United States

Department of

Agriculture

Agricultural 

Marketing

Service

Fruit and

Vegetable

Division

Fresh

Products

Branch

United States Standards

for Grades of

Summer and Fall Pears

Effective August 20, 1955

(Reprinted - January 1997)
 Packing of the product in conformity with the requirements of these standards shall not excuse failure to comply 1

with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

1

United States Standards for Grades of Summer and Fall Pears 1

General 

51.1260 General. 

Grades 

51.1261 U.S. No. 1. 

51.1262 U.S. Combination. 

51.1263 U.S. No. 2. 

Unclassified 

51.1264 Unclassified. 

Tolerances 

51.1265 Tolerances. 

Application of Tolerances 

51.1266 Application of tolerances. 

Basis for Calculating Percentages 

51.1267 Basis for calculating percentages. 

Condition After Storage or Transit 

51.1268 Condition after storage or transit. 

Standard Pack 

51.1269 Sizing. 

51.1270 Packing. 

51.1271 Tolerances for standard pack. 

Definitions 

51.1272 Mature. 

51.1273 Overripe. 

51.1274 Carefully hand-picked. 

51.1275 Clean. 

51.1276 Black end. 

51.1277 Fairly well formed. 

51.1278 Damage. 

51.1279 Seriously misshapen. 

51.1280 Serious damage.

General 

§51.1260 General. 

These standards apply to varieties such as Bartlett, Hardy and other similar varieties. 
2

Grades 

§51.1261 U.S. No. 1. 

"U.S. No. 1" consists of pears of one variety which are mature, but not overripe, carefully

hand-picked, clean, fairly well formed, free from decay, internal breakdown, scald, freezing injury,

worm holes, black end, and from damage caused by hard end, bruises, broken skins, russeting,

limb rubs, hail, scars, drought spot, sunburn, sprayburn, stings or other insect injury, disease, or

mechanical or other means. (See §§51.1265 and 51.1268.) 

§51.1262 U.S. Combination. 

A combination of U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. 2 may be packed. When such a combination is packed,

at least 50 percent of the pears in any container shall meet the requirements of U.S. No. 1. (See

§§51.1265 and 51.1268.) 

§51.1263 U.S. No. 2. 

"U.S. No. 2" consists of pears of one variety which are mature, but not overripe, carefully

hand-picked, clean, not seriously misshapen, free from decay, internal breakdown, scald, freezing

injury, worm holes, black end, and from damage caused by hard end, or broken skins. The pears

shall also be free from serious damage caused by bruises, russeting, limbrubs, hail, scars, drought

spot, sunburn, sprayburn, stings or other insect injury, disease, or mechanical or other means. (See

§§51.1265 and 51.1268.) 

Unclassified 

§51.1264 Unclassified. 

"Unclassified" consists of pears which have not been classified in accordance with any of the

foregoing grades. The term "unclassified'' is not a grade within the meaning of these standards, but

is provided as a designation to show that no grade has been applied to the lot. 

Tolerances 

§51.1265 Tolerances. 

(a) In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling, not more than a total

of 10 percent of the pears in any lot may fail to meet the requirements of grade: Provided, That

not more than 5 percent shall be seriously damaged by insects, and not more than 1 percent shall

be allowed for decay or internal breakdown. 

(b) When applying the foregoing tolerances to the combination grade no part of any tolerance

shall be used to reduce the percentage of U.S. No. 1 pears required in the combination, but

individual containers may have not more than 10 percent less than the percentage of U.S. No. 1

required: Provided, That the entire lot averages within the percentage specified. 

Application of Tolerances 

§51.1266 Application of tolerances.

(a) The contents of individual packages in the lot, based on sample inspection, are subject to the

following limitations, provided the averages for the entire lot are within the tolerances specified

for the grade: 

(1) For packages which contain more than 10 pounds, and a tolerance of 10 percent or more is

provided individual packages in any lot shall have not more than one and one-half times the

tolerance specified. For packages which contain more than 10 pounds and a tolerance of less than

10 percent is provided, individual packages in any lot shall have not more than double the

tolerance specified, except that at least one pear which is seriously damaged by insects or affected
3

by decay or internal breakdown may be permitted in any package. 

