U Marketing and

Regulatory

Programs

Agricultural

Marketing

Service

Specialty

Crops

Program

Specialty 

Crops 

Inspection

Division

Peppers

Shipping Point and Market Inspection 

Instructions

March 2016
Non-Discrimination Policy: In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights 

regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA 

programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender 

expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance 

program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by 

USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, 

audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 

(voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be 

made available in languages other than English. 

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at 

http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the 

letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your 

completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 

1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
These instructions contain information and guidelines to help personnel of the 

U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Specialty Crops Inspection (SCI) Division 

uniformly apply and interpret U.S. grade standards, other similar specifications, and 

special procedures.

These guidelines do not supersede the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or any 

other applicable Federal or State laws or regulations. Compliance with these statutes is 

mandatory. This publication supersedes any previously issued inspection instructions.

The citation of any data, criteria, techniques, illustrations, copyrighted material, or 

pictorial representations accredited to private authorship is used with the permission of 

the individual(s) or source(s) cited. Unless a specific reference is cited, the information 

in this manual has been derived from sources available to the public or from the 

technical knowledge of USDA personnel.

Except for official USDA inspection aids or devices and color guides (or standards) 

produced under license of the Department of Agriculture, the mention of any supplier, 

patented device, product, brand name, or equipment does not imply endorsement by 

USDA over any other similar or equally effective material.

Inspection instructions are issued by USDA after careful consideration of all data and 

views submitted. The Department welcomes suggestions for improving the inspection 

instructions in future revisions. 

Comments may be submitted to: 

Director, Specialty Crops Inspection Division

Specialty Crops Program

USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service

1400 Independence Avenue, SW, STOP 0240 

Washington, DC 20250

These instructions replace Sweet Peppers and Other Peppers Shipping Point and 

Market Inspection Instructions dated November 1991, and include, but not limited to, all 

previous correspondence, memos, inspection instructions, or procedures
ii

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iii

SHIPPING POINT AND MARKET INSPECTION INSTRUCTIONS FOR PEPPERS

SECTION PAGE NO.

PART I – SWEET PEPPERS ................................................................................................. 1

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

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

SIZE OF SAMPLE................................................................................................................ 1

NUMBER OF SAMPLES........................................................................................................ 2

TOLERANCES AND APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES ............................................................... 2

TOLERANCES .................................................................................................................... 2

SUMMARY OF TOLERANCES........................................................................................... 3

APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES............................................................................................ 3

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

NOTESHEET AND CERTIFICATE ........................................................................................... 4

PRODUCT.......................................................................................................................... 5

NUMBER/TYPE OF CONTAINERS.......................................................................................... 5

BRAND/MARKINGS ............................................................................................................. 5

ORIGIN ............................................................................................................................. 5

CONDITION OF PACK.......................................................................................................... 6

TEMPERATURE OF PRODUCT .............................................................................................. 6

SIZE ................................................................................................................................. 7

COUNT PER CONTAINER................................................................................................ 8

DEFECTS (QUALITY AND CONDITION) .................................................................................. 8

BACTERIAL SPOT (Q)......................................................................................................... 9

BLOSSOM END ROT (C) ..................................................................................................... 9

BRIGHTNESS AND SMOOTHNESS (Q) ................................................................................... 9

BRUISING (C) .................................................................................................................. 10

CLEANNESS (Q) .............................................................................................................. 10

COLOR (Q OR C) ............................................................................................................. 11

GREEN LOTS.............................................................................................................. 11

COLOR SPECIFIED LOTS ............................................................................................. 11

COLOR APPLICATION SCENARIOS ................................................................................ 12

CRUSHED, BROKEN, OR SPLIT (C) .................................................................................... 13

DISCOLORATION (Q OR C)................................................................................................ 14

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

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

SILVERY WHITE DISCOLORATION (Q)........................................................................... 14

FIELD FROST INJURY (Q) ............................................................................................ 15
iv

DARK OR BLACK AREAS.............................................................................................. 15

BLACK STEMS............................................................................................................ 15

FIRMNESS (C) ................................................................................................................. 15

FREEZING OR FREEZING INJURY (C).................................................................................. 16

HAIL OR SIMILAR INJURY (Q)............................................................................................. 16

