United States 

Department of United States Standards for 

Agriculture 

Agricultural Grades of 

Marketing

Service Canned Pears 

Fruit and 

Vegetable

Division 

Processed 

Products 

Branch 

Effective date November 29, 2004 
This is the sixth issue, as amended, of the United States Standards for Grades of 

Canned Pears published in the FEDERAL REGISTER of October 29, 2004 (69 FR 209)

to become effective November 29, 2004. This issue supersedes the fifth issue, as

amended, which has been in effect since May 12, 1976. 

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 Canned Pears 

Section Page No. 

§52.1611 Product description. ...................................... 2 

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

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

Note: Compliance with the provisions of these standards shall not excuse failure to

comply with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or with

applicable State laws and regulations. 

§52.1612 Styles. ................................................ 2 

§ 52.1613 Grades. ............................................... 2 

§52.1614 Liquid media and Brix measurements. ....................... 4 

§52.1615 Fill of Container. ......................................... 5 

§52.1616 Recommended drain weights. .............................. 5 

§52.1617 Recommended fill weights. ................................ 8 

§52.1618 Ascertaining the grade. .................................. 12 

§52.1619 Ascertaining the rating for the factors which are scored. ........ 13 

§52.1620 Color. ............................................... 13 

§52.1621 Uniformity of size and symmetry. ........................... 15 

§52.1622 Absence of defects. ..................................... 18 

§52.1623 Character. ............................................ 23 

§52.1624 Ascertaining the grade of a lot. ............................ 26 

§52.1625 Score sheet. ........................................... 27 
 

 

§52.1611 Product description. 

(a) Canned pears means the canned product prepared from properly

prepared, mature pears, as such product is purported to be in the

standards of identity for canned pears (21 CFR 145.175; 145.176) issued

pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. 

(b) For the purposes of the standards in this subpart, the canned pears are

peeled and the term canned pears includes canned pears, canned spiced 

pears, and canned artificially sweetened pears as defined in the 

aforesaid standards of identity. 

§52.1612 Styles. 

(a) Halves or halved are peeled pears, with cores and stems removed, cut

longitudinally from stem to calyx into approximate halves. 

(b) Quarters or quartered are peeled pears, with cores and stems removed,

cut longitudinally from stem to calyx into approximate quarters. 

(c) Slices or sliced are peeled pears, with cores and stems removed, cut

longitudinally from stem to calyx into approximate equal segments smaller

than quarters. 

(d) Dice or diced canned pears are peeled pears, with cores and stems

removed, cut into approximate cubes. 

(e) Whole canned pears are peeled, cored, or uncored, whole pears with or

without stems removed. 

(f) Pieces or irregular pieces are peeled and cored pears that are irregular

in shapes and sizes. 

§ 52.1613 Grades. 

(a) U.S. Grade A (or U.S. Fancy), is the quality of halves, quarters, slices,

diced, or whole canned pears that: 

(1) Possess similar varietal characteristics; 

(2) Possess a normal flavor and odor; 

(3) Possess a good color; 

2 
(4) Are practically uniform in size and symmetry; 

(5) Are practically free from defects; 

(6) Possess a good character; and 

(7) For those factors which are scored in accordance with the scoring

system outlined in this subpart the total score is not less than 90

points;

 (8) Provided, that halves, quarters, slices, diced, or whole pears may

possess a reasonably good color and may be fairly uniform or

reasonably uniform in size and symmetry, if the total score is not

less than 90 points. 

(b) U.S. Grade B (or U.S. Choice) is the quality of halves, quarters, slices,

diced, whole, or pieces or irregular pieces of canned pears that: 

(1) Possess similar varietal characteristics; 

(2) Possess a normal flavor and odor; 

(3) Possess a reasonably good color; 

(4) Are reasonably uniform in size and symmetry for the applicable

style; 

(5) Are reasonably free from defects; 

(6) Possess a reasonably good character; and 

(7) For those factors which are scored in accordance with the scoring

system outlined in this subpart the total score is not less than 80

points; 

(8) Provided, that halves, quarters, slices, diced, or whole canned

pears may be fairly uniform in size and symmetry, if the total score

is not less than 80 points. 

(c) U.S. Grade C (or U.S. Standard), is the quality of halves, quarters, slices,

diced, whole, or pieces or irregular pieces of canned pears that: 

(1) Possess a normal flavor and odor; 

3 
(2) Possess a fairly good color; 

(3) Are fairly uniform in size and symmetry for the applicable style; 

(4) Are fairly free from defects; 

(5) Possess a fairly good character; and 

(6) For those factors which are scored in accordance with the scoring

system outlined in this subpart the total score is not less than 70

points. 

(d) Substandard is the quality of canned pears that fail to meet the applicable

requirements of U.S. Grade C and is the quality of canned pears that may

or may not meet the minimum standard of quality for canned pears issued

pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. 

§52.1614 Liquid media and Brix measurements. 

