United States 

Department of 

Agriculture

Agricultural 

Marketing Service

Fruit and Vegetable 

Programs

Fresh Products 

Branch

Muscadine (Vitis 

Rotundifolia) Grapes

Shipping Point and Market 

Inspection Instructions 

June 2006
Shipping Point and Market Inspection 

Instructions for Muscadine (Vitis 

Rotundifolia) Grapes

These inspection instructions are specifically developed by the Fresh Products 

Branch to assist officially licensed inspectors in the interpretation and application of the 

U.S. Standards for Grades of Muscadine (Vitis Rotundifolia) Grapes, Section §51.790.

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

the official grade standards. This publication supersedes any previously issued 

inspection instructions.

Refer to the General Inspection Instructions for additional information pertaining 

to date, inspection point, carrier, condition of carrier, lading, etc. that is not covered in 

this handbook. Reference to “General Inspection Instructions” in all Fresh Products 

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

Inspection Instructions, General Market Inspection Instructions, or Fresh Fruit and 

Vegetable Certificate Writing Handbooks.

Any portion of these instructions beginning with the section number §51. --- And 

followed by bold print are sections or portions of sections copied directly from U.S. 

standards. The U.S. Standards for Grades of Muscadine (Vitis Rotundifolia) Grapes are 

printed in the appendix of this handbook. All U.S. standards are available on the 

Internet under the USDA homepage.

June 2006

This publication may be duplicated without authorization from USDA. 
i

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

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

condition depending on the circumstances. Factors not designated do not pertain to 

either category.

Table Of Contents

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

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

NUMBER OF SAMPLES ......................................................................................... 1

NOTESHEETS AND CERTIFICATES ................................................................. 1

PRODUCT ........................................................................................................... 2

NUMBER/TYPE OF CONTAINERS ........................................................................... 2

BRANDS/MARKINGS ............................................................................................ 2

ORIGIN............................................................................................................... 2

TEMPERATURE OF PRODUCT ......................................................................... 3

CONDITION OF PACK........................................................................................ 3

SIZE OF SAMPLE ................................................................................................. 3

TOLERANCES AND APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES................................... 4

APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES ............................................................................. 4

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

STANDARD PACK.............................................................................................. 5

DEFECTS (QUALITY AND CONDITION)............................................................ 6

CLEANNESS (Q).................................................................................................. 6

COLOR (Q)......................................................................................................... 6

DRIED BERRIES (Q) ............................................................................................ 7

DISCOLORATION (C)............................................................................................ 7

FIRMNESS (C)..................................................................................................... 8

FOREIGN MATERIAL (Q)....................................................................................... 8

INSECTS (Q OR C)............................................................................................... 8

MATURITY (Q) .................................................................................................... 9

MOLDY BERRIES (C) ........................................................................................... 9

MOLDY STEMS (C)........................................................................................... 9

OVERRIPE (C)..................................................................................................... 9

PULLED STEMS (C) ............................................................................................. 9

RUSSETING (Q) ................................................................................................ 10

SCARS/POWDERY MILDEW SCARS (Q) ............................................................... 10
ii

SHRIVELING (C) ................................................................................................ 11

SIMILAR VARIETAL CHARACTERISTICS (Q)........................................................... 11

SKIN BREAKS (C).............................................................................................. 11

SOLUBLE SOLIDS (Q) ........................................................................................ 11

DETERMINING SOLUBLE SOLIDS BY REFRACTOMETER...................................... 12

SPLIT OR CRUSHED BERRIES (C)........................................................................ 13

SPOTTED BERRIES (C) ...................................................................................... 14

WET BERRIES (C)............................................................................................. 14

DECAYED BERRIES (C)...................................................................................... 14

DECAYED STEMS (C)..................................................................................... 14

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

UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR GRADES OF MUSCADINE (VITIS ROTUNDIFOLIA)

GRAPES .......................................................................................................... 15

APPENDIX II NOTESHEET AND CERTIFICATE EXAMPLES........................ 18

NOTESHEET EXAMPLE ....................................................................................... 18

SCORESHEET EXAMPLE..................................................................................... 19

CERTIFICATE EXAMPLE...................................................................................... 20

NOTESHEET EXAMPLE ....................................................................................... 21

SCORESHEET EXAMPLE..................................................................................... 22

CERTIFICATE EXAMPLE...................................................................................... 23
1

GENERAL

Muscadine grapes grow primarily in the Southeastern part of the United States. 

