United States 

Department of 

Agriculture 

Agricultural 

Marketing 

Service 

Fruit and 

Vegetable 

Programs 

Fresh Products 

Branch

Strawberries and Other 

Berries 

Shipping Point and Market 

Inspection Instructions 

 

August 2004 

 
Shipping Point and Market 

Inspection Instructions for 

Strawberries and Other 

Berries 

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 Strawberries, Section 51.3115, 

U.S. Standards for Grades of Dewberries and Blackberries, Section 51.4270, and 

U.S. Standards for Grades of Raspberries, Section 51.4320. 

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 Strawberries, U.S. 

Standards for Grades of Raspberries, and U.S. Standards for Grades of 

Dewberries and Blackberries are printed in the appendix of this handbook. All 

U.S. standards are available on the Internet under the USDA homepage, 

www.usda.gov. 

This replaces Market and Shipping Inspection Instructions for Strawberries and 

Other Berries dated March 1975. 

August 2004 

This publication may be duplicated without authorization from USDA. 
3

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 ............................................................................................................ 5

REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLING ......................................................................... 5

SIZE OF SAMPLE ................................................................................................. 5

NUMBER OF SAMPLES ......................................................................................... 6

TOLERANCES AND APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES ................................... 7

STRAWBERRIES .................................................................................................. 7

APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES .......................................................................... 7

RASPBERRIES ..................................................................................................... 8

APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES .......................................................................... 8

DEWBERRIES AND BLACKBERRIES ........................................................................ 8

APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES .......................................................................... 8

NOTESHEET AND CERTIFICATE ...................................................................... 9

PRODUCT ........................................................................................................... 9

NUMBER/TYPE OF CONTAINERS ................................................................... 10

BRANDS/MARKINGS ....................................................................................... 10

ORIGIN .............................................................................................................. 10

CONDITION OF PACK ...................................................................................... 11

TEMPERATURE OF PRODUCT ....................................................................... 11

SIZE ................................................................................................................... 11

DEFECTS (QUALITY AND CONDITION) .......................................................... 12

BRIGHTNESS ..................................................................................................... 12

BRUISES (C) ..................................................................................................... 12

CALYXES/CORES (Q) ........................................................................................ 13

COLOR (Q) ....................................................................................................... 13

CONDITION OF CALYXES .................................................................................... 14

DEVELOPMENT (Q) ............................................................................................ 14

DIRT OR FOREIGN MATTER (Q) .......................................................................... 14

DISCOLORATION (C) .......................................................................................... 14

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Revised, May 2011, HU-155-20(a) 

Page 3, Strawberries and Other Berries, Shipping Point 

and Market Inspection Instructions, August 2004 
4

FREEZING OR FROZEN BERRIES (C) ................................................................... 14

HAIL, INSECT, BIRD, RODENT INJURY (Q OR C) .................................................... 15

MOLD (C) ......................................................................................................... 15

MOISTURE (Q OR C) .......................................................................................... 15

OVERRIPE/SOFT BERRIES (C) ............................................................................ 15

SIMILAR VARIETAL CHARACTERISTICS (Q) ........................................................... 16

DECAY (C) ....................................................................................................... 16

APPENDIX I - U.S. GRADE STANDARDS ....................................................... 17

UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR GRADES OF STRAWBERRIES ............................ 17

UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR GRADES OF RASPBERRIES .............................. 20

UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR GRADES OF DEWBERRIES AND BLACKBERRIES .. 22

APPENDIX II - NOTESHEET AND CERTIFICATE EXAMPLES ....................... 24

** **  

Revised, May 2011, HU-155-20(b) 

Page 4, Strawberries and Other Berries, Shipping Point 

and Market Inspection Instructions, August 2004 
5

GENERAL 

These instructions are for inspecting strawberries, blackberries, dewberries and 

raspberries; and contain grading procedures and scoring guidelines. The berries 

covered in these instructions are grown throughout the United States. However, the 

primary production for strawberries is in California and Florida, with some imports from 

Mexico. Dewberries, blackberries and raspberries are mainly grown in California, 

Oregon and Washington, along with some imports from Central and South America. All 

of the berries are available on larger terminal markets twelve months of the year. 

