United States

Department of

Agriculture

Agricultural

Marketing

Service

Fruit and

Vegetable

Division

Processed

Products

Branch

United States Standards

for Grades of

Frozen Peaches

Effective date July 3, 1961
This is the second issue of the United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Peaches

published in the FEDERAL REGISTER of June 2, 1961 (26 FR 4879) to become effective

July 3, 1961. This issue supersedes the first issue, which has been in effect since June 1,

1946.

Voluntary U.S. grade standards are issued under the authority of the Agricultural

Marketing Act of 1946, which provides for the development of official U.S. grades to

designate different levels of quality. These grade standards are available for use by

producers, suppliers, buyers, and consumers. As in the case of other standards for grades

of processed fruits and vegetables, these standards are designed to facilitate orderly

marketing by providing a convenient basis for buying and selling, for establishing quality

control programs, and for determining loan values.

The standards also serve as a basis for the inspection and grading of commodities by the

Federal inspection service, the only activity authorized to approve the designation of U.S.

grades as referenced in the standards, as provided under the Agricultural Marketing Act

of 1946. This service, available as on-line (in-plant) or lot inspection and grading of all

processed fruit and vegetable products, is offered to interested parties, upon application,

on a fee-for-service basis. The verification of some specific recommendations,

requirements, or tolerances contained in the standards can be accomplished only by the

use of on-line inspection procedures. In all instances, a grade can be assigned based on

final product factors or characteristics.

In addition to the U.S. grade standards, grading manuals or instructions for inspection of

several processed fruits and vegetables are available upon request for a nominal

fee. These manuals or instructions contain detailed interpretations of the grade standards

and provide step-by-step procedures for grading the product.

Grade standards are issued by the Department after careful consideration of all data and

views submitted, and the Department welcomes suggestions which might aid in improving

the standards in future revisions. Comments may be submitted to, and copies of standards

and grading manuals obtained from:

Chief, Processed Products Branch

Fruit and Vegetable Division, AMS

U.S. Department of Agriculture

P.O. Box 96456, Rm. 0709, So. Bldg.

Washington, D.C. 20090-6456
United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Peaches

Section Page No.

§52.3551 Product description. ........................................ 2

§52.3552 Varietal types of frozen peaches. .............................. 2

§52.3553 Styles of frozen peaches. .................................... 2

§52.3554 Grades of frozen peaches. ................................... 3

§52.3555 Ascertaining the grade of a sample unit. ......................... 3

§52.3556 Ascertaining the rating for the factors which are scored. ............ 4

§52.3557 Color. ................................................... 4

§52.3558 Size and symmetry. ......................................... 5

§52.3559 Defects. .................................................. 8

§52.3560 Character. ............................................... 15

§52.3561 Determination of drained fruit. ................................ 18

§52.3562 Ascertaining the grade of a lot. ............................... 19

§52.3563 Score sheet for frozen peaches. .............................. 20

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.
2

§52.3551 Product description.

Frozen peaches are prepared from sound, mature, fresh peaches which are peeled, pitted,

washed, cut, and may be trimmed to assure a clean and wholesome product. The peaches

are properly drained of excess water before filling into containers; may be packed with the

addition of a nutritive sweetening ingredient(s), including syrup and/or syrup containing

pureed peaches and any other ingredient(s) permissible under the provisions of the

Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; are prepared and frozen in accordance with good

commercial practice; and are maintained at temperatures necessary for the preservation

of the product.

§52.3552 Varietal types of frozen peaches.

(a) Yellow freestone. Freestone peaches of the yellow-fleshed varieties which

may have orange or red pigments emanating from the pit cavity;

(b) White freestone. Freestone peaches that are predominately white fleshed;

(c) Red freestone. Freestone peaches that have substantial red coloring in the

flesh; 

(d) Yellow clingstone. Clingstone peaches of the yellow or orange-fleshed

varieties.

§52.3553 Styles of frozen peaches.

(a) Halved or halves means the peaches are cut approximately in half along the

suture from stem to apex.