There are many cultivated varieties of muscadine grapes. Perhaps the most well known 

variety is a bronze muscadine called “Scuppernong.” While the Scuppernong name is 

still remembered, this variety is not sold commercially. There are now more than 20 

popular commercial varieties which can be bronze or black in color. Common bronze 

varieties are Carlos, Magnolia, Tara, Triumph, and Fry. Common black varieties are 

Nesbitt, Noble, Black Fry, and Supreme.

The fruit ripens in early August through October and hangs from the grapevine in 

small loose clusters of three to ten berries. Muscadines are harvested and sold as 

individual berries or multiple berries attached by a capstem.

REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLING

The importance of obtaining representative samples cannot be over emphasized. 

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

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

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

parts of a lot or load. Anytime the entire lot requested is not accessible for sampling, 

the inspection and certificate must be restricted to the accessible portion.

Number of Samples

As a general rule a minimum of 1% of the lot must be examined. For lots 

containing less than 300 containers, there shall be a minimum of three samples 

examined, except when the berries are in consumer packages packed in master 

containers, the sample rate shall be doubled to a minimum of six consumer units taken 

from different master containers. For lots containing more than 2000 containers the 

sampling rate shall be 2/3 of 1%.

NOTESHEETS AND CERTIFICATES

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

manner. It is mandatory that all information that appears on the certificate must be 

properly recorded and supported by information on the notesheet. It is the responsibility 

of the inspector to ensure that all notations shall be recorded so that anyone familiar 

with inspection procedures can interpret them and write a certificate. Also remember 

that notesheets and certificates are prima facie evidence and must be able to withstand 

legal scrutiny. 

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

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

General Inspection Instructions. Your supervisor may give you additional information 

and instructions.
2

Product

The common name “Muscadine Grapes” shall be used to describe this 

commodity in the product heading. Type may be reported in conjunction with 

“Muscadine Grapes” or may be reported in the “Product/Variety” section on the shipping 

point inspection certificates or in the “Lot ID” section on market notesheet and 

certificate.

Number/Type of Containers

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

shall always verify the container count provided by the applicant for each lot and report 

it as the “inspector’s count.” If the number of containers available for inspection does 

not match the application it is the inspector’s responsibility to confirm that the amount 

presented for inspection constitutes the lot. If an accurate count cannot be determined 

the inspector may report the count at someone else’s authority. However, the reason 

for doing so must be reported on the notesheet (e.g., numerous pallets with mixed 

product). Muscadine grapes are packed in a variety of containers. Muscadines packed 

loose or in clusters typically come in 18-20 lb cartons. They are also packed in plastic 

hinged consumer units in master containers.

At shipping point locations for "days-run" certification the applicant generally 

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

containers.

Brands/Markings

At shipping point, the brand, size, PLI and other important information appearing 

on the container shall be reported on the notesheet and certificate in the appropriate 

section.

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

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

“Brands/Markings” section. Only the brand name and other key markings necessary to 

properly identify the lot for certification should appear in this section on the certificate.

Origin

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

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

appropriate space on the notesheet and the certificate. If origin is not marked, it is the 

inspector’s responsibility to make an effort to obtain this information from the applicant. 

This policy is necessary because some firms may use one mark on the same product 

packed in several states. The inspector can certify only to the marks and has no means 

of verifying what state or country the muscadines are grown.
3

TEMPERATURE OF PRODUCT

Inspectors would not normally determine or report temperatures at shipping 

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

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

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

temperature should be reported regardless of the location of the product, whether in the 

carrier, warehouse, or stacked on the platform. Remember to precool the thermometer 

in order to obtain true readings. Report all temperatures to the nearest whole degree.