(2) For packages which contain 10 pounds or less, individual packages in any lot are not restricted

as to the percentage of defects or off-size: Provided, That not more than four times the tolerance

specified may be permitted in any package for pears which are seriously damaged by insects or

affected by decay or internal breakdown except that at least one defective pear may be permitted

in any package. 

Basis for Calculating Percentages 

§51.1267 Basis for calculating percentages. 

(a) When the numerical count is marked on the container or when pears are packed in a container

to weigh 5 pounds or less, percentages shall be calculated on the basis of count. 

(b) When the minimum diameter or minimum and maximum diameters are marked on a container

packed to weigh more than 5 pounds or when the pears are jumbled in a container packed to

weigh more than 5 pounds, percentages shall be calculated on the basis of weight or an equivalent

basis. 

Condition After Storage or Transit 

§51.1268 Condition after storage or transit.

Decay, scald, or other deterioration which may have developed on pears after they have been in

storage or transit shall be considered as affecting condition and not grade. 

Standard Pack 

§51.1269 Sizing. 

(a) The numerical count, or the minimum size of the pears packed in closed containers shall be

indicated on the package. The number of pears in the box shall not vary more than 3 from the

number indicated on the box. 

(b) When the numerical count is marked on western standard pear boxes the pears shall not vary

more than three-eighths inch in their transverse diameter for counts 120 or less; one-fourth inch

for counts 135 to 180, inclusive; and three-sixteenths inch for counts 193 or more. 

(c) When the numerical count is marked on western standard half boxes or special half boxes

packed three tiers deep, the pears shall not vary more than three-eighths inch for counts 75 or

less; one-fourths inch for counts 80 to 110, inclusive; and three-sixteenths inch for counts 115 or

more. 

(d) When the numerical count is marked on western standard half boxes or special half boxes

packed two tiers deep, the pears shall not vary more than three-eighths inch for counts 50 or less;

one-fourth inch for counts 55 to 70, inclusive; and three-sixteenths inch for counts 80 or more. 

(e) When the numerical count is not shown, the minimum size shall be plainly stamped, stenciled

or otherwise marked on the container in terms of whole inches, whole and half inches, whole and

quarter inches, or whole and eighth inches, as 2-1/2 inches minimum, 2-1/4 inches minimum, or 2-

5/8 inches minimum, in accordance with the facts. It is suggested that both minimum and

maximum sizes be marked on the container, as 2-1/4 to 2-3/4 inches, 2-1/2 to 2-3/4 inches, as

such marking is especially desirable for pears marketed in the export trade. 

(f) "Size" means the greatest transverse diameter of the pear taken at right angles to a line running

from the stem to the blossom end. 

§51.1270 Packing. 

(a) Each package shall be packed so that the pears in the shown face shall be reasonably
4

representative in size and quality of the contents of the package. 

(b) Pears packed in any container shall be tightly packed. All packages shall be well filled but the

contents shall not show excessive or unnecessary bruising because of overfilled packages. 

(c) Pears packed in boxes shall be arranged in containers according to the approved and

recognized methods with the pears packed lengthwise. A bridge shall not be allowed in any

standard pack. When wrapped, each pear shall be fairly well enclosed by its individual wrapper. 

(d) Pears packed in round stave bushel baskets, tubs or in barrels shall be ring faced. 

§51.1271 Tolerances for standard pack. 

(a) In order to allow for variations incident to proper sizing, not more than 5 percent of the pears

in any lot may fail to meet the size requirements: Provided, That when the maximum and

minimum sizes are both stated, an additional 10 percent tolerance shall be allowed for pears which

are larger than the maximum size stated. 

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

containers in any lot may fail to meet these requirements, but no part of this tolerance shall be

allowed for bridge packs, or for packs with different sizes and arrangements such as layers of 195

size and arrangement, and layers of 180 size and arrangement packed in the same box. 

Definitions 

§51.1272 Mature. 