Cutout requirements for liquid media in canned pears are not incorporated in the

grades of the finished product since sirup or any other liquid medium, as such, is not

a factor of quality for the purposes of these grades. The designations of liquid packing

media and the Brix measurements, where applicable, are as follows: 

Designations Brix measurements 

Extra heavy sirup; or Extra heavily sweetened fruit 

juice(s) and water; or Extra heavily sweetened fruit 

juice(s) 

22° or more but not more 

than 35° 

Heavy sirup; or Heavily sweetened fruit juice(s) and 

water; or Heavily sweetened fruit juice(s) 

18° or more but not more 

than 22° 

Light sirup; or Lightly sweetened fruit juice(s) and 

water; or Lightly sweetened fruit juice(s) 

14° or more but not more 

than 18° 

Slightly sweetened water; or Extra light sirup; or 

Slightly sweetened fruit juice(s) and water; or 

Slightly sweetened fruit juice(s) 

Less than 14° 

In water 

In fruit juice(s) and water

In fruit juice

In clarified juice

Artificially sweetened 

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable 

4 
§52.1615 Fill of container. 

The standard of fill of container for canned pears is the maximum quantity of the pear

units which can be sealed in the container and processed by heat to prevent spoilage,

without crushing or breaking such ingredient. Canned pears that do not meet this

requirement are Below Standard in Fill. 

§52.1616 Recommended drained weights. 

(a) General. 

(1) The minimum drained weight recommendations for the various

applicable styles in Table I, II, and III of this subpart are not

incorporated in the grades of the finished product since drained

weight, as such, is not a factor of quality for the purposes of these

grades. 

(2) The recommended minimum drained weights are based on

equalization of the product 30 days or more after the product has

been canned. 

(b) Method for ascertaining drained weight. The drained weight of canned

pears is determined by emptying the contents of the container, turning the

seed cavities down in halves, upon a U.S. Standard No. 8 circular sieve,

of proper diameter, containing 8 meshes to the inch (0.0937-inch (+-)3

percent, square openings) so as to distribute the product evenly, inclining

the sieve slightly to facilitate drainage, and allowing to drain for 2 minutes.

The drained weight is the weight of the sieve and pears less the weight of

the dry sieve. A sieve 8 inches in diameter is used for the equivalent of

No. 3 size cans (404 x 414) and smaller, and a sieve 12 inches in

diameter is used for containers larger than the equivalent of the No. 3 size 

can. 

(c) Definitions of symbols. 

_ (1) X The average drained weight of all the sample units in the d

sample. 

(2) LL Lower limit for drained weights of individual sample units. 

(d) Compliance with recommended drained weights. A lot of canned pears

is considered as meeting the minimum drained weight recommendations

if the following criteria are met: 

5 
(1) The average of the drained weights from all the sample units in the

sample meets_ the recommended average drained weight

(designated as Xd), in Tables I, II, and III; and 

(2) The number of sample units which fail to meet the recommended

minimum drained weight for individuals (designated as LL) in

Tables I, II, and III does not exceed the applicable acceptance

number specified in the single sampling plan of Table IV. 

TABLE I 

RECOMMENDED MINIMUM DRAINED WEIGHTS FOR CANNED PEARS 

QUARTERS, SLICES AND PIECES OR IRREGULAR PIECES STYLE 

Container designation

(metal, unless

otherwise stated) 

Container size 

(overall dimensions) 

Overflow capacity

(fluid ounces) 

In any sirup or other

liquid medium

(ounces) 

Diameter 

(inches) 

Height

(inches) 

LL 

_ 

Xd 

5Z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211 200 - - 2.6 3.0 

5Z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211 202 - - 2.9 3.3 

6Z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300 200 - - 3.3 3.7 

7Z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211 212 - - 3.8 4.2 

8Z glass . . . . . . . . . . . - - - - 8.2 4.4 4.8 

8Z tall . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211 304 - - 4.5 4.9 

No. 300 . . . . . . . . . . . . 300 407 - - 8.3 8.9 

No. 303 glass ....... - - - - 17.0 8.8 9.4 

No. 303 . . . . . . . . . . . . 303 406 - - 9.0 9.6 

No. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307 409 - - 11.1 11.8 

No. 2 1/2 glass . . . . . . - - - - 28.35 16.1 16.9 

No. 2 1/2 . . . . . . . . . . . 401 411 - - 16.4 17.2 

No. 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 603 700 - - 64.0 65.5 

6 
TABLE II 

RECOMMENDED MINIMUM DRAINED WEIGHTS FOR CANNED PEARS 

HALVES STYLE 

Container designation 

(metal, unless otherwise stated) 

In any sirup or other liquid medium

(ounces) 

LL _ Xd 

8Z glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

8Z tall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

4.1 

4.2 

4.7 

4.8 

No. 300: 

7 count or less ............... 

8 count or more ............... 

7.7 

8.0 

8.4 

8.7 

No. 303 glass:

7 count or less ............... 

8 count or more ............... 

8.2 

8.5 

9.0 

9.3 

No. 303: 

7 count or less ............... 

8 count or more ............... 8.5 8.8 

9.3 

9.6 

No. 2: 

7 count or less ............... 

8 count or more ............... 

10.5 

10.8 

11.4 

11.7 

No. 21⁄2: 

8 count or less ............... 

9 count or more ............... 14.9 15.4 

16.0 

16.5 

No. 21⁄2: 

8 count or less ............... 

9 count or more ............... 

15.3 

15.8 

16.4 

16.9 

No. 10: 

25 count or less .............. 26 count or more .............. 