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

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

there is a specific request for temperature. The location in the lot and/or load must be 

specified in greater detail when additional temperatures are taken.

CONDITION OF PACK

The following terms should be used to describe pack:

Excessively filled means the contents exceed the rim of the container by more than 

1/2 inch.

Well filled means the contents are 1/4 to 1/2 inch above the rim of the container.

Fairly well filled means the pack is not ideal, but the containers are at least level full.

Slightly slack means the berries are slightly below the rim of the container.

Slack means the berries are decidedly below the tops of the containers. Report this in 

inches or fractions of an inch.

Size of Sample

The tolerances in the U.S. Standards for Grades of Muscadine Grapes are 

determined by count or equivalent basis.

Sample size shall be 50 berries or the entire contents of the container when less 

than 50 berries are in the container. Double to 100 only if tolerances are exceeded in at 

least one sample.
4

TOLERANCES AND APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES

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

proper grading and handling, the following tolerances, by count, or 

equivalent basis are provided as specified: 5 percent for berries 

which are seriously damaged by pulled stems. Additionally, 10 

percent for berries which fail to meet the requirements for this grade: 

Provided, That included in this amount not more than 5 percent shall 

be allowed for defects causing serious damage, including in this 

latter amount not more than 2 percent for berries affected by mold or 

decay.

**Note: Serious Damage by pulled stems is a separate tolerance not included in the 

total tolerance.

U.S. Extra No. 1 & U.S. No. 1

Serious damage by 

pulled stems

5%

Total Defects 10%

Including serious 

damage

 5%

Including mold or decay 2%

Application of Tolerances

§51.793 Application of tolerances. Individual samples shall have not 

more than double the tolerances specified, except that at least two 

defective berries may be permitted in any sample: Provided, That 

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

the grade.
5

**Note: Serious Damage by pulled stems is a separate tolerance not included in the 

total tolerance.

U.S. Extra No. 1 & U.S. No. 1

Serious damage by 

pulled stems

5% x 2 = 10%

Total Defects 10% x 2 = 20%

Including serious 

damage

5% x 2 = 10%

Including mold or decay 2% x 2 = 4%

SIZE

Size is not a requirement of the U.S. Standards for Grades of Muscadine Grapes 

but it may be reported at applicants request by showing a minimum and maximum 

diameter, including a mostly statement if applicable. When inspecting the U.S. Extra 

No. 1 grade, standard pack (which has a size requirement) must be met. This only 

applies to the U.S. Extra No. 1 grade.

STANDARD PACK

In order to meet the U.S. Extra No. 1 grade, 90% of the containers must meet 

standard pack. This means 10% of containers/samples may fail standard pack and still 

meet the requirement for the U.S. Extra No. 1 grade. A sizing ring or caliper may be 

used to measure the berries.

§51.794 Standard pack. Berries packed as U.S. Extra No. 1 grade 

shall be fairly uniform in size.

(a) “Fairly uniform in size” means that not more than 10 percent, by 

count of the berries in the sample may vary more than 3/8 inch in 

diameter.

(b) “Diameter” means the greatest dimension of the berry measured 

at right angles to a line from the stem to blossom end of fruit.
6

DEFECTS (QUALITY AND CONDITION)

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

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

Factors noted with (Q) are considered as QUALITY only. Quality sometimes 

referred to as “permanent defects” means defects, which do not change during storage 

or shipment (shape, scars, etc.).

Factors noted with (C) shall be reported as CONDITION on market certificates. 

(Condition defects are defects that are subject to change during shipment or storage 

including but not limited to bruising, discoloration, shriveling and decay).

Those factors noted with (Q or C) may be considered as QUALITY or 

CONDITION, depending on the circumstances.

Cleanness (Q)

Each grade of muscadine grapes is required to be clean. However, it is not a 

requirement to be washed. Depending on the type of packing operation, (field or shed) 

muscadines may or may not be washed during packing.