Due to the variation in growing conditions in the different production areas, there 

are many different varieties of berries that have been developed to suit each 

environment. Generally berries are very delicate and can easily be affected by growing 

conditions, transportation and storage. They are highly susceptible to high or low 

temperatures, moisture, disease, and bruising. 

Some of the common varieties of strawberries and blackberries have some 

variation in their shape and size, while raspberries tend to be very similar in shape and 

size, but come in a variety of colors, from golden to red, and black. 

As with other commodities, do not attempt to certify variety, but it is permissible 

to describe shape and the color of the berries, as well as take digital images if 

requested by the applicant to verify the general appearance of the lot. 

REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLING 

The importance of obtaining representative samples cannot be over emphasized. 

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

representative of the entire lot or accessible portion of the lot. All portions of the lot or 

accessible portion should receive the same attention in sampling. Shipments or lots of 

berries may be made up of berries from a number of fields, growers or days picking. 

This may result in berries that may vary in quality and/or condition from one location to 

another. It is not uncommon to find berries in the top layers firm, while the lower layers 

may be soft or decayed. That is why it cannot be over emphasized to representatively 

sample all parts of the shipment or lot. 

Size of Sample 

The tolerances in the U.S. Standards For Grades of Strawberries are based on 

count; all other berries in these instructions are based on volume. Typically the berries 

are packed in cups or baskets, which are then packed in trays or flats. The cup or 

basket is the unit of sample. For raspberries, dewberries, and blackberries (volume), 

Revised, March 2006, HU-151-13(a) 

Page 5, Strawberries and Other Berries, Shipping Point 

 and Market Inspection Instructions, August 2004 

** **

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6

the number of berries in the sample shall always be shown for the sample on the 

notesheet. 

Occasionally, berries are packed loose in flats or tray, which may or may not be 

divided into sections. When there are sections, a section shall be the unit of sample. If 

there are no sections, the tray or flat shall be visually divided into four equal sections, 

one of which shall be the unit sampled. If a sample tolerance is exceeded, the entire 

contents of at least one flat or tray exceeding the tolerance will be the sample. 

One of the easiest methods to determine what percentage of the sample volume 

each berry represents is to first count the total number of berries in the sample, and 

then divide the total number into 100 percent. The resulting number will be the 

percentage by volume of the average size berry in the sample (i.e., there are 17 berries 

in a cup, making the average size berry equal to approximately 6 percent). From that 

calculation it can be estimated that a smaller berry would be approximately in the range 

of 3 to 5 percent, and larger berries might range from 7 to 9 percent, depending on the 

actual size of the berry compared to the “average size” berry. 

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 six consumer units taken from different 

master containers. For lots containing more than 2000 containers the sampling rate 

shall be 2/3 of 1%. This will be particularly important in inspecting packages 2-4 pound 

clamshells per master container. The following sampling rates are suggested for these 

unique (and similar) containers, that contain a particularly large number of berries that 

have to be examined from each clamshell. 

Suggested Sampling Rates for 2-4 Pound Clamshells: 

 Number of Master Containers Clamshell Samples Examined 

 200 3 

 500 5 

 1000 9 

 1500 11 

 2000 13 

It is the inspector’s responsibility to examine additional representative samples 

when quality, condition, or size in the samples is decidedly different, this will ensure an 

accurate description of the lot. 
7

TOLERANCES AND APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES 

Strawberries 

 U.S. No. 1 U.S. Comb.*

TOTAL DEFECTS, including 10% 20% 

 Serious damage, including 5% 10% 

 Decay 2% 2% 

UNDERSIZE 5% 5% 

* In addition, at least 80% of berries must be U.S. No. 1. 

 U.S. No. 2

TOTAL DEFECTS, including 10% 

 Decay 3% 

UNDERSIZE 5% 

Application of Tolerances

For tolerances of 10 percent or more, individual packages in any lot shall not 

have more than one and one-half times the tolerance specified, except that when the 

package contains 25 specimens or less, individual packages shall not have more than 

double the tolerance specified: Provided, That the averages for the entire lot are within 

the tolerances specified. 

