United States

Department of

Agriculture

Agricultural

Marketing

Service

Fruit and

Vegetable

Division

Processed

Products

Branch

United States Standards

for Grades of

Frozen Red Tart Pitted

Cherries

Effective date June 28, 1974
This is the fourth issue of the United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Red Tart

Pitted Cherries published in the FEDERAL REGISTER of June 27, 1974, (39 FR 23234)

to become effective upon publication. This issue supersedes the third issue which has

been in effect since June 15, 1964.

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 Red Tart Pitted Cherries

Section Page No.

§52.801 Product description. ........................................ 2

§52.802 Grades of frozen red tart pitted cherries. ........................ 2

§52.803 Sample unit size. ........................................... 3

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

§52.805 Ascertaining the rating for each factor. .......................... 4

§52.806 Color. ................................................... 4

§52.807 Freedom from pits. ......................................... 5

§52.808 Freedom from defects. ...................................... 6

§52.809 Character. ............................................... 7

§52.810 Allowances for quality factors. ................................ 9

§52.811 Ascertaining the grade of a lot. ............................... 10

§52.812 Score sheet for frozen red tart pitted cherries. ................... 10

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

§52.801 Product description.

Frozen red tart pitted cherries is the food prepared from properly matured cherries of the

domestic (Prunus cerasus) red sour varietal group which have been washed, pitted,

sorted, and properly drained; may be packed with or without a nutritive sweetened packing

medium or any other substance permitted under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic

Act, and are frozen and stored at temperatures necessary for the preservation of the

product. 

§52.802 Grades of frozen red tart pitted cherries.

 

(a) U.S. Grade A or U.S. Fancy is the quality of frozen red tart pitted cherries

of which not more than five (5) cherries per sample unit may be less than

9/16 inch (14 mm) in diameter, and that: 

 

(1) possess a good red color; 

 

(2) are practically free from pits; 

 

(3) are practically free from defects; 

 

(4) have a good character; 

 

(5) possess a normal flavor; and 

 

(6) scores 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 red tart pitted cherries

of which not more than ten (10) cherries per sample unit may be less than

9/16 inch (14 mm) in diameter, and that: 

 

(1) possess a reasonably good red color; 

 

(2) are reasonably free from pits; 

 

(3) are reasonably free from defects; 

 

(4) have a reasonably good character; 

 

(5) possess a normal flavor; and 

 

(6) scores not less than 80 points when scored in accordance with the

scoring system outlined in this subpart. 
3

(c) U.S. Grade C or U.S. Standard is the quality of frozen red tart pitted cherries

that: 

(1) possess a fairly good red color;

 (2) are fairly free from pits; 

 

(3) are fairly free from defects; 

 

(4) have a fairly good character; 

 

(5) possess a normal flavor; and 

 

(6) scores not less than 70 points when scored in accordance with the

scoring system outlined in this subpart. 

 

(d) Substandard is the quality of frozen red tart pitted cherries that fail to meet

the requirements of U.S. Grade C. 

 

§52.803 Sample unit size.

 

Compliance with requirements for size and the various quality factors is based on the

following sample unit sizes for the applicable factor: 

 

(a) Pits, character, and harmless extraneous material - 20 ounces of drained

cherries. 

 

(b) Size, color, and defects (other than harmless extraneous material) - 100

cherries. 

 

§52.804 Ascertaining the grade of a sample unit.

 

(a) The grade of frozen red tart pitted cherries is determined immediately after

thawing to the extent that the cherries may be separated easily and the

cherries are free from ice and solidified packing media. The grade is

determined by considering in addition to the requirements of the respective

grade (including the requirement of the size in U.S. Grade A and U.S. Grade

B), the respective ratings of the factors of color, pits, absence of defects,

character, the total score, and the limiting rules which may be applicable. 
4

(b) The relative importance of each factor is expressed numerically on a scale

of 100. The maximum number of points that may be given each factor is: 

Factors: Points

Color .......................................... 30

Freedom from pits ................................ 20

Freedom from defects ............................. 20

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

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

(c) Normal flavor means that the flavor is characteristic of frozen red tart pitted

cherries and that the product is free from objectionable flavors of any kind.

 

§52.805 Ascertaining the rating for each factor.