60.8 

62.2 

62.7 

64.1 

7 
TABLE III 

RECOMMENDED MINIMUM DRAINED WEIGHTS FOR CANNED PEARS 

DICED STYLE 

Container designation 

(metal, unless otherwise stated) 

In any sirup or other liquid medium

(ounces) 

LL _ Xd 

5Z glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.8 3.1 

5Z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.0 3.3 

6Z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.5 3.8 

7Z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.3 4.6 

8Z glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.3 5.6 

8Z tall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.3 5.6 

No. 300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.3 9.7 

No. 303 glass .................... 10.1 10.6 

No. 303 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.2 10.7 

No. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.4 13.0 

No. 21⁄2 glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18.2 18.8 

No. 21⁄2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18.4 19.0 

No. 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65.7 67.0 

TABLE IV 

SINGLE SAMPLING PLAN FOR DRAINED WEIGHTS 

Sample size (number of sample units) . . . . . . . . . 3 6 13 21 29 

Acceptance No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 1 2 3 4 

§52.1617 Recommended fill weights. 

(a) General. The minimum fill weight recommendations for the various 

applicable styles in Tables V, VI, and VII of this subpart are not

incorporated in the grades of the finished product since fill weight, as such,

is not a factor of quality for the purpose of these grades. 

8 
(b) Method for ascertaining fill weight. The fill weight of canned pears for

the applicable styles is determined in accordance with the U.S. Standards

for Inspection by Variables and the U.S. Standards for Determination of

Fill Weights. 

(c) Definitions of terms and symbols. 

Subgroup means a group of sample units representing a portion of a 

sample. 

_ 

X 'min means the minimum lot average fill weight. 

LWL_ means the lower warning limit for subgroup averages. x 

LRL_ means the lower reject limit for subgroup averages. x 

LWL means the lower warning limit for individual fill weight measurements. 

LRL means the lower reject limit for individual fill weight measurements. 

_ 

R ' means a specified average range value.

Rmax means a specified maximum range for a subgroup.

Sampling allowance code means a letter on the sampling allowance chart

of the U.S. Standards for Inspection by Variables. This letter identifies the 

appropriate line which gives the amount of sampling allowance to be

applied to the specification average for fill weights in order to determine

compliance with requirements for fill weight averages for a sample. 

(d) Subgroup size. The subgroup size for the determination of fill weights

shall be 5 sample units. 

(e) Compliance with recommended fill weights. Compliance with the

recommended fill weights for canned pears shall be in accordance with the

acceptance criteria specified in the U.S. Standards for Inspection by

Variables and the U.S. Standards for Determination of Fill Weights. 

9 
TABLE V 

RECOMMENDED FILL WEIGHTS FOR HALVES STYLE (OUNCES) 

Container designation

(metal, unless

otherwise stated) 

_ 

X 

' min 

LWL_ 

x LRL_ x LWL LRL _

R ' Rmax 

Sampling

allowance 

code 

8Z tall . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.1 4.6 4.4 4.1 3.6 1.2 2.5 I 

No. 300: 

7 count or less 

8 count or 

more . . . . . . . 

8.8 

9.1 

8.2 

8.5 

7.9 

8.2 

7.5 

7.8 

6.8 

7.1 

1.5 

1.5 

3.2 

3.2 

L 

L 

No. 303 glass:

7 count or less 

8 count or 

more . . . . . . . 

9.5 

9.8 

8.9 

9.2 

8.5 

8.8 

8.1 

8.4 

7.4 

7.7 

1.6 

1.6 

3.4 

3.4 

M 

M 

No. 303: 

7 count or less 

8 count or 

more . . . . . . . 

9.8 

10.1 

9.2 

9.5 

8.8 

9.1 

8.4 

8.7 

7.7 

8.0 

1.6 

1.6 

3.4 

3.4 

M 

M 

No. 2: 

7 count or less 

8 count or 

more . . . . . . . 

11.8 

12.3 

11.1 

11.6 

10.7 

11.2 

10.2 

10.7 

9.4 

9.9 

1.9 

1.9 

3.9 

3.9 

O 

O 

No. 21⁄2 glass:

8 count or less 

9 count or 

more . . . . . . . 

16.8 

17.3 

15.9 

16.4 

15.4 

15.9 

14.8 

15.3 

13.8 

14.3 

2.3 

2.3 

4.9 

4.9 

S 

S 

No. 21⁄2: 

8 count or less 

9 count or 

more . . . . . . . 

17.2 

17.7 

16.3 

16.8 

15.8 

16.3 

15.2 

15.7 

14.2 

14.7 

2.3 

2.3 

4.9 

4.9 

S 

S 

No. 10: 

25 count or 

less . . . . . . . . 

26 count or 

more . . . . . . . 

66.0 

67.5 

64.5 

66.0 

63.7 

65.2 

62.6 

64.1 

60.9 

62.4 

4.0 

4.0 

8.4 

8.4 

Z 

Z 

10 
TABLE VI 

RECOMMENDED FILL WEIGHTS FOR QUARTERS; SLICES;

PIECES AND IRREGULAR PIECES STYLES (OUNCES) 

Container designation

(metal, unless

otherwise stated) 

_ 

X 

' min 

_ LWLx _ LRLx LWL LRL _

R' Rmax 

Sampling

allowance 

code 

5Z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.2 2.8 2.6 2.4 2.0 0.90 2.0 G 

5Z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.5 3.1 2.9 2.7 2.3 0.90 2.0 G 

6Z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.0 3.6 3.4 3.2 2.8 0.90 2.0 G 

7Z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.6 4.2 4.0 3.8 3.4 0.90 2.0 G 

8Z glass . . . . . . . . . . 5.1 4.7 4.5 4.3 3.9 0.90 2.0 G 

8Z tall . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.2 4.8 4.6 4.4 4.0 0.90 2.0 G 