§51.801 Clean. "Clean" means that the berries are practically free 

from spray residue, or other foreign material, and are not caked with 

dirt, or showing evidence of lying on the ground.

Scoring Guide

Muscadine grapes that are materially affected by dirt or other foreign material 

shall be scored as damage against the total tolerance for the grade and reported as “not 

clean.”

Color (Q)

Each grade of muscadine grapes is required to be well colored.

§51.795 Color requirements. (a) “Well colored” means in the case 

of:

(1) “Black and red varieties” that 75% of the surface of the berry 

shows characteristic color for the variety.

(2) “White varieties.” No requirement, except that Carlos, Fry, or 

similar varieties must show any amount of blush or bronze color on 

the berry.
7

(b) “Characteristic color” means in the case of:

(1) “Black varieties” color includes reddish purple, purple, and black.

(2) “Red varieties” color includes light pink, pink, red, dark red, and 

purple.

(3) “White varieties” color includes light green, straw, amber, and 

bronze. Some amount of blush or pink color may also be 

characteristic for certain varieties.

Scoring Guide

Muscadine grapes that are not well colored shall be scored as damage against 

the total tolerance for the grade and reported as “not well colored.”

Dried Berries (Q)

This defect is similar to raisining in table grapes. It may be due to extremely hot 

weather during the growing season, or a delay in removing the crop from the vines. 

Wrinkling of the skin is to be expected when dried berries are present.

Scoring Guide

Score dried berries as serious damage.

Discoloration (C)

Discoloration may be caused by many factors including disease or sunburn. It is 

often difficult to identify the cause therefore; the discoloration shall be described (brown, 

dark brown, black, etc.). Some white varieties will have an amber or bronze 

characteristic color. It is important not to confuse discoloration with characteristic color.

Scoring Guide

Score as damage:

• When excessively dark in color and affects an aggregate area of more 

than 10% of the surface of the berry.

• When light colored, superficial and aggregate more than 15% of the 

surface of the berry.

Score as serious damage:

• When excessively dark in color and affects an aggregate area of more 

than 25% of the surface of the berry.

• When light colored, superficial and aggregate more than 50% of the 

surface of the berry.
8

Firmness (C)

Muscadine grapes are required to be “not excessively soft.” Muscadines are 

usually not as firm as other types of grapes. So some caution should be taken when 

checking for firmness.

§51.799 Not excessively soft. “Not excessively soft” means the 

berry is reasonably firm and does not yield excessively to moderate 

pressure. A slight softening is required for optimum flavor.

Scoring Guide

Berries that do not meet this requirement shall be scored as serious damage and 

reported as “excessively soft.”

Foreign Material (Q)

Foreign material means that leaves, loose stems, or any loose material other 

than grapes is present in a sufficient amount to materially affect the general appearance 

of the grapes in the container. Berries in clusters packed in loose lugs are more typical 

of this problem.

Scoring Guide

When excessive amounts of leaves, loose stems or other foreign material are 

present in containers and readily noticeable, the sample will be considered damaged, 

and scored against a lot tolerance of 20 percent.

For example: If 2 cartons out of 10 samples are considered to have excessive 

foreign material the lot would be within the 20% lot tolerance. If 3 cartons out of 10 

samples are considered to have excessive foreign material the lot would exceed the 

20% lot tolerance, therefore, the lot would fail to grade U.S. No. 1, account excessive 

foreign material.

Insects (Q or C)

There are many different types of insects such as the grape berry moth and the 

grape curculio that could affect muscadine grapes. No attempt should be made to 

determine the type of insect.

Scoring Guide

Score as damage when insects are present, or when the appearance is 

materially affected by any insect. Score as serious damage when berries have insect 

larvae (worms) or holes caused by them.

Live insects shall be reported as condition, if dead report as quality. If both live 

and dead insects are present, report as condition.
9

Maturity (Q)

Each grade of muscadine grapes is required to be mature. Maturity and good 

soluble solids are a separate requirement. A lot may pass good soluble solids, and still 

score individual berries as immature.