 

The essential variations within each factor are so described that the value may be

ascertained for each factor and expressed numerically. The numerical range for the rating

of each factor is inclusive (for example, "27 to 30 points" means 27, 28, 29, or 30 points).

 

§52.806 Color.

 

(a) "A" classification. Frozen red tart pitted cherries that possesses a good

red color may be given a score of 27 to 30 points. Good red color means

that the frozen cherries possess a color that is bright and typical of properly

ripened cherries and that is practically uniform in that the number of cherries

that vary markedly from this color due to oxidation, improper processing, or

other causes, or that are undercolored, does not exceed the number

specified in Table I. 

 

(b) "B" classification. Frozen red tart pitted cherries that possess a

reasonably good red color may be given a score of 24 to 26 points. Frozen

red tart pitted cherries 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 red color means that the cherries possess

a color that is reasonably bright and typical of properly ripened cherries and

that is reasonably uniform in that the number of cherries that vary markedly

from this color due to oxidation, improper processing, or other causes, or that

are undercolored, does not exceed the number specified in Table I.
5

(c) "C" classification. Frozen red tart pitted cherries possess a fairly good red

color, a score of 21 to 23 points may be given. Frozen red tart pitted

cherries 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 red color means that the frozen cherries possess a color that is fairly

bright and typical of properly ripened cherries and that is fairly uniform in that

the number of cherries that vary markedly from this color due to oxidation,

improper processing, or other causes, or that are undercolored, does not

exceed the number specified in Table I.

(d) "SStd" classification. Frozen red tart pitted cherries that fail to meet the

requirements of U.S. Grade C 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). 

 

§52.807 Freedom from pits. 

(a) General. The factor of freedom from pits refers to the incidence of pits and

pit fragments. 

 

(b) Definitions.

 

(1) A pit for the purpose of the allowances in this subpart is a whole pit

or portions of pits computed as follows: 

 

(i) A single piece of pit shell, whether or not within or attached to

a whole cherry, that is larger than one-half pit shell is

considered as one pit; 

 

(ii) A single piece of pit shell, whether or not within or attached to

a whole cherry, that is no larger than one-half pit shell is

considered as one-half pit; 

 

(iii) Pieces of pit shell, within or attached to a whole cherry, when

their combined size is larger than one-half pit shell are

considered as one pit; and 

 

(iv) Pieces of pit shell, within or attached to a whole cherry, when

their combined size is not larger than one-half pit shell are

considered as one-half pit. 

 

(2) Drained cherries means pitted cherries that are substantially free 

 from any adhering sirup, sugar, or other packing medium. 
6

(c) "A" classification. Frozen red tart pitted cherries that are practically free

from pits may be given a score of 18 to 20 points. Practically free from pits

means that the number of pits that may be present does not exceed the

allowances for this classification specified in Table I. 

 (d) "B" classification. Frozen red tart pitted cherries that are reasonably free

from pits may be given a score of 16 or 17 points. Frozen red tart pitted

cherries 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 pits means that the number of pits that may be

present does not exceed the number specified in Table I. 

 

(e) "C" classification. Frozen red tart pitted cherries that are fairly free from

pits may be given a score of 14 or 15 points. Frozen red tart pitted cherries

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 pits means that the number of pits that may be present does not

exceed the number specified in Table I. 

(f) "SStd" classification. Frozen red tart pitted cherries that fail to meet the

requirements for U.S. Grade C 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). 

 

§52.808 Freedom from defects.

 

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

from harmless extraneous material, mutilated cherries, and cherries

blemished by scab, hail injury, discoloration, scar tissue, or by other means.

 

(1) Cherry means a whole cherry, whether or not pitted, or portions of

such cherries which in the aggregate approximate the average size

of the cherries. 

 

(2) Harmless extraneous material means any vegetable substance

(including, but not being limited to, a leaf or a stem and any portions

thereof) that is harmless. 

 

(3) Mutilated cherry means a cherry that is so pitter-torn or damaged by

other means that the entire pit cavity is exposed and the appearance

of the cherry is seriously affected. 