INSECTS (Q OR C) ........................................................................................................... 17

INTERNAL SPROUTS (C) ................................................................................................... 18

MATURITY (Q) ................................................................................................................. 18

MECHANICAL (Q OR C)..................................................................................................... 19

MOLD (C)........................................................................................................................ 19

SURFACE MOLD ......................................................................................................... 19

INTERNAL MOLD ......................................................................................................... 19

PITTING (C)..................................................................................................................... 20

PULLED STEMS (Q).......................................................................................................... 20

SCARS (Q)...................................................................................................................... 20

GROUND SCAR .......................................................................................................... 21

SHAPE (Q)...................................................................................................................... 21

SHRIVELING (C)............................................................................................................... 22

SIMILAR VARIETAL CHARACTERISTICS (Q) ......................................................................... 22

SOOTY MOLD (Q) ............................................................................................................ 22

SUNBURN (Q).................................................................................................................. 23

SUNKEN DISCOLORED AREAS (C) ..................................................................................... 23

SUNSCALD (Q) ................................................................................................................ 24

DECAY (C)...................................................................................................................... 24

DECAY AFFECTING STEMS .......................................................................................... 25

DECAY AFFECTING CALYXES AND/OR WALLS................................................................ 25

PART II – PEPPERS, OTHER THAN SWEET PEPPERS .......................................................... 26

GENERAL........................................................................................................................ 26

REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLING............................................................................................ 26

SIZE OF SAMPLE.............................................................................................................. 26

NUMBER OF SAMPLES...................................................................................................... 26

TOLERANCES AND APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES ............................................................. 27

TOLERANCES .................................................................................................................. 27

SUMMARY OF TOLERANCES......................................................................................... 27

APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES.......................................................................................... 28

SUMMARY OF APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES ................................................................ 28

NOTESHEET AND CERTIFICATE ......................................................................................... 29

PRODUCT........................................................................................................................ 29
v

NUMBER/TYPE OF CONTAINERS........................................................................................ 29

BRAND/MARKINGS ........................................................................................................... 30

ORIGIN ........................................................................................................................... 30

CONDITION OF PACK........................................................................................................ 30

TEMPERATURE OF PRODUCT ............................................................................................ 30

SIZE ............................................................................................................................... 31

DEFECTS (QUALITY AND CONDITION) ................................................................................ 31

BLOSSOM END ROT (C) ................................................................................................... 31

BRUISING (C) .................................................................................................................. 32

COLOR (Q & C)............................................................................................................... 32

COLOR APPLICATION SCENARIOS ................................................................................ 33

CRUSHED, BROKEN, OR SPLIT (C) .................................................................................... 34

DIRT/CLEANNESS (Q) ...................................................................................................... 34

DISCOLORATION (Q OR C)................................................................................................ 34

INTERNAL DISCOLORATION (C).................................................................................... 34

SURFACE DISCOLORATION (C) .................................................................................... 35

SILVERY WHITE DISCOLORATION (Q)........................................................................... 35

FIELD FROST INJURY (Q) ............................................................................................ 35

DARK OR BLACK AREAS.............................................................................................. 36

BLACK STEMS............................................................................................................ 36

FIRMNESS (C) ................................................................................................................. 36

FREEZING OR FREEZING INJURY (C).................................................................................. 37

HAIL/MECHANICAL (Q & C)............................................................................................... 37

INSECTS/WORMS (Q OR C) .............................................................................................. 38

MATURITY (Q) ................................................................................................................. 38

MOLD (C)........................................................................................................................ 39

SURFACE MOLD ......................................................................................................... 39

INTERNAL MOLD ......................................................................................................... 39

PITTING (C)..................................................................................................................... 39

PULLED STEMS (Q) .......................................................................................................... 40

SCARS (Q)...................................................................................................................... 40

SHAPE (Q)...................................................................................................................... 40

SHRIVELING (C)............................................................................................................... 41

SIMILAR VARIETAL CHARACTERISTICS (Q) ......................................................................... 41

SOOTY MOLD (Q) ............................................................................................................ 42

SUNBURN (Q).................................................................................................................. 42