For a tolerance of less than 10 percent, individual packages in any lot shall not 

have more than double the tolerance specified, except that at least one defective and 

one off size may be permitted in any package: Provided, That the averages for the 

entire lot are within the tolerances specified for the grade. 
8

Raspberries 

 U.S. No. 1

TOTAL DEFECTS, including 10% 

 Serious damage, including 5% 

 Decay 1% 

 U.S. No. 2

TOTAL DEFECTS, including 10% 

 Decay 2% 

Application of Tolerances

Individual packages may contain not more than one and one-half times the 

tolerance specified: Provided, That the average for the entire lot is within the tolerance 

specified. 

Dewberries and Blackberries 

 U.S. No. 1

TOTAL DEFECTS, including 10% 

 Serious damage, including 5% 

 Decay 1% 

 U.S. No. 2

TOTAL DEFECTS, including 10% 

 Decay 2% 

Application of Tolerances

There are no applications of tolerances for Dewberries and Blackberries, which 

means a sample could contain any percentage of defects as long as the lot tolerances 

are not exceeded. 

Revised August 2005, HU-150-14(a) 

Page 8, Strawberries and Other Berries Shipping Point 

and Market Inspection Instructions, August 2004

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9

NOTESHEET AND CERTIFICATE 

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

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

by information on the notesheet. When the inspection is complete, it is the 

responsibility of the inspector to ensure that all the information is properly recorded. 

Notations shall be recorded so anyone familiar with inspection procedures can interpret 

and write a certificate. Also remember that the 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 additional information and 

instructions. 

The following abbreviations shall be used on the notesheet to identify the types 

of defects: 

 Scars SCR Overripe/Soft SOF 

Missing Calyxes IMT Moisture from Leaking Berries MOI 

Bird Pecks BIR Translucent/Dull/Watersoaked WAT 

Insect Damage INS Crushed CRU 

Not Well Developed MIS Cut CUT 

Undercolor COL Leaking LEK 

Foreign Material DFM Cores COR 

Dirt DFM Mold MOL 

Rodent Damage ROD Decay DEK 

Bruised BRU 

PRODUCT 

The common name of berries, i.e., STRAWBERRIES, RASPBERRIES, etc., shall 

be used to describe the commodity in the product heading. Type may be reported in 

conjunction with the berries, i.e., RED RASPBERRIES, etc., or may be reported in the 

“PRODUCT/VARIETY” section on the shipping point inspection certificates or in the 
10

“LOT ID” section on the market notesheet and certificate. No variety shall be certified, 

however, if a variety is marked, it shall be quoted on the certificate. 

NUMBER/TYPE OF CONTAINERS 

The number of containers shall always be reported and certified whenever 

possible. In the market the inspector shall always verify the container count provided by 

the applicant to the maximum extent possible and reported as “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. The count of large lots certified in a warehouse or on a platform may be 

reported on the authority of someone other than the inspector. However, the inspector 

is responsible for assuring that the approximate numbers of the containers reported in 

the lot are present. 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). At shipping 

point locations the applicant generally provides a manifest for count and it is acceptable 

to use this for the count of containers. 

Berries are generally shipped in cups or baskets, which are packed in master 

flats or trays. The type of container shall always be reported under this heading. 

BRANDS/MARKINGS 

The brand, variety, size, count, shipper, packer, 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 pertinent information 

should appear in this section on the certificate. 

Occasionally berries may be marked to a size. These terms have no bearing on 

the U.S. standards, but should be quoted on the certificate along with other identifying 

marks. 

ORIGIN 

The inspector 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 certificate. 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 knowing what state or 

country from which the berries originated. 
11

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. 

TEMPERATURE OF PRODUCT 

Temperature would not normally be taken at shipping point, but if requested by 

a financially interested party they should be reported on the certificate. However, due 

to the importance of the pulp temperature of fresh fruit and vegetables when in transit 

or at destination, it is essential that the inspector accurately determine and report the 

temperature or range in temperature 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 accurate 

readings. 

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

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

or there is a specific request for temperatures. 