No. 300 . . . . . . . . . . . 9.4 8.9 8.7 8.4 7.9 1.2 2.5 I 

No. 303 glass ...... 10.0 9.5 9.2 8.9 8.3 1.3 2.7 J 

No. 303 . . . . . . . . . . . 10.2 9.7 9.4 9.1 8.5 1.3 2.7 J 

No. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.6 12.0 11.7 11.3 10.6 1.5 3.2 L 

No. 21⁄2 glass . . . . . . 18.0 17.3 17.0 16.5 15.7 1.7 3.7 N 

No. 21⁄2 . . . . . . . . . . . 18.3 17.6 17.3 16.8 16.0 1.7 3.7 N 

No. 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . 70.0 68.7 68.1 67.2 65.8 3.3 6.9 W 

11 
TABLE VII 

RECOMMENDED FILL WEIGHTS FOR DICED STYLE (OUNCES) 

Container designation

(metal, unless

otherwise stated) 

_ 

X 

' min 

LWL_ 

x LRL_ x LWL LRL _

R ' Rmax 

Sampling

allowance 

code 

5z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.3 3.1 2.9 2.8 2.5 0.60 1.2 D 

5z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.6 3.4 3.2 3.1 2.8 0.60 1.2 D 

6z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.2 4.0 3.8 3.7 3.4 0.60 1.2 D 

7z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.9 4.7 4.5 4.4 4.1 0.60 1.2 D 

8Z glass . . . . . . . . . . 6.0 5.8 5.6 5.5 5.2 0.60 1.2 D 

8Z tall . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.0 5.8 5.6 5.5 5.2 0.60 1.2 D 

No. 300 . . . . . . . . . . . 10.4 10.0 9.8 9.6 9.2 0.90 2.0 G 

No. 303 glass ...... 11.4 11.0 10.8 10.5 10.0 1.1 2.2 H 

No. 303 . . . . . . . . . . . 11.5 11.1 10.9 10.6 10.1 1.1 2.2 H 

No. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14.0 13.5 13.3 13.0 12.5 1.2 2.5 I 

No. 21⁄2 glass . . . . . . 20.1 19.6 19.3 19.0 18.4 1.3 2.7 J 

No. 21⁄2 . . . . . . . . . . . 20.3 19.8 19.5 19.2 18.6 1.3 2.7 J 

No. 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . 74.5 73.4 72.9 72.1 70.9 2.8 5.9 U 

§52.1618 Ascertaining the grade. 

(a) General. In addition to considering other requirements outlined in the

standards the following quality factors are evaluated: 

(1) Factors not rated by score points. 

(i) Varietal characteristics. 

(ii) Flavor and odor. 

(2) Factors rated by score points. 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 such factors are: 

12 
 

 

 

Factors: Points 

Color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 

Uniformity of size and symmetry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 

Absence of defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 

Character . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 

Total score ............................................... 100 

(b) Definition of flavor and odor. Normal flavor and odor means that the 

canned pears are free from objectionable flavors and objectionable odors

of any kind 

§52.1619 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, 18 to 20 points 

means 18, 19, or 20 points). 

§52.1620 Color. 

(a) General. The factor of color refers to the color typical of the variety and

its uniformity in each unit and among the units. The factor of color for

canned pears that are spiced is not based on any detailed requirements

and is not scored but the color shall be normal for peeled spiced canned

pears; the other three factors (uniformity of size and symmetry, absence

of defects, and character as applicable), are scored and the total is

multiplied by 100 and divided by 80, dropping any fractions to determine

the total score. 

(b) "A" Classification. Halves, quarters, slices, diced, or whole styles of 

canned pears that possess a good color may be given a score of 18 to 20

points. Good color means that: 

(1) The units of pears individually and collectively possess a

characteristic, practically uniform color that is a typical light

yellow-white or light greenish-white or light beige-white color for

properly prepared and properly processed canned pears; 

(2) Any skin pigment on the units may affect no more than slightly the

overall color of the units or the product; 

13 
(3) There is otherwise not more than a slight variation from a typical

translucent color for properly prepared and properly processed

canned pears; and 

(4) In halves, quarters, slices, or whole styles not more than 10

percent, by count, of the units may possess reasonably good 

color, provided none of such units are dead white (or chalky) in 

appearance; or 

(5) One unit of halves, quarters, slices, or whole in a container is

permitted to have reasonably good color if such unit exceeds the 

allowance of 10 percent, by count: Provided, that in all containers 

comprising the sample such reasonably good color units do not 

exceed an average of 10 percent of the total number of units. 

(c) "B" Classification. Halves, quarters, slices, diced, or whole styles of 

canned pears that possess a reasonably good color and pieces or

irregular pieces style of canned pears that possess at least a reasonably

good color may be given a score of 16 or 17 points. Pieces or irregular

pieces and shapes of canned pears that fall into this classification shall not

be graded above U.S. Grade B, regardless of the total score for the

product (this is a partial limiting rule). Reasonably good color means that: 

(1) The units of pears individually and collectively possess a

reasonably characteristic and reasonably uniform typical color of

properly prepared and properly processed canned pears; 

(2) Any skin pigment on the units may materially affect the overall color

of the units or product; 

(3) Such characteristic color may show a very slight tint of pink or may

be light tan (or beige) color, or may show a lack of uniformity or

may vary in translucency; and 

(4) In halves, quarters, slices, whole, or pieces or irregular pieces

styles not more than 10 percent, by count, of the units may possess

fairly good color including units that may be dead white (or chalky) 

in appearance; or 

(5) One unit of halves, quarters, slices, whole, or pieces or irregular

pieces in a container is permitted to have fairly good color 

including a unit that may be dead white (or chalky) in appearance,

if such unit exceeds the allowance of 10 percent, by count:

Provided, that in all containers comprising the sample such fairly

good color units do not exceed an average of 10 percent of the

total number of units. 