(b) Quartered or quarters means halved peaches cut into two approximately

equal parts.

(c) Sliced or slices means the peaches are cut into sectors smaller than

quarters.

(d) Diced means the peaches are cut into approximate cube-shaped units.

(e) Mixed pieces of irregular sizes and shapes means peaches cut or broken

into pieces of irregular sizes and shapes and which do not conform to a

single style of halves, quarters, or slices.
3

§52.3554 Grades of frozen peaches.

(a) U.S. Grade A or U.S. Fancy is the quality of frozen peaches that (1) possess

similar varietal characteristics, (2) have a normal flavor, (3) have a good

color, (4) are practically uniform or reasonably uniform in size and symmetry

for the applicable style, (5) are practically free from defects, (6) possess a

good character within one of the following categories: I, soft-ripe fruit or II,

firm-ripe fruit, and (7) score not less than 90 points when scored in

accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.

(b) U.S. Grade B or U.S. Choice is the quality of frozen peaches that (1)

possess similar varietal characteristics, (2) have a normal flavor, (3) have a

reasonably good color, (4) are reasonably uniform, or fairly uniform, in size

and symmetry for the applicable style, (5) are reasonably free from defects,

(6) possess a reasonably good character within one of the following

categories: I, soft-ripe fruit or II, firm-ripe fruit, and (7) score not less than 80

points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this

subpart.

(c) U.S. Grade C or U.S. Standard is the quality of frozen peaches that (1)

possess similar varietal characteristics, (2) have a normal flavor, (3) have a

fairly good color, (4) are fairly uniform in size and symmetry for the

applicable style, (5) are fairly free from defects, (6) possess a fairly good

character within one of the following categories: I, soft-ripe fruit, II, firm-ripe

fruit, or III, mixed soft-ripe and firm-ripe fruit, and (7) score not less than 70

points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this

subpart.

(d) Substandard is the quality of frozen peaches that fail to meet the

requirements of U.S. Grade C.

§52.3555 Ascertaining the grade of a sample unit.

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

standard, the following quality factors are evaluated:

(1) Factors not rated by score points.

(i) Varietal characteristics;

(ii) Flavor.

(2) Factors rated by score points.
4

(i) 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:

Factors Points

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

Size and symmetry ...........

Defects ....................

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

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

20

20

30

 30

100

(ii) Quality factors are evaluated immediately after thawing to the

extent that the product is substantially free from ice crystals

and can be handled as individual units.

(b) Definitions of normal flavor. Normal flavor means that the frozen peaches

are free from objectionable flavors and objectionable odors of any kind.

§52.3556 Ascertaining the rating for the factors which are scored.

The essential variation within each factor which is scored are so described that the value

may be ascertained for such factors 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.)

§52.3557 Color.

(a) General. The score for the factor of color is evaluated by considering the

overall color of the units. Abnormal discoloration near or part of the pit cavity

shall be considered in the evaluation of the overall color of the unit.

(b) "A" classification. Frozen peaches that possess a good color may be given

a score of 18 to 20 points. Good color means that the frozen peaches

possess a color that is bright, reasonably uniform, and typical of reasonably

well-ripened to well-ripened peaches of the type and variety which have

been properly prepare and properly processed; that not more than 10

percent, by weight, of the drained thawed peaches may possess no more

than a slight tinge of green or slight tinge of brown color due to oxidation,

improper processing, or other causes, and none may possess a pronounced

green or brown color.
5

(c) "B" classification. Frozen peaches that possess a reasonably good color

may be given a score of 16 or 17 points. Frozen peaches 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 color means

that the frozen peaches possess a color that is reasonably bright, fairly

uniform, and typical of reasonably well-ripened peaches of the type and

variety which have been properly prepared and properly processed; that not

more than a total of 20 percent by weight of the drained thawed peaches may

be affected by green or brown color of which not more than 5 percent, by

weight, of the drained thawed peaches may have a pronounced green or a

pronounced brown color and the remainder of this allowance (20 percent)

may have no more than a slight tinge of green or of brown color: Provided,

that any such peaches do not materially affect the appearance of the

product.