SIZE 

§51.3115, 51.3116, 51.3117 (b) Tolerances. (2) For off-size. Not more 

than 5 percent for strawberries in any lot which are below the 

specified minimum size. 

Strawberries are the only berries with size requirements in the U.S. standards. 

All berries are sized by diameter, which is defined in the U.S. Standards for 

Strawberries as “the greatest dimension measured at right angles to a straight line 

running from the stem to the apex.” The U.S. Standards for Grades of Strawberries 

states that, unless otherwise specified, the U.S. No. 1 and Combination grades have a 

3/4-inch minimum diameter, and the U.S. No. 2 has 5/8-inch minimum diameter. If a 

smaller or larger minimum is established or specified, that size must be reported in 

connection with the grade. 

Revised, May 2011, HU-155-20(c) 

Page 11, Strawberries and Other Berries, Shipping Point 

and Market Inspection Instructions, August 2004 

** **   
12

DEFECTS (QUALITY AND CONDITION) 

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. 

Brightness 

The brightness of strawberries is not a grade requirement and cannot be scored 

as a defect, although it is an important marketing factor. The following terms should be 

used in the “Other” section to describe brightness: bright, fairly bright, or dull. Many 

times dullness is associated with overripe; however some newer varieties have a duller 

dark red color, but are not overripe. Overripe berries are also generally soft and watery 

(see section on Overripe/Soft Berries). 

Bruises (C) 

Bruises may appear as flattened, sunken, mushy and/or discolored areas. 

Berries, which are soft from being overripe, should be scored for serious damage as 

“overripe” and should not be combined with bruising. However, berries that have areas 

that are soft and mushy apparently from external forces should be scored as serious 

damage by bruising. 

Strawberries: Area Allowed for Flattened Discolored Bruises (Aggregate Area) 

 Damage Serious Damage

 1/2” 3/4” 

Maximum area allowed refers to a circle of specified diameter. 

Areas are based on a strawberry of 1-1/2 inches in diameter with correspondingly 

lesser or greater areas on smaller or larger berries. 

Other berries shall be scored as damage when bruising materially affects the 

appearance of the berry and scored as serious damage when seriously affecting the 

appearance of the berry. 

Bruises that are sunken shall be scored as damage or serious damage when the 

appearance is affected to a greater extent than that allowed for flattened and discolored 

bruises. Bruises that are mushy from being crushed and/or leaking should always be 

scored as serious damage. 

Revised, May 2011, HU-155-20(d) 

Page 12, Strawberries and Other Berries, Shipping Point 

and Market Inspection Instructions, August 2004 

** **

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13

Any time bruising is unique or occurs in excessive amounts, the location should 

be described in the “other” section on the certificate showing the location in the 

container, load, and/or pallet. 

Berries that have indented areas from the top edges of the containers should not 

be scored as defects unless the skin is cut or the indented area is large enough to affect 

the appearance of the berry. If the appearance is affected, berries should be scored 

based on the general definition of damage or serious damage. They should be 

described as indented and/or cut areas occurring by edges of cups or baskets. 

Calyxes/Cores (Q) 

If the strawberry calyx is not attached, the berry is damaged for the U.S. No. 1 

grade, but is not scored against the U.S. No. 2 Grade. 

If the cap (calyx) or core is present on dewberries, blackberries or raspberries the 

berry is considered damage for the U.S. No. 1 Grade, but is not scored against the 

U.S. No. 2 Grade. 

Color (Q) 

U.S. No. 1: 

Strawberries require 3/4 or more of the surface a pink or red color. 

Dewberries and Blackberries require (well colored) the whole surface to be a 

blue or black color. 

Raspberries require (well colored) the whole surface to show a color 

characteristic of a mature berry. 

U.S. No. 2:

Strawberries require not less than 1/2 of the surface a pink or red color. 

Dewberries and Blackberries require more than 1/2 of the surface to be covered 

with a blue or black color. 

Raspberries are required to not have poor color characteristic of an immature 

berry (use above berry requirement as a guide). 

Dewberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries have no terms in the U.S. 

Standards to describe berry color; however, the term “undercolor” will be used to 

describe this defect for both damage and serious damage. 