SUNKEN DISCOLORED AREAS (C) ..................................................................................... 43

SUNSCALD (Q) ................................................................................................................ 43
vi

DECAY (C)...................................................................................................................... 43

DECAY AFFECTING STEMS .......................................................................................... 44

DECAY AFFECTING CALYXES AND/OR WALLS................................................................ 44

APPENDIX I – NOTESHEET AND CERTIFICATE EXAMPLES .................................................... 45

EXAMPLE 1: FV-184 NOTESHEET..................................................................................... 45

EXAMPLE 1: FV-184 CERTIFICATE ................................................................................... 46

EXAMPLE 2: FV-300 NOTESHEET (FRONT)........................................................................ 47

EXAMPLE 2: FV-300 NOTESHEET (BACK).......................................................................... 48

EXAMPLE 2: FV-300 CERTIFICATE ................................................................................... 49

EXAMPLE 3: FV-300 NOTESHEET (FRONT)........................................................................ 50

EXAMPLE 3: FV-300 NOTESHEET (BACK).......................................................................... 51

EXAMPLE 3: FV-300 CERTIFICATE ................................................................................... 52

EXAMPLE 4: FV-300 FEIRS CERTIFICATE (PAGE 1) .......................................................... 53

EXAMPLE 4: FV-300 FEIRS CERTIFICATE (PAGE 2) .......................................................... 54

EXAMPLE 5: FV-300 NOTESHEET (FRONT) ....................................................................... 55

EXAMPLE 5: FV-300 NOTESHEET (BACK) ......................................................................... 56

EXAMPLE 5: FV-300 CERTIFICATE ................................................................................... 57
vii

PEPPER DIAGRAM
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Shipping Point and Market Inspection Instructions for Peppers (March 2016)

1

PART I – SWEET PEPPERS

GENERAL

There are two general types of Sweet Peppers based on certain varietal characteristics. 

One type is the thick-walled, meaty, blunt or bell-shaped type, which is usually multipointed at the blossom end. The other type is the long, thin-walled, single pointed type. 

The standards apply to all types, both field and greenhouse grown.

The U.S. Standards for Grades of Sweet Peppers covers peppers of all colors, such as

green, red, yellow, orange, salmon, white, purple, blue, brown, etc. Also, there are 

peppers that are striped and ones that are colored differently on the inside than on the 

outside. All Sweet Peppers must meet the requirements of “similar varietal 

characteristics” except when more than one variety and/or color are designated.

Any portion of these instructions beginning with §51 and followed with bold print is 

material copied directly from the U.S. Standards for Grades of Sweet Peppers.

REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLING

Obtaining representative samples is essential. Accurate certification is possible only if 

the samples examined are truly representative of the entire lot or accessible portion. 

Sample all portions of a lot or load even if it is difficult to reach all layers or parts. If you 

cannot access the entire lot for sampling, restrict the inspection and certificate to the 

accessible portion.

SIZE OF SAMPLE

The tolerances in the U.S. Standards for Grades of Sweet Peppers are determined on 

the basis of count. Whenever practical, sample the entire contents of the container. 

For containers that contain a large number of specimens, examine at least fifty peppers 

from each container. If the application of tolerances is exceeded, double the sample 

size or sample the entire container in at least one sample that exceeded the tolerance.

Consumer Size Units

The sample size for consumer packages will be the individual consumer unit and not the 

master container. The individual consumer unit also applies to consumer packages with 

more than one color in the same package.

Master containers may have consumer units with separate colors. For example: 12 

consumer units in a master container consist of 4 sleeves of red peppers, 4 sleeves of 

yellow peppers, and 4 sleeves of purple peppers. Each sleeve is a consumer unit. To 

sample representatively, select 1 sleeve (consumer unit) of each color from the master 
Shipping Point and Market Inspection Instructions for Peppers (March 2016)

2

container. Record as three separate samples all belonging to the same lot. As samples 

are drawn for the lot, ensure the three colors are represented equally (each color having 

the same number of samples).

Sample Size and Sampling Procedures for Internal Defects

Refer to the section on “Commodities without Defined Cutting Plans” in the General 

Market Manual.