14 
(d) "C" Classification. Halves, quarters, slices, diced, whole, or pieces or

irregular pieces styles of canned pears that possess a fairly good color

may be given a score of 14 or 15 points. Canned pears 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 units of pears individually and collectively may vary noticeably

from a uniform, characteristic color; may be dead white (or chalky) in 

appearance; may have a slight pink or brown cast, but not a definitely pink

or brown color; and are not off-color for any reason. 

(e) "SStd" Classification. Canned pears that fail to meet the requirements

of paragraph (d) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 13 points and

shall not be graded above substandard, regardless of the total score for

the product (this is a limiting rule). 

§52.1621 Uniformity of size and symmetry. 

(a) General. The factor of uniformity of size and symmetry for pieces or 

irregular pieces of canned pears is not based on any detailed

requirements and is not scored; the other three factors (color, absence of

defects, and character as applicable) are scored and the total is multiplied

by 100 and divided by 80, dropping any fractions to determine the total 

score. 

(b) "A" Classification. Halves, quarters, slices, diced or whole canned pears

that are practically uniform in size and symmetry may be given a score of

18 to 20 points. Practically uniform in size and symmetry has the 

following meanings (and as summarized in Table VIII of this subpart), with

respect to the following styles of canned pears: 

(1) Halves; quarters; whole. The units are reasonably symmetrical

and the weight of the largest full-size unit does not exceed the

weight of the smallest full-size unit by more than 50 percent; the

weight of each half is not less than three-fifths ounce; and the

weight of each quarter is not less than three-tenths ounce. 

(2) Slices. Not more than 10 percent, by count, of the units vary

noticeably from the uniform shape of slices. 

(3) Diced. The units are fairly symmetrical and not more than 10

percent, by weight, of the units may be of such size as to pass

through 5/16-inch square openings. 

15 
(c) "B" Classification. Halves, quarters, slices, diced, or whole canned pears

that are reasonably uniform in size and symmetry may be given a score

of 16 or 17 points. Reasonably uniform in size and symmetry has the 

following meanings (and as summarized in Table VIII of this subpart), with

respect to the following styles of canned pears: 

(1) Halves; quarters; whole. The units may vary in symmetry and the

weight of the largest full-size unit does not exceed the weight of the

smallest full-size unit by more than 75 percent; the weight of each

half is not less than three-fifths ounce; and the weight of each

quarter is not less than three-tenths ounce. 

(2) Slices. Not more than 15 percent, by count, of the units may vary

noticeably from the uniform shape of slices. 

(3) Diced. The units may vary in symmetry and not more than 15

percent, by weight, of the units may be of such size as to pass

through 5/16-inch square openings. 

(d) "C" Classification. Halves, quarters, slices, diced, or whole canned pears

that are fairly uniform in size and symmetry may be given a score of 14 or

15 points. Fairly uniform in size and symmetry has the following

meanings (and as summarized in Table VIII of this subpart) with respect

to the following styles of canned pears: 

(1) Halves; quarters; whole. The units may vary in symmetry and the

weight of the largest full-size unit may be not more than twice the

weight of the smallest full-size unit; the weight of each half is not

less than three-fifths ounce; and the weight of each quarter is not

less than three-tenths ounce. 

(2) Slices. Any amount of the units may vary noticeably from the

uniform shape of slices. 

(3) Diced. The units may vary in symmetry and not more than 20

percent, by weight, of the units may be of such size as to pass

through 5/16-inch square openings. 

(e) "SStd" Classification. Canned pears of the applicable styles which fail to

meet paragraph (d) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 13 points

and shall not be graded above the following stated grade, regardless of

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

16 
(1) Halves, quarters, or whole canned pears in which the weight of the

largest full-size unit is more than twice the weight of the smallest

full-size unit shall not be graded above Substandard, and are also

Below Standard in Quality - Mixed Sizes. 

(2) Halves of canned pears in which the weight of any half is less than

three-fifths ounce shall not be graded above Substandard and are

also Below Standard in Quality - Small Halves. 

(3) Quarters of canned pears in which the weight of any quarter is less

than three-tenths ounce shall not be graded above Substandard

and are also Below Standard in Quality - Small Quarters. 

(4) Slices and diced canned pears shall not be graded above

Substandard. 

TABLE VIII 

UNIFORMITY OF SIZE AND SYMMETRY REQUIREMENTS FOR CANNED PEARS 

Styles and criteria "A" Classification "B" Classification "C" Classification 

Halves; Quarters; Whole 

Symmetry of units Reasonably

symmetrical 

May vary May vary 

Weight Variation

(smallest vs. largest

unit) 

50 percent maximum 75 percent maximum 100 percent maximum 

Weight of individual unit

Halves 

Quarters 

3/5 oz. minimum

3/10 oz. minimum 

3/5 oz. minimum

3/10 oz. minimum 

3/5 oz. minimum

3/10 oz. minimum 

Slices 

Variation from uniform 

shape 

10 percent, by count,

may vary noticeably 

15 percent, by count,

may vary noticeably 

Any amount may vary

noticeably 

Diced 

Variation in symmetry Fairly symmetrical May vary May vary 

Size that pass through

5/16 in. square

openings. 