Revised, May 2011, HU-155-20(e) 

Page 13, Strawberries and Other Berries, Shipping Point 

and Market Inspection Instructions, August 2004 
14

Condition of Calyxes

The condition of calyxes is not a grade requirement, and cannot be scored as a 

defect. However, the overall appearance of the berry is affected by calyx freshness and 

color. The following terms may be used in the “Other” section to describe calyxes: 

fresh, fairly fresh, wilted, dry, green, turning brown and brown or a combination thereof. 

Development (Q) 

“Well developed” is a requirement of the U.S. No. 1 grade for “other berries” 

(raspberries, dewberries, and blackberries), “not undeveloped” is the requirement for 

the U.S. No. 1 grade for strawberries. Berries that are misshapen or have not attained 

a normal shape and development due to Anthracnose injury, frost injury, lack of 

pollination, insect injury, or other causes shall not meet the requirements of well 

developed (other berries) or not undeveloped (strawberries) as required in the 

standards. 

For guidelines to scoring undeveloped (damage) or badly deformed (serious 

damage) strawberries, refer to visual aid STR-CP-l, 3/87. “Buttons” are not permitted, 

and are scored as undeveloped (damage) in the U.S. No. 1 strawberry grade, and if flat 

and hard, are scored as badly deformed (serious damage). 

For “other berries,” those not meeting the definition of well developed as 

referenced in the U.S. No. 1 grades shall be scored as not well developed. The U.S. 

No. 2 grades for “other berries” have no requirements as to development. However, 

those berries that are seriously detracting in appearance shall be scored against the 

U.S. No. 2 grades as badly deformed. As a guide, if more than 1/4 of the drupelets on 

“other berries” are dry, they shall be scored as not well developed (U.S. No. 1 grades) 

or as badly deformed when seriously affecting the berries appearance. 

Dirt or Foreign Matter (Q) 

All U.S. No. 1 berries must be free from damage or serious damage (badly 

caked) by dirt or other foreign matter. This is determined by the appearance of the 

individual berry. 

Discoloration (C) 

Discoloration may result from any one of a number of causes, such as disease or 

sunburn. Since, it is often difficult to identify the cause, the discoloration should be 

described and scored on the basis of the definitions for damage and serious damage. 

Freezing or Frozen Berries (C) 

The term “frozen” is only to be used when ice crystals are present. Frozen 

berries may be darker and glassy or translucent in appearance. 

Revised, May 2011, HU-155-20(f) 

Page 14, Strawberries and Other Berries, Shipping Point 

and Market Inspection Instructions, August 2004 
15

“Freezing injury” is the term that should be used when it is evident that the 

berries have been frozen, but is not in a frozen condition at the time of inspection. The 

affected berries may be soft, discolored and watersoaked in appearance. 

 Record the pulp temperatures taken at various locations. 

 Determine and record extent of the injury in the load. 

 Determine and record extent of the injury in the containers. 

 Determine and record degree to which individual specimens are affected. 

 Describe the pattern of freezing or freezing injury in clear, concise terms. 

When the location of injury indicates where or when the freezing occurred this is 

to be stated. For example, “freezing injury so located as to indicate it occurred after 

packing but not in present location.” 

Hail, Insect, Bird, Rodent Injury (Q or C) 

When injury is slight, it should be overlooked, otherwise it should be scored as 

damage or serious damage based on the appearance of the individual berry. Presence 

of live insects, fruit flies or larvae is always considered serious damage. 

Mold (C) 

All of the berry standards require that the berries be free from mold. That means 

that any amount of mold on a berry should be scored as serious damage. 

Moisture (Q or C) 

All berry grades require berries to be free from damage by moisture. If 

excessively wet from rain, a lot would not meet the requirements of any U.S. grade. 

This condition, however, will rarely be encountered in the market, and if the rain 

occurred prior to loading at shipping points, the condition should be reported under the 

“Quality” heading. 

Moisture from condensation should not be scored as damage. Berries scored for 

“moisture” in the market will usually be wet from leaking juice from soft or bruised or 

decayed berries. These berries should be described as such on the certificate as, i.e., 

“serious damage by leaking juice from bruised berries.” 