NUMBER OF SAMPLES

As a general rule, examine a minimum of 1% of the lot. For lots of fewer than 300 

packages, examine a minimum of 3 samples. For lots over 2,000 packages, sample at 

the rate of two-thirds of 1%. To ensure an accurate description of the lot, examine 

additional representative samples when the quality, condition, or size within samples is 

decidedly different.

TOLERANCES AND APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES

TOLERANCES

§51.3274 Tolerances. In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading 

and handling in each of the foregoing grades, the following tolerances, by count, 

are provided as specified:

(a) U.S. Fancy and U.S. No. 1 grades. 

(1) For defects. Not more than a total of 10 percent of the peppers in 

any lot may fail to meet the requirements of these grades, but not 

more than one-half of this amount, or 5 percent, shall be allowed for 

peppers which are seriously damaged, including therein not more 

than 2 percent for peppers affected by decay affecting calyxes and/or 

walls; and, 

(2) For off-size. Not more than 10 percent of the peppers in any lot may 

fail to meet the size specifications.

(b) U.S. No. 2 grade.

(1) For defects. Not more than a total of 10 percent of the peppers in 

any lot may fail to meet the requirements of this grade, but not more 

than one-half of this amount, or 5 percent, shall be allowed for 

peppers affected by sunscald or affected by decay affecting stems 

only, including therein not more than 2 percent for peppers affected 

by decay affecting calyxes and/or walls.
Shipping Point and Market Inspection Instructions for Peppers (March 2016)

3

SUMMARY OF TOLERANCES

Grade Total Defects

Including 

Serious 

Damage

Including 

Decay of Walls 

& Calyxes

Off-Size

U.S. Fancy 

U.S. No. 1 10% 5% 2% 10%

U.S. No. 2 10% 5%∗ 2% ----

∗

Serious damage for sunscald and stem decay only.

NOTE: The off-size tolerance may be used entirely for under diameter or under length, 

or both, but the combined average may not exceed 10%. For example, a lot may have 

an average of 6% under diameter and 4% under length, provided the container 

tolerances are not exceeded, and meet size requirements. If a lot has 7% under 

diameter and 4% under length, the total off-size tolerance has been exceeded (11%).

APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES

§51.3275 Application of tolerances. The contents of individual packages in 

the lot, based on sample inspection, are subject to the following 

limitations: Provided, that the averages for the entire lot are within the 

tolerances specified for the grade:

(a) For packages which contain more than 20 peppers, 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.

(b) For packages which contain more than 20 peppers and a tolerance of 

less than 10 percent is provided, and for packages which contain 20 

peppers or less, individual packages in any lot shall have not more 

than double the tolerance specified, except that at least 1 defective 

and 1 off-size pepper may be permitted in any package.
Shipping Point and Market Inspection Instructions for Peppers (March 2016)

4

SUMMARY OF APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES

Application of Tolerances for Packages with More Than 20 Peppers

Grade Total Defects

Including 

Serious 

Damage

Including 

Decay of Walls 

and Calyxes

Off-Size

U.S. Fancy 

U.S. No. 1 10 x 11⁄2 = 15% 5 x 2 = 10% 2 x 2 = 4% 10 x 11⁄2 = 15%

U.S. No. 2 10 x 11⁄2 = 15% 5 x 2 = 10%∗ 2 x 2 = 4% ----

∗

Serious damage for sunscald and stem decay only.

Application of Tolerances for Packages with 20 Peppers or Less

Grade Total Defects

Including 

Serious 

Damage

Including 

Decay of Walls 

and Calyxes

Off-size

U.S. Fancy 

U.S. No. 1 10 x 2 = 20% 5 x 2 = 10% 2 x 2 = 4% 10 x 2 = 20%

U.S. No. 2 10 x 2 = 20% 5 X 2 = 10%∗ 2 x 2 = 4% ----

Allow at least 1 defective and 1 off-size in any package.

∗

Serious damage for sunscald and stem decay only.

NOTESHEET AND CERTIFICATE

Entries on the notesheet and certificate must be legible and accurate. Support all 

information appearing on the certificate by information on the notesheet. All information 

and notations must be properly recorded so that anyone familiar with inspection 

procedures can understand them and write a certificate. Notesheets and certificates 

are prima facie evidence and must withstand legal scrutiny.