(d) "C" classification. Frozen peaches that possess a fairly good color may be

given a score of 14 or 15 points. Frozen peaches 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 frozen peaches vary in color typical of fairly well-ripened peaches of the

type and variety, including units that may possess slight tinges of green or

brown color; and that not more than 15 percent, by weight, of the drained

thawed peaches may be materially affected by brown color due to oxidation,

improper processing, or other causes or may possess a pronounced green

color: Provided, that any of such units individually or collectively do not

seriously affect the appearance of the product.

(e) "SStd" classification. Frozen peaches 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).

§52.3558 Size and symmetry.

(a) General. The factor of size and symmetry refers to the uniformity of size and

to the symmetry of the units of peaches in halved, quartered, and slices

styles. This factor does not apply to the diced style or that of mixed pieces

of irregular sizes and shapes; the total score for either of these styles is

determined by multiplying the sum of the scores assigned for color, defects,

and character by 100 and dividing by 80, dropping any fractions.

(b) Off-suture cut. Off-suture cut means a halved or quartered peach unit

which has been cut at a distance from the suture greater than 3/8 inch at the

widest measurement from the suture.
6

(c) Partially detached or detached piece. A partially detached or detached

piece in the style of halves means a unit which has the appearance of a slice

resulting from an off-suture cut or from improper cutting and which may or

may not be attached to the half from which cut. In determining the applicable

allowance in terms of percentage by count, a partially detached piece

together with the half to which it is partially attached is considered as one

unit or a detached piece with the half from which detached or together with

any other half is considered as one unit.

(d) Partial or broken slice. A partial or broken slice is a unit that has had the

semblance of a slice with respect to thickness and shape but is less than

three-fourths of an apparent full slice or that is seriously cracked, crushed,

broken or severed into a definite parts.

(e) Sliver. A sliver is the sector that (1) is substantially smaller than the

predominant size of slice or that (2) weighs three grams or less.

(f) Slab. A slab in the style of slices is a portion of a unit which does not

conform to the shape of a definite slice due to improper cutting.

(g) Broken halves or quarters. Broken halves or quarters means peach

halves or quarters that are seriously cracked or severed into definite parts.

Portions equivalent to the weight of an average full-sized unit may be

considered as one-half (or quarter) in determining the percentage, by count.

(h) "A" classification. Halved, quartered, or sliced frozen peaches 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 with respect to the following styles:

(1) Halves; quarters. In a 32-ounce sample unit of thawed drained

peaches, or entire contents of smaller package, the weight of the

largest normal-shaped unit does not exceed the weight of the smallest

normal-shaped unit by more than 75 percent; and that not more than

10 percent, by count, of the units may possess off-suture cuts or

partially detached or detached pieces, or broken halves or quarters,

or any combination thereof.

(2) Slices.

(i) Not more than 10 percent, by weight, of the thawed drained

peaches may consist of partial or broken slices, slivers,

disintegrating fragments or other than practically intact slices

and slabs;
7

(ii) Not more than 5 percent, by weight, of the thawed drained

peaches may be slabs; and

(iii) The variation in size of the practically intact slices does not

materially affect the appearance of the product.

(i) "B" classification. Halved, quartered, or sliced frozen peaches 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 with respect to the following styles:

(1) Halves; quarters. In a 32-ounce sample unit of thawed drained

peaches, or entire contents of smaller package, the weight of the

largest normal-shaped unit does not exceed the weight of the smallest

normal-shaped unit by more than 100 percent; and that not more than

20 percent, by count, of the units may possess off-suture cuts or

partially detached or detached pieces, or broken halves or quarters,

or any combination thereof.

(2) Slices.