Overripe/Soft Berries (C) 

The requirement of all U.S. No. 1 grades for berries is “firm, not overripe.” 

Overripe or soft berries mean dead ripe or soft berries necessitating immediate 

consumption. Such berries are generally dark red, dull in appearance, and watery, and 

are serious damage. 

Revised, May 2011, HU-155-20(g) 

Page 15, Strawberries and Other Berries, Shipping Point 

and Market Inspection Instructions, August 2004 
16

Similar Varietal Characteristics (Q) 

The U.S. Standards for Strawberries require the berries in the U.S. No. 1 grade 

to be of similar varietal characteristics. Which means the berries in a lot should be of 

the same general type, as to shape and color. There is no such requirement in the U.S. 

No. 2 grade. 

The Dewberry, Blackberry, and Raspberry standards require the berries in a lot 

to be of one variety. 

Decay (C)

Decay is much harder to identify at shipping point than in the market. The most 

common types of decay develop in transit or storage and are Leather Rot, Brown Rot, 

Gray Mold Rot, Anthracnose and Rhizopus Rot. 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, advanced or a combination of 

these, reported using general quantity terms. 

Revised, May 2011, HU-155-20(h) 

Page 16, Strawberries and Other Berries, Shipping Point 

and Market Inspection Instructions, August 2004 
17

Appendix I - U.S. Grade Standards 

United States Standards for Grades of Strawberries 1

Effective February 23, 2006 

Grades 

51.3115 U.S. No. 1. 

51.3116 U.S. Combination. 

51.3117 U.S. No. 2. 

51.3118 Reserved. 

Application of Tolerances 

51.3119 Application of tolerances. 

Definitions 

51.3120 Overripe. 

51.3121 Undeveloped. 

51.3122 Damage. 

51.3123 Serious damage. 

51.3124 Diameter. 

Grades 

§51.3115 U.S. No. 1. 

"U.S. No. 1'' consists of strawberries of one variety or similar varietal characteristics with the cap (calyx) 

attached, which are firm, not overripe or undeveloped, and which are free from mold or decay and free 

from damage caused by dirt, moisture, foreign matter, disease, insects, or mechanical or other means. 

Each strawberry has not less than three-fourths of its surface showing a pink or red color. 

(a) Size. Unless otherwise specified, the minimum diameter of each strawberry is not less than threefourths inch. 

(b) Tolerances. In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling the following 

tolerances, by count, are provided as specified: 

(1) For defects. Not more than 10 percent for strawberries in any lot which fail to meet the requirements 

of this grade, but not more than one-half of this tolerance, or 5 percent, shall be allowed for defects 

causing serious damage, including therein not more than two-fifths of this latter amount, or 2 percent, for 

strawberries affected by decay. 

(2) For off-size. Not more than 5 percent for strawberries in any lot which are below the specified 

minimum size. 

§51.3116 U.S. Combination. 

"U.S. Combination'' consists of a combination of U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. 2 strawberries, except for size: 

Provided, That at least 80 percent, by count, of the strawberries meet the requirements of U.S. No. 1 

grade. 

(a) Size. Unless otherwise specified, the minimum diameter of each strawberry is not less than threefourths inch. 

(b) Tolerances. In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling the following 

tolerances, by count, are provided as specified: 

(1) For defects. Not more than 10 percent for strawberries in any lot which are seriously damaged, 

including therein not more than one-fifth of this tolerance, or 2 percent, for strawberries affected by decay. 

No part of any tolerance shall be allowed to reduce for the lot as a whole, the percentage of U.S. No. 1 

strawberries required in the combination, and individual containers (cups or baskets) may have not less 

than 65 percent U.S. No. 1 strawberries: Provided, That the entire lot averages within the required 

percentage. 

 

 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. 

Revised, March 2006, HU-151-13(b) 

Page 17, Strawberries and Other Berries, Shipping Point 

and Market Inspection Instructions, August 2004 
18

(2) For off-size. Not more than 5 percent of the strawberries in any lot may be below the specified 

minimum size. 

§51.3117 U.S. No. 2. 