 
7

(4) Minor blemished cherry means any cherry blemished with

discoloration (other than scald) having an aggregate area of a circle

9/32 inch (7 mm) or less in diameter which more than slightly affects

the appearance of the cherry but does not extend into the fruit tissue.

(5) Blemished cherry means any cherry blemished by skin discoloration

(other than scald) which in the aggregate exceeds the area of a circle

9/32 inch (7 mm) in diameter. A cherry affected by skin discoloration

extending into the fruit tissue or by scab, hail injury, scar tissue, or

other abnormality, regardless of size, is considered a blemished

cherry. 

 

(b) "A" classification. Frozen red tart pitted cherries that are practically free

from defects may be given a score of 18 to 20 points. Practically free from

defects means that the number of defects that may be present does not

exceed the number specified for the applicable type of defect in Table I.

(c) "B" classification. Frozen red tart pitted cherries that are reasonably free

from defects may be given a score of 16 or 17 points. Frozen red tart pitted

cherries 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 number of defects that

may be present does not exceed the number specified for the applicable type

of defect in Table I. 

 

(d) "C" classification. Frozen red tart pitted cherries that are fairly free from

defects may be given a score of 14 or 15 point. Frozen red tart pitted

cherries 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 number of defects that may be present

does not exceed the number specified for the applicable type of defect in

Table I. 

 

(e) "SStd" classification. Frozen red tart pitted cherries that fail to meet the

requirements for Grade C 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). 

§52.809 Character. 

 

(a) General. The factor of character refers to the physical characteristics of the

flesh of the cherries. 
8

(b) "A" classification. Frozen red tart pitted cherries that have a good

character may be given a score of 27 to 30 points. Good character means

that the cherries are thick-fleshed and have a firm, tender texture. 

 (c) "B" classification. Frozen red tart pitted cherries that have a reasonably

good character may be given a score of 24 to 26 points. Frozen red tart

pitted cherries 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 cherries may be

reasonably thick-fleshed and slightly soft. 

 

(d) "C" classification. Frozen red tart pitted cherries that have a fairly good

character may be given a score of 21 to 23 points. Frozen red tart pitted

cherries 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 cherries may be thin-fleshed and may be

soft but not mushy, or slightly tough but not leathery. 

 

(e) "SStd" classification. Frozen red tart pitted cherries that fail to meet the

requirements for Grade C 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). 
9

§52.810 Allowances for quality factors.

 

Table I

Allowances for Quality Factors

Factor Sample Unit Maximum number permissible for the respective grade

Size

A B C

Color

 Vary markedly or 100 cherries 12 18 25

 undercolored

Pits 20 ozs. than 2 in any average 1 than 3 in any average 1 any sample average 1

Not more Sample Not more Sample 4 or more in Sample

sample unit per 40 ozs. sample unit per 30 ozs. unit per 20 ozs.

Defects

 Total - mutilated, 10 15 20

 minor blemished, 

 blemished of which 100 cherries

Blemished limited to 

3 7 15

Harmless Extraneous 20 ozs. Average 1 piece per 60 Average 1 pieces per 40 Average 1 pieces per 20

Material ozs. net contents ozs. net contents ozs. net contents
10

§52.811 Ascertaining the grade of a lot.

The grade of a lot of frozen red tart pitted cherries 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). 

§52.812 Score sheet for frozen red tart pitted cherries.

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

Container mark or identification .........................................

Label (style of pack, ratio of fruit to sugar, etc., if shown) .....................

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

Size _1/ .............................................................

Factors Score points

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

Freedom from pits ...................

Freedom from defects ................

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

Total score ...........

30 "B" 24-26 _2/

20 "B" 16-17 _2/

20 "B" 16-17

30 "B" 24-26 _2/

 "SStd" 0-20 _2/

100

"A" 27-30

"C" 21-23 _2/

"SStd" 0-20 _2/

"A" 18-20

"C" 14/15 _2/

"SStd" 0-13 _2/

"A" 18-20

"C" 14-15 _2/

"SStd" 0-13 _2/

"A" 27-30

"C" 21-23 _2/

Normal flavor .......................................................

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

_1/ See size limitation for U.S. Grade A and U.S. Grade B.

_2/ Indicates limiting rule.

Dated: June 28, 1974 

E. L. Peterson

Administrator

Agricultural Marketing Service