§51.798 Mature. "Mature" means that the grapes have reached that 

stage of maturity in which the flesh is juicy and palatable.

Scoring Guide

Berries that are not “mature” shall be reported as “immature” and scored as 

serious damage.

Moldy Berries (C)

Mold on muscadine grapes may indicate the presence of decay, though it may be 

in early stages. It is desirable to state whether a heavy or light growth of mold is 

present.

Scoring Guide

Score any amount of moldy berries as serious damage.

Moldy Stems (C)

Moldy stems and/or capstems should be scored as damage only.

Overripe (C)

§51.800 Overripe. “Overripe” means that the individual berry is 

dead ripe, the flesh is soft, mushy and will not spring back to its 

original shape. Overripe berries are past commercial utility.

Scoring Guide

Score any amount of overripe berries as serious damage.

Pulled Stems (C)

Pulled stems are generally caused by stems adhering to the berry and while 

being picked, cause a tear in the skin.

Scoring Guide

§51.803 Serious damage...(h) Pulled stems when the flesh is 

excessively torn or which causes the berry to leak. Pulled stems 

which are dry, superficial or well healed shall not be considered a 

defect.
10

Russeting (Q)

Any amount of characteristic speck type or smooth net like russeting shall be 

permitted.

Scoring Guide

Score as damage:

• Rough or thick russeting when the aggregate area exceeds 10 percent of 

the surface of the berry.

• Fairly smooth, and smooth solid russeting when the aggregate area 

exceeds 15 percent of the surface of the berry.

Score as serious damage:

• Rough or thick russeting when the aggregate area exceeds 25 percent of 

the surface of the berry.

• Fairly smooth, and smooth solid russeting when the aggregate area 

exceeds 50 percent of the surface of the berry.

Scars/Powdery Mildew Scars (Q)

Scars generally are the result of leaf rubs caused by wind or thrip injury. 

Powdery Mildew scars appear as a brown russeting on the skin. If this injury occurs 

when the grapes are very young it may result in misshapen and poorly developed 

berries or may cause the berry to split.

Scoring Guide

Score as damage:

• When excessively deep or rough or dark colored and aggregate more than 

10 percent of the surface of the berry.

• When smooth or fairly smooth, light colored and superficial and aggregate 

more than 15 percent of the surface of the berry.

Score as serious damage:

• When excessively deep or rough or dark colored and aggregate more than 

25 percent of the surface of the berry.

• When smooth or fairly smooth, light colored and superficial and aggregate 

more than 50 percent of the surface of the berry.
11

Shriveling (C)

Wrinkling of the skin, which may be caused by excessive moisture loss during 

storage or the product, has reached advanced maturity.

Scoring Guide

Score as damage when materially affecting the appearance of the berry. Score 

as serious damage when seriously affecting the appearance of the berry.

Similar Varietal Characteristics (Q)

Each grade requires muscadine grapes to be of similar varietal characteristics.

§51.797 Similar varietal characteristics. "Similar varietal 

characteristics" means that the berries in any container are similar in 

color and shape.

Scoring Guide

Score as damage when berries fail to meet the requirements of “similar varietal 

characteristics” and report as “dissimilar varietal characteristics.”

Skin Breaks (C)

Any breaks or slight tears of the skin, which might cause the berry to leak. 

Berries can get skin breaks when a berry with an attached stem punctures the wall of 

another berry.

Scoring Guide

Score as damage when not well healed or when the appearance of the berry is 

materially affected. Score as serious damage when breaks are not well healed.

Soluble Solids (Q)

Muscadine grapes must have “good soluble solids” in order to meet the 

requirements of the grades.

§51.796 Good soluble solids. “Good soluble solids” means the 

combined juice from the least mature berries, as determined by use 

of a standard hand refractometer shall be at least 13 percent.