"U.S. No. 2'' consists of strawberries which are free from decay and free from serious damage caused by 

dirt, disease, insects, mechanical or other means. Each strawberry has not less than one-half of its 

surface showing a pink or red color. 

(a) Size. Unless otherwise specified, the minimum diameter of each strawberry is not less than fiveeighths inch. 

(b) Tolerances. In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling the following 

tolerances, by count, are provided as specified: 

(1) For defects. Not more than 10 percent for strawberries in any lot which are seriously damaged, 

including therein not more than three-tenths of this tolerance, or 3 percent, for strawberries affected by 

decay. 

(2) For off-size. Not more than 5 percent for strawberries in any lot which are below the specified 

minimum size. 

Unclassified 

§51.3118 [Reserved]. 

Application of Tolerances 

§51.3119 Application of tolerances. 

(a) The contents of individual packages (cups or baskets) in the lot, based on sample inspection, are 

subject to the following limitations: 

(1) For a tolerance of 10 percent or more, individual packages (cups or baskets) in any lot shall have not 

more than one and one-half times the tolerance specified, except that when the package contains 25 

specimens or less, individual packages shall have not more than double the tolerance specified: 

Provided, That the averages for the entire lot are within the tolerance specified for the grade. 

(2) For a tolerance of less than 10 percent, individual packages (cups or baskets) in any lot shall have not 

more than double the tolerance specified, except that at least one defective and one off-size specimen 

may be permitted in any package: Provided, That the averages for the entire lot are within the 

tolerances specified for the grade. 

Definitions 

§51.3120 Overripe. 

"Overripe" means dead ripe, becoming soft, a condition unfit for shipment and necessitating immediate 

consumption. 

§51.3121 Undeveloped. 

"Undeveloped" means that the berry has not attained a normal shape and development due to frost injury, 

lack of pollination, insect injury, or other causes. "Button'' berries are the most common type of this 

condition. 

§51.3122 Damage. 

"Damage" means any defect or any combination of defects, which materially detracts from the 

appearance, or the edible or shipping quality of the strawberries. 

§51.3123 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 shipping quality of the strawberries. The following specific 

defects shall be considered as serious damage: 

(a) Soft berries; 

(b) Badly deformed berries; 

(c) Badly bruised berries; 

(d) Decayed or leaky berries; 

(e) Berries badly caked with dirt; and, 

(f) Berries with less than one-half of surface showing pink or red color. 
19

§51.3124 Diameter. "Diameter" means the greatest dimension measured at right angles to a straight line running from the 

stem to the apex. 
20

United States Standards for Grades of Raspberries 1

Effective May 29, 1931 

Grades 

51.4320 U.S. No. 1. 

51.4321 U.S. No. 2. 

Unclassified 

51.4322 Unclassified. 

Application of Tolerances 

51.4323 Application of tolerances. 

Definitions 

51.4324 Well colored. 

51.4325 Well developed. 

51.4326 Overripe. 

51.4327 Damage. 

51.4328 Serious damage. 

Grades 

§51.4320 U.S. No. 1. 

"U.S. No. 1'' consists of raspberries of one variety which are well colored, well developed and not soft, 

overripe, or broken; which are free from cores, sunscald, mold, and decay, and from damage caused by 

dirt or other foreign matter, shriveling, moisture, disease, insects, mechanical or other means. 

(a) Tolerances. In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling, not more than 10 

percent, by volume, of the berries in any lot may fail to meet the requirements of this grade, including 

therein not more than 5 percent for defects causing serious damage, and including in this latter amount 

not more than 1 percent for berries which are affected by mold or decay. 

§51.4321 U.S. No. 2. 

"U.S. No. 2'' consists of raspberries of one variety which fail to meet the requirements of the U.S. No. 1 

grade but which do not contain more than 10 percent, by volume, of berries in any lot which are seriously 

damaged by any cause, including therein not more than 2 percent for berries which are affected by mold 

or decay. 

Unclassified

§51.4322 Unclassified. "Unclassified'' consists of raspberries which have not been classified in 

accordance with either 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. 

Application of Tolerances 

§51.4323 Application of tolerances. 

