fruit percent of fruit surface.

surface.
12

Skin breakdown Aggregating more than a Aggregating more than a Aggregating more than a Aggregating more than 25

circle 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) in circle 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) in circle 1 inch (25.4 mm) in percent of the surface.

diameter. diameter. diameter.

Sprayburn Aggregating more than a Hard and aggregating more Aggregating more than 25

circle 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) in than a circle percent of the surface.

diameter. 1-1/2 inches (38.1 mm) in

diameter.

Sprouting More than six seeds have More than six seeds have More than six seeds have

sprouts of more than 1/4 inch sprouts of more than 1/2 inch sprouts of more than 3/4 inch

(6.4 mm) in length, or more (12.7 mm) in length, or more (19.1 mm) in length, or more

than 3 seeds with sprouts than 3 seeds with sprouts than 3 seeds with sprouts

over 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) in over 1 inch (25.4 mm) in over 1-1/4 inches (31.8 mm)

length. length. in length.

Sunburn Skin is flattened, dry, Skin is hard and affects more Aggregating more than 50

darkened, or hard and the than one-third of the surface. percent of the surface.

affected area exceeds 25

percent of the surface.

Note: All references to area or aggregating area, or length in this standard are based on a grapefruit 4-1/8 inches (104.8 mm) in diameter, allowing proportionately

greater areas on larger fruit and lesser areas on smaller fruit.