No lot shall be considered as failing to meet these requirements 

unless the composite juice sample from grapes of two containers or 

two consumer units, which appear to have the least mature grapes, 

test below 13 percent soluble solids.
12

The minimum percentage for soluble solids for any lot shall be 

determined from the containers with the least mature berries.

(a) For grapes packed in consumer units, the minimum percentage of 

soluble solids shall be determined from the juice of all the berries in 

the consumer unit.

(b) For all other containers, the minimum percentage of soluble 

solids shall be determined from the juice of at least 10 percent, by 

weight of the berries of the least mature grapes in that container.

Determining Soluble Solids By Refractometer

Equipment needed:

1. Hand refractometer.

2. Something to squeeze juice out of berries.

3. Cup or small bowl to receive juice (a one cup size plastic measuring cup will do).

4. Spoon.

5. Distilled water and cheesecloth for cleaning and drying refractometer and 

utensils.

It is important that the refractometer be properly adjusted before starting the test. 

Otherwise it will be impossible to make an accurate determination of the sugar content. 

It will be found most convenient to adjust the instrument to read zero with distilled water 

at the temperature at which the test will be made. As the temperature changes during 

the day it will be necessary to readjust the instrument. The refractometer must be clean 

or the accuracy of the reading will be affected. The distilled water can be used for this 

purpose. Tap water should not be used because it frequently contains enough minerals 

in solution to materially affect the reading.

Sampling:

It will usually be most convenient to take the samples for the soluble solids test 

from containers that are opened for grade determination. Care should be taken to draw 

samples as nearly as possible from all portions of the lot. Decide in advance, before 

selecting the sample container. By doing this there is little likelihood of being influenced 

by external factors. 

The minimum percentage of soluble solids shall be determined from the juice of 

at least 10 percent, by weight of the berries of the least mature grapes in that container. 

When inspecting consumer units, soluble solids shall be determined from the juice of all 

the berries in the consumer unit.
13

The Test:

Once samples for soluble solids are obtained:

• Squeeze the juice from the berries into the cup or small bowl. 

• With the spoon, stir the juice well and dip a small quantity of juice onto the 

refractometer prism and make the reading. 

• As a precaution wipe the instrument dry and take a second reading to 

guard against the possibility of error in reading. 

• The reading obtained should be entered in the notes.

All instruments must be thoroughly cleaned after each use, as juice allowed to 

remain and dry on the instruments will materially affect the accuracy of the next test. 

Care should be taken with the refractometer not to scratch the surface of the prism or 

the hinged plate.

Additional Tests

The inspector may consider the test incorrect for some reason, or the applicant 

may be dissatisfied with the percentage of soluble solids found and request another 

test. In either case it will be satisfactory to draw an additional random sample of the 

same number of grapes as originally sampled and make another refractometer test in 

the manner outlined. The results of the first and second tests shall be averaged to 

obtain the percentage used in determining compliance with the internal quality 

requirement. Additional complete tests may be made if requested. However, in all 

cases the readings for the various tests shall be averaged.

It is not necessary to report the percentage of soluble solids on the certificate 

unless the applicant specifically requests it. It is sufficient to report “good soluble solids”

if the soluble solids is 13% or higher.

Split or Crushed Berries (C)

Rough handling during picking, packing, or transit may cause split or crushed 

berries. Berries that are flattened but the skin is not broken, due to a well-filled pack 

shall not be scored.

Scoring Guide

Score as serious damage any visible splits or crushed berries.
14

Spotted Berries (C)

These are reddish brown to black spots that contrast from the natural color of the 

berry and affect the surface of the berry.

Scoring Guide

Score as serious damage when the individual spot is greater than 1/8 inch in 

diameter, or when more than one spot is present.

Wet Berries (C)

Wet berries are caused by juice from crushed, split, leaking, and/or decayed 

berries.

Scoring Guide

Score as damage when the individual berry is excessively wet.

Decayed Berries (C)

Each grade of muscadine grapes is required to be free from decay. The type of 

decay is not to be reported on the certificate. However, when the decay is in excess of 

the tolerance for the grade, report the degree of advancement as early, moderate, or 

advanced stages using general quantity terms.