(i) Not more than 20 percent, by weight, of the thawed drained

peaches may consist of partial or broken slices, slivers,

disintegrating fragments or other than practically intact slices

and slabs;

(ii) Not more than 10 percent, by weight, of the thawed drained

peaches may be slabs;

(iii) The variation in size of the practically intact slices does not

seriously affect the appearance of the product.

(j) "C" classification. Halved, quartered, or sliced frozen peaches that are

fairly uniform in size and symmetry may be given a score of 14 or 15 points.

Frozen peaches that fall into this classification shall not be graded above

U.S. Grade B (this is a partial limiting rule). Fairly uniform in size and

symmetry has the following meanings with respect to the following styles:

(1) Halves; quarters. Not more than 40 percent, by count, of the units

may possess off-suture cuts or partially detached or detached pieces,

or broken halves or quarters, or any combination thereof.
8

(2) Slices. Not more than a total of 25 percent, by weight, of the thawed

drained peaches may consist of partial or broken slices, slivers,

disintegrating fragments or slabs: Provided, that not more than 15

percent, by weight, of such thawed drained peaches may consist of

slabs.

(k) "SStd" classification. Frozen peaches that fail to meet the requirements

of paragraph (j) 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).

§52.3559 Defects.

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

extraneous material, pit material, peel, blemished, and from any other

defects not specifically mentioned (such as, but not limited to, very light

bruises) that detract from the appearance or edibility of the product.

(1) Harmless extraneous materials. Harmless extraneous materials

means harmless vegetable materials such as leaves and stems an

portions thereof.

(2) Blemished unit. Blemished unit means a unit affected by

discoloration, bruise, scab, hail or other abnormality of such nature

that the appearance or eating quality of the unit is materially affected;

if the appearance or eating quality is seriously affected the unit is

designated as a seriously blemished unit.

(b) "A" classification. Frozen peaches that are practically free from defects

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

means:

(1) That the frozen peaches are practically free from pit material, from

harmless extraneous material, and from any defects not specifically

mentioned that affect the appearance or edibility of the product;
9

(2) In addition, any peel, blemished units or seriously blemished units

present do not exceed the allowances specified in Table I for the

thawed drained peaches in the individual package or other sample

unit, and the average allowance for the entire sample. (Although the

maximum permitted in the individual sample unit may be as much as

twice that of the average allowances, compliance of the entire sample

with the average allowance is a prerequisite to scoring the sample

unit within this classification for the factor of Defects); and

(3) Notwithstanding the allowances in Table I of this paragraph, the

defects that may be present do not more than slightly affect the

appearance or edibility of the product.
10

Table I

"A" Classification-maximum allowances for peel, blemished units, and seriously blemished units.

Style Defect

Based on thawed drained peaches in individual package or other sample unit(s).

Individual Individual containers or Sample units with Average for entire

containers with 16 sample units with more more than 32 ounces sample

ounces or less than 16 ounces to 32

ounces inclusive

Halves and

quarters.

Peel 1 square inch 2 square inches 1 square inch per 32 1 square inch per

ounces. 32 ounces. 

Blemished units 1 unit 2 units: including 1 per 32 ounces 1 per 32 ounces.

or no more than... and and

Seriously 1 serious 1 serious 1 per 64 ounces 1 per 64 ounces.

blemished units.

Sliced; diced and ounces. 32 ounces. 

mixed pieces of

irregular sizes and

shapes.

Peel 1 square inch 2 square inches 1 square inch per 32 1 square inch per

Blemished units 2 units: including 4 units: including 2 per 32 ounces 2 per 32 ounces.

no more than... no more than... and and

Seriously 1 serious 2 serious 1 per 32 ounces 1 per 32 ounces.

blemished units.
11

(c) "B" classification. Frozen peaches that are reasonably free from defects

may be given a score of 24 to 26 points. Frozen peaches 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:

(1) That the frozen peaches are practically free from pit material; are

reasonably free from harmless extraneous material and from any

defects not specifically mentioned that affect the appearance or

edibility of the product;

(2) In addition, any peel, blemished units, and seriously blemished units

present do not exceed the allowances specified in Table II for the

thawed drained peaches in the individual package or other sample

unit, and the average allowance for the entire sample. (Although the

maximum permitted in the individual sample unit may be as much as

twice that of the average allowance, compliance of the entire sample

with the average allowance is a prerequisite to scoring the sample

unit within this classification for the factor of Defects); and

(3) Notwithstanding the allowances in Table II of this paragraph, the

defects that may be present do not materially affect the appearance

or edibility of the product.
12

Table II

"B" Classification-maximum allowances for peel, blemished units, and seriously blemished units.