The contents of individual packages in the lot are subject to the following limitations: 

(a) Individual packages may contain not more than one and one-half times the tolerance specified: 

Provided, That the average for the entire lot is within the tolerance specified. 

Definitions 

§51.4324 Well colored. 

"Well colored" means that the whole surface of the berry shows a color characteristic of a mature berry. 

§51.4325 Well developed. 

"Well developed" means that the berries shall not be misshapen owing to anthracnose injury, frost injury, 

lack of pollination, insect injury, or other causes. 

§51.4326 Overripe. 

"Overripe" means dead ripe or soft, necessitating, immediate consumption. 

§51.4327 Damage. 

 

1 Packing of the product in conformity with the requirements 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. 
21

"Damage" means any defect, or any combination of defects, which materially detracts from the 

appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the raspberries. 

§51.4328 Serious damage. 

"Serious damage" means any defect, or any combination of defects, which seriously detracts from the 

appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the berry. Berries which are badly deformed, crushed, 

leaky, moldy, decayed, or which have poor color characteristic of immature berries, or berries from which 

the core has not been removed, shall be considered as seriously damaged. 
22

United States Standards for Grades of Dewberries and Blackberries 1

Effective February 13, 1928

Grades 

51.4270 U.S. No. 1. 

51.4271 U.S. No. 2. 

Unclassified 

51.4272 Unclassified. 

Definitions 

51.4273 Well colored. 

51.4274 Well developed. 

51.4275 Overripe. 

51.4276 Damage. 

51.4277 Serious damage. 

Grades 

§51.4270 U.S. No. 1.

"U.S. No. 1" consists of dewberries or blackberries of one variety which are firm, well colored, well 

developed and not overripe, which are free from caps (calyxes), mold and decay, and from damage 

caused by dirt or other foreign matter, shriveling, moisture, disease, insects, mechanical or other means. 

(a) Tolerances. In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling, not more than 10 

percent, by volume, of the berries in any lot may fail to meet the requirements of this grade, including 

therein not more than 5 percent for defects causing serious damage, and including in this latter amount 

not more than 1 percent for berries which are affected by mold or decay. 

§51.4271 U.S. No. 2.

"U.S. No. 2" consists of dewberries or blackberries of one variety which fail to meet the requirements of 

the U.S. No. 1 grade but which do not contain more than 10 percent, by volume, of berries in any lot 

which are seriously damaged by any cause, including therein not more than 2 percent for berries which 

are affected by mold or decay. 

Unclassified

§51.4272 Unclassified.

"Unclassified" consists of dewberries or blackberries which have not been classified in accordance with 

either 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. 

Definitions

§51.4273 Well colored.

"Well colored" means that the whole surface of the berry shall be a blue or black color. 

§51.4274 Well developed.

"Well developed" means that the berries shall not be misshapen owing to anthracnose injury, frost injury, 

lack of pollination, insect injury, or other causes. 

§51.4275 Overripe.

"Overripe" means dead ripe or soft, necessitating immediate consumption. 

§51.4276 Damage.

"Damage" means any defect, or any combination of defects, which materially detracts from the 

appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the berry. 

§51.4277 Serious damage. 

 

1

Packing of the product in conformity with the requirements 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. 
23

"Serious damage" means any defect, or any combination of defects, which seriously detracts from the 

appearance, or the edible or marketing quality of the berry. Berries which are badly deformed, crushed, 

leaky, moldy, decayed, or which have less than one-half of the surface covered with a blue or black color 

shall be considered as seriously damaged. 
24

Appendix II - Notesheet and Certificate Examples 
25

Revised, March 2006, HU-151-13(c) 

Page 25, Strawberries and Other Berries Shipping Point 

and Market Inspection Instructions, August 2004 
26
27

Revised, August 2005, HU-150-14(c) 

Page 27, Strawberries and Other Berries Shipping Point and 

 Market Inspection Instructions, August 2004 
28

Revised, August 2005, HU-150-14(d) 

Page 28, Strawberries and Other Berries Shipping Point and 

Market Inspection Instructions, August 2004 
29

Revised, August 2005, HU-150-14(e) 

Page 29, Strawberries and Other Berries Shipping Point and 

Market Inspection Instructions, August 2004