Detailed instructions about dates, inspection points, places of inspection, types of 

carriers, lading, and other items not covered by these instructions may be found in the 

General Shipping Point Manual, General Market Manual, Federal-State Inspection 

Certificate (FV-184) Handbook, or Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Certificate (FV300) Manual. Contact your supervisor for anything not covered in these instructions.
Shipping Point and Market Inspection Instructions for Peppers (March 2016)

5

PRODUCT

Use “Sweet Peppers” to describe this commodity in the “Product” section. Color, such 

as "Red," "Orange," "Yellow," or whatever the case may be, may be used in the “Lot ID”

section or in conjunction with Sweet Peppers in the “Product” heading on market 

certificates and in the appropriate section on shipping point certificates. Examples: 

“Sweet Peppers, Yellow,” or “Sweet Peppers Red,” or “Sweet Peppers, Red & Yellow.” 

Assume that Sweet Pepper lots are “green” when color is not reported.

NUMBER/TYPE OF CONTAINERS

Always report the number of containers. In the market and at shipping point locations 

for stationary lot certification, always verify the container count provided by the applicant 

for each lot and report it as the “inspector’s count.” When the number of containers 

available for inspection does not match the application, confirm that the amount 

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

report the count at someone else’s authority, but also report the reason for doing so on 

the notesheet (e.g., numerous pallets with mixed product).

At shipping point locations for “days-run” certification, the manifest for count typically 

provided by the applicant is acceptable to use for reporting the number of containers.

Sweet Peppers are generally packed and shipped in cartons or flats. Peppers marketed 

in consumer size packages, such as film sleeves and shrink-wrap trays, are generally 

packed in master cartons or flats.

BRAND/MARKINGS

At shipping point, report the brand, variety, size, color, positive lot identification (PLI), 

and other important information appearing on the container on the notesheet and 

certificate in the appropriate sections.

At market, report the brand, variety, size, color, count, grade, weight, point of origin, and 

other important information appearing on the container on the notesheet in the 

“Brand/Markings” section. On the certificate, report only the brand name and other

pertinent information in the “Brand/Markings” section.

ORIGIN

Do not make a positive statement about origin on your own authority; rather, quote the 

container markings that list the state or country of origin in the appropriate space on the 

notesheet and the certificate. If origin is not marked, try 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.
Shipping Point and Market Inspection Instructions for Peppers (March 2016)

6

CONDITION OF PACK

Sweet peppers may be shipped in different size and style containers. The principal 

packs are volume fill (jumble pack), volume filled faced, and placed packed (hand 

packed in rows and layers). A “faced” package is one that has the top layer arranged in 

rows with the underlying contents volume filled.

Volume Filled or Volume Filled Faced Containers

Use the following terms to describe the filling:

Well filled: The contents are level with top edge of the container. 

Fairly well filled: The contents are not touching the lid or cover, and are not more than

1-1/2 inches below it.

Slack: The contents are more than 1-1/2 inches below the lid or cover.

Report the amount of slackness in inches or fractions of inches below the lid. 

Placed Packed Containers

Use the following terms to describe the tightness:

Very tight: The pack is so tight that some of the contents are bruised, crushed or 

broken, or out of shape because of the pressure.

Tight: A full pack with no movement of contents and slightly touching the lid.

Fairly tight: The contents are not necessarily touching the lid with slight movement of 

contents.

Slightly slack: The contents are slightly below the top with moderate movement.

Slack: A loose pack with contents more than slightly below the top of the container.

NOTE: Report the amount of slackness in inches or fractions of inches below the lid.

TEMPERATURE OF PRODUCT

Temperatures are not normally determined or reported 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 you accurately determine and report the temperature 

or range in temperatures on each lot. Report pulp temperature regardless of the 

location of the product, e.g., in the carrier, in a warehouse, or stacked on a platform.
Shipping Point and Market Inspection Instructions for Peppers (March 2016)

7

Precool the thermometer to obtain true readings and report all temperatures to the 

nearest whole degree. Take a minimum of three temperatures for each lot; record the 

results on the notesheet. Take additional temperatures if the lot is abnormally cold or 

hot, or if there is a specific request for temperature. Specify the location where you took 

the temperature in the lot and/or load in greater detail when additional temperatures are 

taken.