Style Defect

Based on thawed drained peaches in individual package or other sample unit(s).

Individual Individual containers or Sample units with Average for entire

containers with 16 sample units with more more than 32 sample

ounces or less than 16 ounces to 32 ounces

ounces inclusive

Halves and

quarters.

Peel 1-1/2 square inches 3 square inches 1-1/2 square inches 1-1/2 square inches

per 32 ounces. per 32 ounces.

Blemished units 2 units: including no 4 units: including 2 per 32 ounces. 2 per 32 ounces.

more than... no more than... and and

Seriously 1 serious 2 serious 1 per 32 ounces. 1 per 32 ounces.

blemished units.

Sliced; diced and per 32 ounces. per 32 ounces.

mixed pieces of

irregular sizes and

shapes.

Peel 1-1/2 square inches 3 square inches 1-1/2 square inches 1-1/2 square inches

Blemished units 4 units: including no 8 units: including 4 per 32 ounces. 4 per 32 ounces.

more than... no more than... and and

Seriously 2 serious 4 serious 2 per 32 ounces 2 per 32 ounces.

blemished units.
13

(d) "C" classification. Frozen peaches that are fairly free form defects may be

given a score of 21 to 23 points. Frozen peaches 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:

(1) That the frozen peaches are practically free from pit material; are

fairly free from harmless extraneous material and from any defects not

specifically mentioned that affect the appearance or edibility of the

product;

(2) In addition, any peel, blemished units, and seriously blemished units

present do not exceed the allowances specified in Table III for the

thawed drained peaches in the individual package or other sample

unit, and the average allowances for the entire sample. (Although the

maximum permitted in the individual sample unit may be as much as

twice that of the average allowance, compliance of the entire sample

with the average allowance is a prerequisite for scoring the sample

unit within this classification for the factor of Defects); and

(3) Notwithstanding the allowances of Table III of this paragraph, the

defects that may be present do not seriously affect the appearance or

edibility of the product.
14

Table III

"C" Classification-maximum allowances for peel, blemished units, and seriously blemished units.

Style Defect

Based on thawed drained peaches in individual package or other sample unit(s).

Individual Individual containers or Sample units with Average for entire

containers with 16 sample units with more more than 32 ounces sample

ounces or less than 16 ounces to 32

ounces inclusive

Halves and

quarters.

Peel 2 square inches 4 square inches 2 square inches per 2 square inches

32 ounces. per 32 ounces. 

Blemished units 4 units: including 8 units: including 4 per 32 ounces. 4 per 32 ounces.

no more than... no more than... and and

Seriously 2 serious 4 serious 2 per 32 ounces 2 per 32 ounces.

blemished units.

Sliced; diced and 32 ounces. per 32 ounces. 

mixed pieces of

irregular sizes and

shapes.

Peel 2 square inches 4 square inches 2 square inches per 2 square inches

Blemished units 8 units: including 16 units: including 8 per 32 ounces. 8 per 32 ounces.

no more than... no more than... and and

Seriously 4 serious 6 serious 3 per 32 ounces 3 per 32 ounces.

blemished units.
15

(e) "SStd" classification. Frozen peaches that fail to meet the requirements

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

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

product (this is a limiting rule).

§52.3560 Character.

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

texture, the firmness, and the tenderness of the fruit, and the tendency of the

units to retain their apparent conformation and size without material

disintegration.