(a) "Mature" means that the pear has reached the stage of maturity which will insure the proper

completion of the ripening process. 

(b) Before a mature pear becomes overripe it will show varying degrees of firmness, depending

upon the stage of the ripening process. Therefore, a statement of firmness should be given in

order to indicate the stage of the ripening process. A description of the ground color should also

be given. 

(1) The following terms should be used for describing the ground color: "Green," "Light Green," 

"Yellowish Green," and "Yellow."

(2) The following terms should be used for describing the firmness of pears: 

(i) "Hard" means that the flesh of the pear is solid and does not yield appreciably even to

considerable pressure. 

(ii) "Firm" means that the flesh of the pear is fairly solid but yields somewhat to moderate

pressure. 

(iii) "Firm ripe" means that the flesh of the pear yields readily to moderate pressure. 

(iv) "Ripe" means that the pear is at the stage where it is in its most desirable condition for eating. 

§51.1273 Overripe. 

"Overripe" means dead ripe, very mealy or soft, past commercial utility. 

§51.1274 Carefully hand-picked. 

"Carefully hand-picked" means that the pears do not show evidence of rough handling or of

having been on the ground. 

§51.1275 Clean.

"Clean" means free from excessive dirt, dust, spray residue or other foreign material. 

§51.1276 Black end.

"Black end" is evidenced by an abnormally deep green color around the calyx, or black spots

usually occurring on the one-third of the surface nearest to the calyx, or by an abnormally shallow
 The area refers to that of a circle of the specified diameter. 2

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calyx cavity. 

§51.1277 Fairly well formed. 

"Fairly well formed" means that the pear may be slightly abnormal in shape but not to an extent

which detracts materially from the appearance of the fruit. 

§51.1278 Damage. 

"Damage" means any injury or defect which materially affects the appearance, or the edible or

shipping quality. 

(a) Hard end shall be considered as damage if the pear shows a distinctly constricted protrusion at

the blossom end, or an abnormally yellow color at the blossom end, or an abnormally smooth

rounded base with little or no depression at the calyx, or if the flesh near the calyx is abnormally

dry and tough or woody. 

(b) Slight handling bruises and package bruises such as are incident to good commercial handling

in the preparation of a tight pack shall not be considered damage. 

(c) Any pear with one skin break larger than three-sixteenths inch in diameter or depth, or with

more than one skin break one-eighth inch or larger in diameter or depth shall be considered

damaged, and scored against the grade tolerance.2

(1) Small inconspicuous skin breaks, less than one-eighth inch in diameter or depth, shall not be

considered damage. In addition, not more than 15 percent of the pears in any container may have

not more than one skin break from one-eighth inch to three-sixteenths inch, inclusive, in diameter

or depth.2

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

(1) On all varieties excessively rough russeting (russeting which shows "frogging'' or slight

cracking) when the aggregate area exceeds one-half inch in diameter.2

(2) On Bartlett and other smooth-skinned varieties, slightly rough russeting, or thick russeting

such as is characteristic of frost injury, when the aggregate area exceeds three-fourths inch in

diameter.2

(3) On Bartlett and other smooth-skinned varieties, smooth solid or smooth netlike russeting

when the aggregate area exceeds 15 percent of the surface. 

(4) On Hardy, Sand and other similar varieties, rough or thick russeting such as is characteristic of

frost injury, when the aggregate area exceeds three-fourths inch in diameter. On any of these

varieties any amount of characteristic russeting is permitted whether due to natural causes such as

weather or stimulated by artificial means; leaf whips or light limbrubs which resemble and blend

into russeted areas shall be considered as russet.2

(e) Any one of the following defects or any combination thereof, the seriousness of which exceeds

the maximum allowed for any one defect, shall be considered as damage: 

(1) Any limbrubs which are cracked, softened, or more than slightly depressed. 