SIZE

§51.3270 U.S. Fancy...

(a) Size. The diameter of each pepper shall be not less than 3 inches and the 

length of each pepper shall be not less than 3-1/2 inches.

§51.3271 U.S. No. 1...

(a) Size. Unless otherwise specified, the diameter of each pepper shall be not 

less than 2-1/2 inches and the length of each pepper shall be not less than 

2-1/2 inches.

The U.S. Standards for Grades of Sweet Peppers provide a minimum size specification 

for length and diameter in the U.S. Fancy and U.S. No. 1 grades. No other 

specifications may be used for U.S. Fancy, but other sizes may be designated for the 

U.S. No. 1 grade, at applicant’s request. When size is certified as meeting that required 

in the grade, do not report size in connection with the grade statement. If the applicant 

wishes to specify a larger or smaller minimum, or establish a maximum size, then 

include this size in the grade statement. Example: “Fails to grade U.S. No. 1, 3-3/4 inch 

maximum diameter, 2-3/4 inch minimum length account condition,” or “U.S. No. 1, 2-1/4 

inch minimum diameter and length.” When size is specified, report under the “Remarks”

or “Other” sections “Size specified at applicant’s request.”

There are no size requirements for the U.S. No. 2 grade. If a size is marked on the 

container, or specified by the applicant, report the size on the notesheet and certificate.

Size Requirements

Grade Minimum Diameter Minimum Length

U.S. Fancy 3 inches 3-1/2 inches

U.S. No. 1 2-1/2 inches, UOS∗ 2-1/2 inches, UOS∗

U.S. No. 2 No Size Requirements

∗

UOS: Unless Otherwise Specified
Shipping Point and Market Inspection Instructions for Peppers (March 2016)

8

§51.3285 Diameter...the greatest dimension measured at right angles to the 

longitudinal axis.

§51.3286 Length...the greatest overall length measured in a straight line parallel 

to the longitudinal axis, exclusive of the stem.

When describing size on the certificate, report the range in length and diameter of the 

peppers. Report dimensions in 1/4-inch increments. When the range exceeds one 

inch, a mostly statement may be used to give a better description of the size of the lot. 

For example: “3-1/2 to 5, mostly 4 to 4-1/2 inches in diameter.”

The standards provide a 10% tolerance, by count, for peppers that fail to meet size 

specifications. The size tolerance is for Sweet Peppers failing the minimum diameter 

requirements, the minimum length requirements, or a combination of the two. For 

example: A lot of peppers may have 7% under-length and 3% under-minimum 

diameter, for a total of 10% offsize. The lot would meet the size requirements. 

However, a lot of peppers having 6% under-length and 6% under-minimum diameter, 

for a total of 12%, would not meet the size requirements.

COUNT PER CONTAINER

At applicant’s request, report the range and average of peppers per container in the 

“Other” section on market certificates. For example: “Count ranges from 57 to 78, 

average 69 peppers per carton, determined and reported at applicant’s request.”

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 or “permanent”

defects are those that do not change during storage or shipment (e.g., shape and 

scars).

Report factors noted with (C) as CONDITION on market certificates. Condition defects

are factors subject to change during shipment or storage, such as bruising, 

discoloration, shriveling, and decay.

Factors noted with (Q or C) may be considered as QUALITY or CONDITION, 

depending on the circumstances.

NOTE: Unless specified, base scoring guides for surface areas on a pepper 3-1/2 

inches in length and 3 inches in diameter for injury (U.S. Fancy), and 2-1/2 inches in 

length and diameter for damage and serious damage (U.S. No. 1 and 2). Allow 

corresponding larger or smaller areas on larger or smaller peppers.
Shipping Point and Market Inspection Instructions for Peppers (March 2016)

9

BACTERIAL SPOT (Q)

Peppers grown in climates where high temperature and frequent rainfall occur are 

susceptible to bacterial spot. Bacterial spot occurs as small, irregular, raised yellowish 

brown to black scab-like lesions that become cracked and may open the way for 

development of decay or infection.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When aggregating more than the area of a circle 5/8 inch in diameter.