(b) "A" classification. Frozen peaches that possess a good character may be

given a score of 27 to 30 points. Good character means that the units

possess a tender texture characteristic of mature well-ripened peaches for

the varietal type, and which units after defrosting and proper handling retain

good conformation, and are reasonably uniform in texture within either of the

following categories:

(I) I-Soft-ripe fruit. Units vary from soft to slightly firm, with not more

than a total of 10 percent, by weight, of thawed drained peaches in

which the units may be very soft, mushy, firm, and rubbery or tough

within the following further limitations:

(i) Not more than 5 percent, by weight, of thawed drained

peaches may be mushy; and

(ii) Not more than 2 percent, by weight, of thawed drained

peaches may be rubbery or tough, and none may be hard.

(2) II-Firm-ripe fruit. Units vary from slightly firm to firm, with not more

than a total of 10 percent, by weight, of thawed drained peaches in

which the units may be soft, very soft, and rubbery or tough within the

following further limitations:

(i) Not more than 2 percent, by weight, of thawed drained

peaches may be very soft; and

(ii) Not more than 5 percent, by weight, of thawed drained

peaches may be rubbery or tough, and none may be hard.
16

(c) "B" classification. Frozen peaches that possess a reasonably good

character may be given a score of 24 to 26 points. Frozen peaches 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 means that the units possess a reasonably tender texture

characteristic of mature and at least reasonably well-ripened peaches for the

varietal type, and which units, after defrosting and proper handling retain

reasonably good conformation and are fairly uniform in texture within either

of the following categories:

(I) I-Soft-ripe fruit. Units vary from soft to slightly firm, with not more

than a total of 20 percent, by weight, of thawed drained peaches in

which the units may be very soft, mushy, firm, and rubbery or tough

within the following further limitations:

(i) Not more than 10 percent, by weight, of thawed drained

peaches may be mushy; and

(ii) Not more than 5 percent, by weight, of thawed drained

peaches may be rubbery or tough, and none may be hard.

(2) II-Firm-ripe fruit. Units vary from slightly firm to firm, with not more

than a total of 20 percent, by weight, of thawed drained peaches in

which the units may be mushy soft, very soft, and rubbery or tough

within the following further limitations:

(i) Not more than 5 percent, by weight, of thawed drained

peaches may be mushy; and

(ii) Not more than 10 percent, by weight, of thawed drained

peaches may be rubbery or tough; and 

(iii) Not more than 5 percent, by weight of the thawed drained

peaches may be hard.

(d) "C" classification. Frozen peaches that possess a fairly good character

may be given a score of 21 to 23 points. Frozen peaches 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 means

that the units possess a fairly tender texture characteristic of mature and

fairly well-ripened peaches for the varietal type, and which units, after

defrosting and proper handling retain fairly good conformation but may be

variable in texture within any one of the following categories:
17

(I) I-Soft-ripe fruit. Not less than 50 percent, by weight, of the thawed

drained peaches vary from very soft to firm. The remainder may be

mushy, firm, rubbery or tough, and hard within the following further

limitations:

(i) Not more than 25 percent, by weight, of the thawed drained

peaches may be mushy; and

(ii) Not more than 25 percent, by weight, of thawed drained

peaches may be firm, rubbery or tough, and hard within the

following further limitations:

(a) Not more than 10 percent, by weight, of the thawed

drained peaches may be rubbery or tough; and

(b) Not more than 10 percent, by weight, of the thawed

drained peaches may be hard.

(2) II-Firm-ripe fruit. Not less than 50 percent, by weight, of the thawed

drained peaches vary from slightly firm to firm. The remainder may be

mushy, very soft, soft, rubbery or tough, and hard within the following

further limitations:

(i) Not more than 25 percent, by weight, of thawed drained

peaches may be rubbery or tough an/or hard except that not

more than 20 percent, by weight, of the thawed drained

peaches may be hard; and

(ii) Not more than 25 percent, by weight, of thawed drained

peaches may be mushy, very soft, and soft within the following

further limitations:

(a) Not more than 10 percent, by weight, of the thawed

drained peaches may be mushy.