Scoring Guide

Score any amount as serious damage against the 2% restricted mold and decay 

tolerance.

Decayed Stems (C)

Decay affecting the stems and/or capstems shall be scored as damage only.
15

APPENDIX I U.S. GRADE STANDARDS

United States Standards for Grades of Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia) Grapes 1

Effective February 13, 2006

Grades

51.790 U.S. Extra No. 1.

51.791 U.S. No. 1.

Tolerances 

51.792 Tolerances.

Application of Tolerances

51.793 Application of tolerances.

Standard Pack

51.794 Standard pack.

Color Requirements

51.795 Color requirements.

Definitions 

51.796 Good soluble solids.

51.797 Similar varietal characteristics.

51.798 Mature. 

51.799 Not excessively soft.

51.800 Overripe. 

51.801 Clean.

51.802 Damage.

51.803 Serious damage. 

Grades 

§51.790 U.S. Extra No. 1.

Any lot of grapes may be designated as “U.S. Extra No. 1” when the grapes meet the requirements of 

U.S. No.1: Provided, That in addition to these requirements, 90 percent by count of the containers in the 

lot meet the requirements of Standard pack.

§51.791 U.S. No. 1.

"U.S. No. 1 consists of individual grapes or multiple grapes attached by a capstem, which meet good 

soluble solids and the following requirements: 

(a) Basic requirements for berries:

(1) Similar varietal characteristics (except when designated as assorted varieties);

(2) Mature;

(3) Well colored;

(4) Clean;

(5) Not excessively soft;

(6) Not dried; 

(7) Not excessively wet from juice;

(8) Not crushed, split or leaking; and,

(b) Free from: 

(1) Decay;

(2) Mold; 

(3) Insect larvae or holes caused by them; 

(4) Overripe;

(5) Free from damage by any other cause. (See §51.802.) 

 

1

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.
16

(c) Stems free from:

(1) Mold;

(2) Decay;

(d) For tolerances see §51.792. 

Tolerances

§51.792 Tolerances. 

In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling, the following tolerances, by count, 

or equivalent basis are provided as specified: 5 percent tolerance for berries which are seriously 

damaged by pulled stems. Additionally, 10 percent for berries which fail to meet the requirements for this 

grade: Provided, That included in this amount not more than 5 percent shall be allowed for defects 

causing serious damage, including in this latter amount not more than 2 percent for berries affected by 

mold or decay.

Application of Tolerances 

§51.793 Application of tolerances.

Individual samples shall have not more than double the tolerances specified, except that at least two 

defective berries may be permitted in any sample: Provided, That the average for the entire lot are 

within the tolerances specified for the grade.

Standard Pack

§51.794 Standard pack.

Berries packed as U.S. Extra No. 1 grade shall be fairly uniform in size.

(a) “Fairly uniform in size” means that not more than 10 percent, by count of the berries in the sample 

may vary more than 3/8 inch in diameter.

(b) “Diameter” means the greatest dimension of the berry measured at right angles to a line from the stem 

to blossom end of fruit.

Color Requirements

§51.795 Color requirements.

(a) “Well colored” means in the case of:

(1) “Black and red varieties” that 75% of the surface of the berry shows characteristic color for the variety.

(2) “White varieties.” No requirement, except that Carlos, Fry, or similar varieties must show any amount 

of blush or bronze color on the berry.

(b) “Characteristic color” means in the case of:

(1) “Black varieties” colors include reddish purple, purple, and black.

(2) “Red varieties” colors include light pink, pink, red, dark red, and purple.

(3) “White varieties” colors include light green, straw, amber, and bronze. Some amount of blush or pink 

color may also be characteristic for certain varieties.

Definitions 

§51.796 Good soluble solids.