10 percent, by weight,

maximum 

15 percent, by weight,

maximum 

20 percent, by weight,

maximum 

17 
§52.1622 Absence of defects. 

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

from harmless extraneous vegetable material; from peel; from external

stems; from interior stems, seeds, core material or portions thereof; from

blemished units; from improperly, insufficiently, or unevenly trimmed units

for the applicable style; and from any other defects or defective units

which detract from the appearance or edibility of the product. 

(b) Definitions of defects and defective units. 

(1) Interior stem means an interior stem or portion of an interior stem

of any length that is definitely fibrous, tough, or woody which affects

the edibility of the unit. 

(2) Loose seed means any pear seed, or the equivalent in pieces of

one seed, not included in core material. 

(3) A unit of core material means portions of a seed cell cavity or of a

loose core, with or without seeds, aggregating approximately

one-half of a pear core. Core material in whole-peeled uncored

style is not considered a defect. 

(4) Minor blemishes on a unit include: 

(i) Light brown areas, aggregating the area of a circle

one-fourth inch or less in diameter, which significantly affect

the appearance of the unit; 

(ii) Definitely corky or hard spots (corns) on outer surfaces,

aggregating the area of a circle one-half inch in diameter or

less, which are not accompanied by material discoloration; 

(iii) Any similar surface defect that no more than materially

affects the appearance of the unit. 

(5) Blemishes on a unit include: 

(i) Scab, hail injury, discoloration (abnormal), or other 

abnormality, aggregating the area of a circle more than

one-fourth inch in diameter; 

18 
(ii) Dark brown areas, aggregating the area of a circle

one-fourth inch or less in diameter, which materially affect

the appearance of the unit; 

(iii) Definitely corky or hard spots (corns) on outer surfaces,

aggregating the area of a circle more than one-half inch in

diameter, which are not accompanied by material 

discoloration; and 

(iv) Any dark brown, black, or other very dark spots, regardless

of the area, which materially affect the appearance or

edibility of the unit. 

(6) Moderately trimmed in the style of halves means that the unit: 

(i) Is noticeably trimmed but retains the resemblance of a

normal shape for the unit; and/or 

(ii) Has gouges or similar cuts, indentations, or knife marks on

the backs, edges, or surfaces that no more than materially

affect the appearance of the unit; and/or 

(iii) Shows marks of double stemming; and/or 

(iv) Possesses moderate trimming on the face; and/or 

(v) Is deeply or nonsymmetrically cored and stemmed. 

(7) Moderately trimmed in the style of quarters, or whole means that

the unit: 

(i) Is noticeably trimmed but retains the resemblance of a

normal shape for the unit; and/or 

(ii) Has gouges or similar cuts, indentations, or knife marks on

the edges or surfaces that no more than materially affect the

appearance of the unit. 

(8) Seriously trimmed in the style of halves means that the unit: 

(i) Is more than moderately trimmed; and/or 

(ii) Is so trimmed (including gouges on the backs, edges, or

surfaces) that the appearance is seriously affected but the

unit retains a reasonably normal shape; and/or 

19 
(iii) Is so trimmed that parts of the calyx have not been removed

so that the appearance is seriously affected. 

(9) Seriously trimmed in the style of quarters or whole means that the

unit: 

(i) Is more than moderately trimmed; and/or 

(ii) Is so trimmed (including gouges on the edges or surfaces)

that the appearance is seriously affected but the unit retains

a reasonably normal shape. 

(10) Crushed means that the unit in the styles of halves, quarters,

slices, or whole: 

(i) Has lost its normal shape; and/or 

(ii) Bears marks of crushing; and/or 

(iii) Is crushed otherwise but not due to ripeness. 

(11) Broken means that the unit in the styles of halves, quarters, slices,

or whole: 

(i) Is severed into definite parts; but halves which are slightly

split from the edge to the core cavity or at the stem end are 

not broken; 

(ii) Portions equivalent to a full-size unit are considered as one 

unit in determining the percentage by count. 

(12) Other defects or other defective units include: 

(i) Any not specifically defined or mentioned (such as, but not

limited to, a unit in halves style which is only partially cored)

which materially affect the appearance or edibility of the unit; 

(ii) Any not specifically defined or mentioned (such as, but not

limited to, a unit in halves style which is not completely

cored) which seriously affect the appearance or edibility of

the unit. 

20 
(c) Explanation of terms. For the purposes of Table IX of this subpart: 

(1) 1 unit without further qualification means that an alternative

allowance of one unit affected as described is permitted in a

container when the percentage allowance by count would be

exceeded by the one unit. 

(2) One unit (avg) means that an allowance of one unit affected as 

described is permitted in a container when the percentage

allowance by count would be exceeded by the one unit: Provided,

that in all containers comprising the sample such units affected as

described do not exceed the allowance on an average based on the

total number of units in the sample. 

(3) Ounces means avoirdupois weight based on total contents. 

(4) Average (or the abbreviation Avg) with respect to the requirements

of this section means the average as ascertained from all sample

units. 