(2) Black discoloration caused by limbrubs, which exceeds an aggregate area of three-eighths inch

in diameter.2 

(3) Dark brown discoloration or excessive roughness caused by limbrubs which exceeds an

aggregate area of one-half inch in diameter.2

(4) Slightly rough, light colored discoloration caused by limbrubs which exceeds an aggregate
6

area of three-fourths inch in diameter.2

(5) Smooth, light colored discoloration caused by limbrubs which exceeds an aggregate area of 1

inch in diameter.2

(6) Hail marks or other similar depressions or scars which are not shallow or superficial, or where

the injury affects an aggregate area of more than three-eighths inch in diameter.2

(7) Drought spot when more than one in number, or when the external injury exceeds an

aggregate area of three-eighths inch in diameter, or when the appearance of the flesh is materially

affected by corky tissue or brownish discoloration.2

(8) Sunburn or sprayburn where the skin is blistered, cracked, or shows any light tan or brownish

color, or the shape of the pear is appreciably flattened, or the flesh is appreciably softened or

changed in color, except that sprayburn of a russet character shall be considered under the

definition of russeting. 

(9) Insects:

(i) More than two healed codling moth stings, or any insect sting which is over three

thirty-seconds of an inch in diameter, or other insect stings affecting the appearance to an equal

extent.2

(ii) Blister mite or canker worm injury which is not shallow or superficial, or where the injury

affects an aggregate area of more than three-eighths inch in diameter.2

(10) Disease:

(i) Scab spots which are black and which cover an aggregate area of more than one-fourth inch in

diameter except that scab spots of a russet character shall be considered under the definition of

russeting. 

(ii) Sooty blotch which is thinly scattered over more than 5 percent of the surface, or dark, heavily

concentrated spots which affect an area of more than three-eighths inch in diameter.2

§51.1279 Seriously misshapen.

"Seriously misshapen" means that the pear is excessively flattened or elongated for the variety, or

is constricted or deformed so it will not cut three fairly uniform good quarters, or is so badly

misshapen that the appearance is seriously affected. 

§51.1280 Serious damage. 

"Serious damage" means any injury or defect which seriously affects the appearance, or the edible

or shipping quality. 

(a) Russeting which in the aggregate exceeds the following shall be considered as serious damage: 

(1) On all varieties, excessively rough russeting (russeting which shows "frogging'' or slight

cracking) when the aggregate area exceeds three-fourths inch in diameter.2

(2) On all varieties, thick russeting such as is characteristic of frost injury, 15 percent of the

surface. 

(b) Any one of the following defects or combination thereof, the seriousness of which exceeds the

maximum allowed for any one defect, shall be considered as serious damage: 

 The area refers to that of a circle of the specified diameter. 2
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(1) Limbrubs which are more than slightly cracked, or excessively rough limbrubs or dark brown

or black discoloration caused by limbrubs which exceeds an aggregate area of three-fourths inch

in diameter. Other limbrubs which affect an aggregate area of more than one-tenth of the surface.2

(2) Hail marks or other similar depressions or scars which affect an aggregate area of more than

three-fourths inch in diameter, or which materially deform or disfigure the fruit.2

(3) Drought spot when more than two in number, or where the external injury affects an

aggregate area of more than three-fourths inch in diameter, or when the appearance of the flesh is

seriously affected by corky tissue or brownish discoloration.2

(4) Sunburn or sprayburn where the skin is blistered, cracked or shows any brownish color, or

where the shape of the pear is materially flattened, or the flesh is softened or materially changed in

color, except that sprayburn of a russet character shall be considered under the definition of

russeting. 

(5) Insects:

(i) Worm holes. More than three healed codling moth stings, of which not more than two may be

over three thirty-seconds of an inch in diameter, or other insect stings affecting the appearance to

an equal extent.2

(ii) Blister mite or canker worm injury which affects an aggregate area of more than three-fourths

inch in diameter or which materially deforms or disfigures the fruit.2

(6) Disease:

(i) Scab spots which are black and which cover an aggregate area of more than one-half inch in

diameter, except that scab spots of a russet character shall be considered under the definition of

russeting.2

(ii) Sooty blotch which is thinly scattered over more than 15 percent of the surface, or dark,

heavily concentrated spots which affect an area of more than three-fourths inch in diameter.2

 The area refers to that of a circle of the specified diameter. 2