“Good soluble solids” means the combined juice from the least mature berries, as determined by use of a 

standard hand refractometer shall be at least 13 percent. No lot shall be considered as failing to meet 

these requirements unless the composite juice sample from grapes of two containers or two consumer 

units, which appear to have the least mature grapes, test below 13 percent soluble solids. The minimum 

percentage for soluble solids for any lot shall be determined from the containers with the least mature 

berries. 

(a) For grapes packed in consumer units, the minimum percentage of soluble solids shall be determined 

from the juice of all the berries in the consumer unit.

(b) For all other containers, the minimum percentage of soluble solids shall be determined from the juice 

of at least 10 percent, by weight of the berries of the least mature grapes in that container. 

§51.797 Similar varietal characteristics. 

"Similar varietal characteristics" means that the berries in any container are similar in color and shape. 

§51.798 Mature. 

"Mature" means that the grapes have reached that stage of maturity in which the flesh is juicy and 

palatable.

§51.799 Not excessively soft.

“Not excessively soft” means the berry is reasonably firm and does not yield excessively to moderate 

pressure. A slight softening is required for optimum flavor.

§51.800 Overripe.
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“Overripe” means that the individual berry is dead ripe, the flesh is soft, mushy and will not spring back to 

its original shape. Overripe berries are past commercial utility.

§51.801 Clean. 

"Clean" means that the berries are practically free from spray residue, or other foreign material, and are 

not caked with dirt, or showing evidence of lying on the ground.

§51.802 Damage. 

"Damage" means any specific defect described in this section; 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. The following specific defects shall be 

considered as damage: 

(a) Discoloration, Scars and Powdery Mildew scarring, when excessively deep or rough or dark colored 

and aggregate more than 10 percent of the surface of the berry, or when smooth or fairly smooth, light 

colored and superficial and aggregate more than 15 percent of the surface of the berry.

(b) Foreign material, when excessive amounts of leaves, loose stems or other foreign material is loose in 

containers and readily noticeable, the sample will be considered damaged, and scored against a lot 

tolerance of 20 percent.

(c) Any amount of characteristic speck type or smooth net-like russeting shall be permitted. Russeting 

which exceeds the following shall be considered as damage:

(1) Rough or thick russeting when the aggregate area exceeds 10 percent of the surface of the berry;

(2) Fairly smooth, and smooth solid russeting when the aggregate area exceeds 15 percent of the surface 

of the berry.

(d) Insects when present, or when the appearance is materially affected by any insect. 

(e) Skin breaks exclusive of pulled stems, when not well healed or when the appearance of the berry is 

materially affected.

(f) Excessively wet berries when the individual berry is excessively wet from juice from crushed, leaking or 

decayed berries. 

(g) Decayed stems.

§51.803 Serious damage.

"Serious damage" means any specific defect described in this section; 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. The following specific defects 

shall be considered as serious damage:

(a) Decayed berries.

(b) Moldy berries.

(c) Overripe berries.

(d) Insect larvae or holes caused by them.

(e) Russeting which exceeds the following shall be considered as serious damage:

(1) Rough or thick russeting when the aggregate area exceeds 25 percent of the surface of the berry;

(2) Fairly smooth, smooth solid and when the aggregate area exceeds 50 percent of the surface of the 

berry.

(f) Discoloration, Scars or Powdery Mildew scars when excessively deep or rough or dark colored and 

aggregate more than 25 percent of the surface of the berry, or when smooth or fairly smooth, light colored 

and superficial and aggregate more than 50 percent of the surface of the berry.

(g) Skin breaks exclusive of pulled stems which are not well healed.

(h) Pulled stems when the flesh is excessively torn or which causes the berry to leak. Pulled stems which 

are dry, superficial or well healed shall not be considered a defect.

(i) Spotted berries when spots are reddish brown to black in color. Score when individual spot is greater 

than 1/8 inch in diameter, or when more than one spot is present.
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APPENDIX II NOTESHEET AND CERTIFICATE EXAMPLES

Notesheet Example
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Scoresheet Example
20

Certificate Example
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Notesheet Example
22

Scoresheet Example
23

Certificate Example