(3) III-Mixed soft-ripe and firm-ripe fruit. Not less than 50 percent, by

weight, of the thawed drained peaches vary from very soft to firm.

The remainder may be mushy, tough or rubbery, and hard within the

following further limitations:

(i) Not more than 25 percent, by weight, of the thawed drained

peaches may be mushy; and
18

(ii) Not more than 25 percent, by weight, of the thawed drained

peaches may be rubbery or tough, and hard except that not

more than 20 percent of the thawed, drained peaches may be

hard.

(e) "SStd" classification. Frozen peaches that fail to meet the requirements

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

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

product (this is a limiting rule).

§52.3561 Determination of drained fruit.

The weight of thawed drained peaches in a sample unit is determined as follows:

(a) Equipment.

Flat grading trays.

Table fork, spoon, spatula.

Glass beakers.

Torsion or triple beam balance.

(b) Procedure.

(1) If the sample unit is 16 ounces or less in total contents, use the entire

sample unit. If the sample unit is more than 16 ounces select a

representative aliquot of 16 ounces or more for the determination.

(2) Weigh and carefully place the weighed thawed sample unit on the

tray. Raise one end of the tray slightly and arrange material, if

necessary, so any adhering packing media will drain to the other end

of the tray away from the peach material. The solid and semi-solid

peach material on the upper end of the tray is the thawed drained

peaches referred to in these standards.

(3) At the end of one minute remove the liquid material drained from the

fruit with a siphon, basting syringe or other suitable method and

weigh.

(4) For purposes of calculation the weight of the thawed drained peaches

is the weight of the product which was placed on the tray less the

weight of the liquid removed.
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(5) Percentage by weight of the various categories scorable against the

factors of color, size and symmetry, defects, and character are

determined by separating the material being considered from the rest

by carefully removing with a fork, spoon, or spatula and weighing

separately.

(6) Divide each such weight by the total weight as obtained in

subparagraph (3) of this paragraph to obtain the percentage, by

weight, of drained thawed peaches in each category.

§52.3562 Ascertaining the grade of a lot.

The grade of a lot of frozen peaches covered by these standards is determined by the

procedures set forth in the Regulations Governing Inspection and Certification of

Processed Fruits and Vegetables, Processed Products Thereof, and Certain Other

Processed Food Products (7 CFR 52.1 to 52.83).
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§52.3563 Score sheet for frozen peaches.

Number, size and kind of container ......................................

 Containers or sample ........

Container marks or identification 9

 

 Cases ....................

Label (styles, varietal type, added ingredients; fruit to sugar, etc., ratio (if shown)) .

Net weight (ounces) ..................................................

Type ..............................................................

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

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

Factors Score Points

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

Size and symmetry ................

Defects .........................

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

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

20 "B" 16-17 _1/

20 "B" 16-17

30 "B" 24-26 _1/

30 "B" 24-26 _1/

 "C" 21-23 _1/

100

"A" 18-20

"C" 14-15 _1/

"SStd" 0-13 _1/

"A" 18-20

"C" 14-15 _2/

"SStd" 0-13 _1/

"A" 27-30

"C" 21-23 _1/

"SStd" 0-20 _1/

"A" 27-30

"SStd" 0-20 _1/

Varietal characteristic: ( ) Similar; ( ) Dissimilar.

Flavor ( ) Normal; ( ) Not normal.

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

_1/ Indicates limiting rule.

_2/ Indicates partial limiting rule.
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Effective time and supersedure. The United States Standards for Grades of Frozen

Peaches (which is the second issue) contained in this subpart shall become effective 30

days after the date of publication hereof in the Federal Register and thereupon will

supersede the United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Peaches which have been

in effect since June 30, 1945, and as amended June 1, 1946.

Dated: May 29, 1961.

Roy W. Lennartson,

Deputy Administrator,

Marketing Services.

Published in the Federal Register of June 2, 1961 (26 F.R. 4879)