(d) "A" Classification. Halves, quarters, slices, diced, whole styles of

canned pears that are practically free from defects may be given a score

of 27 to 30 points. Practically free from defects means that the canned 

pears are practically free from any defects whether or not specifically

mentioned that may affect the appearance or edibility of the product no

more than slightly; and, in addition, the canned pears meet the

requirements of Table IX for the applicable style. 

(e) "B" Classification. Halves, quarters, slices, diced, or whole styles or

canned pears that are reasonably free from defects and pieces or irregular

pieces style of canned pears that are at least reasonably free from defects

may be given a score of 24 to 26 points. Canned pears that fall into this

classification shall not be graded above U.S. Grade B, regardless of the

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

defects means that the canned pears are reasonably free from any

defects whether or not specifically mentioned that materially affect the

appearance or edibility of the product; and, in addition, the canned pears

meet the requirements of Table IX for the applicable style. 

(f) "C" Classification. Halves, quarters, slices, diced, whole, or pieces or

irregular pieces styles of canned pears that are fairly free from defects

may be given a score of 21 to 23 points. Canned pears 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

means that the canned pears are fairly free from any defects whether or

not specifically mentioned that seriously affect the appearance or edibility

of the product; and, in addition, the canned pears meet the requirements

of Table IX for the applicable style. 

21 
(g) "SStd" Classification. Canned pears which fail to meet the requirements

of paragraph (f) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 20 points and

shall not be graded above the following stated grades, as applicable,

regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule): 

(1) Halves, quarters, whole canned pears shall not be graded above

Substandard and may also be Below Standard in Quality for the 

applicable reasons: 

(i) Not well peeled. 

(ii) Partly crushed or broken. 

(iii) Unevenly trimmed. 

(iv) Blemished. 

(2) Sliced, diced, pieces or irregular pieces canned pears shall not be

graded above Substandard and may also be Below Standard in 

Quality for the applicable reasons: 

(i) Not well peeled. 

(ii) Blemished. 

22 
TABLE IX 

MAXIMUM ALLOWANCES FOR DEFECTIVE UNITS IN CANNED PEARS 

All styles except as

otherwise stated Grade A Grade B Grade C 

Peel 1/4 sq. in. per 16 oz.

(average) 

1/2 sq. in. per 16 oz.

(average) 

1 sq. in. per 16 oz.

(average) 

External stems 1/ 1 per 100 oz. 1 per 100 oz. 1 per 100 oz. 

Internal stems 1 per 60 oz. 1 per 30 oz. 1 per 15 oz. 

Units of core material 

2/ 

1 per 60 oz. 1 per 30 oz. 1 per 15 oz. 

Loose seeds 1 per 30 oz.

(average) 

1 per 15 oz.

(average) 

1 per 10 oz.

(average) 

Broken or crushed 3/ 5 percent, by count,

or 1 unit 

10 percent, by count,

or 1 unit 

10 percent, by count,

or 1 unit 

Seriously trimmed 4/ None None 10 percent, by count,

or 1 unit 

Moderately trimmed 4/ Total: 10 percent by 

count 

Total: 20 percent by 

count 

No limit for moderately

trimmed 

Minor blemishes; and 

blemished (combined). 

" " " " " " 

With further limitations of --

Minor blemishes; and 

blemished 

10 percent, by count,

but no more than 5 

percent, by count,

blemished or 1 unit 

(average) 

20 percent, by count,

but no more than 10 

percent, by count,

blemished or 1 unit 

(average) 

Total: 30 percent, by

count, but no more 

than 20 percent, by

count, blemished or 1 

unit (average) 

1/ Does not apply to style of: Whole uncored with stems.

2/ Does not apply to style of: Whole uncored.

3/ Does not apply to style of: Diced or mixed pieces.

4/ Does not apply to style of: Sliced, diced, pieces or irregular pieces. 

§52.1623 Character. 

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

texture, and tenderness of the product. 

(b) "A" Classification. Halves, quarters, slices, diced, or whole canned pears

that possess a good character may be given a score of 27 to 30 points.

Good character has the following meanings with respect to the various

styles of canned pears: 

23 
(1) Halves; quarters. The units possess a texture typical of properly

and uniformly ripened pears that are properly processed; the

texture is fleshy and free from noticeable graininess or toughness;

the units are tender; the units are uniformly intact and pliable but

firm enough to possess well-defined edges with no visible breaking

down of the flesh; and not more than 10 percent, by count, of the

units may possess a reasonably good character. One unit in a 

container is permitted to have a reasonably good character if one

unit exceeds the allowance of 10 percent, by count: Provided, that 

in all containers comprising the sample, the units with reasonably

good character do not exceed an average of 10 percent, by count,

of the total number of units. 

(2) Whole. The units possess a texture typical of properly and

uniformly ripened pears that are properly processed; the texture is

fleshy and free from noticeable graininess or toughness; the units

are uniformly intact and firm with no visible breaking down of the

flesh; and not more than 10 percent, by count, of the units may

possess a reasonably good character. One unit in a container is 

permitted to have a reasonably good character if one unit exceeds

the allowance of 10 percent, by count: Provided, that in all 

containers comprising the sample the units with reasonably good

character do not exceed an average of 10 percent, by count, of the

total number of units. 

(3) Slices; diced. The product generally possess a texture typical of

properly and uniformly ripened pears that are properly prepared

and processed and not more than 10 percent, by weight, of the

drained pears may be disintegrated or mushy. 

(c) "B" Classification. Halves, quarters, slices, diced, or whole canned pears

that possess a reasonably good character and pieces or irregular pieces

of canned pears that possess at least a reasonably good character may

be given a score of 24 to 26 points. Canned pears that fall into this

classification shall not be graded above U.S. Grade B, regardless of the

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

character has the following meanings with respect to the following styles

of canned pears: 

24 
 

(1) Halves; quarters; pieces or irregular pieces. The units possess

a texture typical of properly ripened pears that are properly

processed; the units may possess a texture of moderate graininess;

the units are reasonably tender or the tenderness may be variable

within the unit; the units may be slightly firm or slightly ragged with

slightly frayed edges or slightly soft but are not mushy; and not

more than 10 percent, by count, of the units may possess a fairly

good character. One unit in a container is permitted to have a fairly

good character if one unit exceeds the allowance of 10 percent, by 

count: Provided, that in all containers comprising the sample the

units with fairly good character do not exceed an average of 10

percent, by count, of the total number of units. 

(2) Whole. The units possess a texture typical of properly ripened

pears that are properly processed; the units may possess a texture

of moderate graininess; the units are reasonably tender or the

tenderness may be variable within the unit; the units may be slightly

firm or slightly ragged or slightly soft but are not mushy; and not

more than 10 percent, by count, of the units may possess a fairly

good character. One unit in a container is permitted to have a fairly

good character if one unit exceeds the allowance of 10 percent, by 

count: Provided, that in all containers comprising the sample the

units with fairly good character do not exceed an average of 10

percent, by count, of the total number of units. 

(3) Slices, diced. The units are reasonably tender or tenderness may be

variable within the unit. The product generally possesses a texture

typical of properly ripened pears that are properly prepared and

processed and not more than 15 percent, by weight, of the drained

pears may be disintegrated or mushy. 

(d) "C" Classification. Halves, quarters, slices, diced, whole, or pieces or

irregular pieces of canned pears that possess a fairly good character may

be given a score of 21 to 23 points. Canned pears 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 character

has the following meanings with respect to the following styles of canned 

pears: 

(1) Halves; quarters; pieces or irregular pieces. The units possess a

texture of properly processed pears which may be variable; the

units may possess a texture of marked graininess; the units may be

lacking uniformity of tenderness; the units may be markedly firm or

markedly ragged with frayed edges or may be soft; and not more

than 10 percent, by weight, of the drained pears may be mushy or

consist of units with hard-calyx ends or units that are not tender. 

25 
(2) Whole. The units possess a texture of properly processed pears

which may be variable; the units may possess a texture of marked

graininess; the units may be lacking uniformity of tenderness; the

units may be markedly firm or markedly ragged or soft; and not

more than 10 percent, by count, by the units may be mushy or

consist of units with hard-calyx ends or units that are not tender.

One unit in a container is permitted to be mushy or possess

hard-calyx ends or not tender: Provided, that in all containers 

comprising the sample, all of such units do not exceed an average

of 10 percent, by count, of the total number of units. 

(3) Slices, diced. The product generally possesses a texture typical of

properly prepared and processed pears and not more than 20

percent, by weight of the drained pears may be disintegrated or

mushy. 

(e) "SStd" Classification. Halves, quarters, slices, diced, whole, and pieces

or irregular pieces of canned pears that fail to meet the requirements of

paragraph (d) of this section or that are not tender may be given a score

of 0 to 20 points and shall not be graded above substandard, regardless

of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule). Halves, quarters,

slices, diced, whole, or mixed pieces of irregular sizes and shapes of

canned pears that are not tender are also Below Standard in Quality -

Not Tender. 

§52.1624 Ascertaining the grade of a lot. 

The grade of a lot of canned pears 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). 

26 
 

§52.1625 Score sheet. 

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

Container mark or identification ........................................................ Label ............................................................................. Net weight (ounces) ................................................................. 

Vacuum (inches) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Drained weight (ounces) ............................................................. 

Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

( ) Halves ( ) Quarters ( ) Whole

( ) Sliced ( ) Diced ( ) Pieces or Irregular Pieces 1/

Count ............................................................................ Brix measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Sirup designation (extra heavy, heavy, etc.) .............................................. 

Factors Score points 

(A) 18 - 20 

(B) 16 - 17 2/

Color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 (C) 14 - 15 3/

(SStd) 0 - 13 3/ 

(A) 18 - 20 

Uniformity of size and 

symmetry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

20 (B) 16 - 17 

(C) 14 - 15 

(SStd) 0 - 13 3/ 

(A) 27 - 30 

(B) 24 - 26 2/ 3/

Absence of defects . . . . . . . . . . 30 (C) 21 - 23 3/

(SStd) 0 - 20 3/ 

(A) 27 - 30 

(B) 24 - 26 2/ 3/

Character . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 (C) 21 - 23 3/

(SStd) 0 - 20 3/ 

Total score . . . . . . . 100 

Flavor and odor ( ) normal ( ) off ....................................................... 

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

1/ Limited to grade B, or lower. 

2/ Partial limiting rule (pieces or irregular pieces). 

3/ Limiting rule. 

These U.S. Standards for Grades of Canned Pears, as herein amended, shall become 

effective May 12, 1976, and thereupon will supersede the U.S. Standards for Grades

of Canned Pears which have been in effect since June 20, 1973. 

27 
Dated: October 25, 2004 

/s/

A. J. Yates 

Administrator 

Agricultural Marketing Service 

28