Damage: When aggregating more than the area of a circle 5/8 inch in diameter.

Serious damage: When aggregating more than the area of a circle 1 inch in diameter.

BLOSSOM END ROT (C)

Blossom End Rot is a physiological disease and is associated with calcium deficiency in 

the soil and sporadic water fluctuations. It first appears as small watersoaked spots on 

the lower half of the fruit, near the blossom end. The spots enlarge into smooth sunken 

dry lesions that become light brown to brownish black in color.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When a single spot is more than 3/8 inch in diameter or an aggregate area 

exceeds that of a circle 5/8 inch in diameter.

Damage: When a single spot is more than 3/8 inch in diameter or an aggregate area 

exceeds that of a circle 5/8 inch in diameter.

Serious Damage: When a single spot is more than 3/4 inch in diameter or an 

aggregate area exceeds that of a circle 1 inch in diameter.

BRIGHTNESS AND SMOOTHNESS (Q)

Brightness and smoothness are not factors in any of the U.S. pepper grades. However, 

since they may affect the market value, they may be described on the certificate.

Fresh, firm, and well-developed peppers have a glossy shine that may be described as 

“bright.” Describe less attractive peppers as “fairly bright” or “dull” according to the 

appearance of the lot. The fact that a lot of peppers have been washed and waxed 

does not mean that it should to be called “bright,” or that an unwashed or unwaxed lot 

should be called “dull.”

Peppers may be described as “smooth,” “fairly smooth,” or “rough,” depending on the 

amount of characteristic ridges or grooves that normally appear on certain varieties.
Shipping Point and Market Inspection Instructions for Peppers (March 2016)

10

BRUISING (C)

Bruising may occur due to rough handling, movement of the peppers in a slack pack, or 

excessively tight packs. Bruising is characterized by a depressed or flattened area that 

may have a discolored, whitish, or translucent appearance.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When the aggregate area exceeds 5/8 inch in diameter.

Damage: When the aggregate area exceeds 5/8 inch in diameter.

Serious damage: When the aggregate area exceeds 1 inch in diameter.

NOTE: If the peppers are bruised so that the fleshy wall has been broken or punctured, 

score the peppers as serious damage and report as crushed or broken.

CLEANNESS (Q)

Cleanness refers to dirt or other foreign material affecting the individual pepper. There 

are no cleanness requirements in any of the U.S. Standards for Grades of Sweet 

Peppers and dirt is not specifically mentioned in any of the grades. However, peppers 

affected by dirt can be addressed under “other means.” Use the following terms to 

describe the degree of cleanness on peppers:

Clean: Practically free from dirt or other foreign material.

Fairly clean: Reasonably free from dirt or other foreign material.

Dirty: Partially caked with dirt or other adhering foreign material that materially affects 

the appearance.

Badly caked with dirt: Badly caked with dirt or other foreign material that seriously 

affects the appearance.

NOTE: Do not use “slightly dirty” to describe the degree of cleanness on peppers.

Scoring Guide

Damage: Score peppers that are “dirty” (materially detracting) against the total 

tolerance for the grade in the U.S. Fancy and U.S. No. 1 grades.

Serious damage: Score peppers that are “badly caked with dirt” (seriously detracting)

as serious damage in the U.S. Fancy and U.S. No. 1 grades, and against the total 

tolerance in the U.S. No. 2 grade.
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COLOR (Q OR C)

GREEN LOTS

Peppers may be described as “green,” “good green,” or “dark green” color. A pepper 

showing pale green to whitish-green areas caused by “shading” may meet the green 

color requirement if the surface area is predominantly green.

• Score Sweet Peppers in a green lot when turning color (ripening) as a condition 

defect against the 10% total defects tolerance and report as “turning red,” 

“turning yellow,” etc., according to the facts. However, score as quality when

showing yellowing or yellow areas caused by sunburn (see the Sunburn section).

• Do not report green color in conjunction with the grade statement on green lots. 

When a grade is reported without reference to color, assume the lot is green.

• Green lots with more than 10% turning color peppers fail to grade account 

condition. However, at applicant’s request, the color requirements may be 

waved and the lot designated as “mixed color.” When so designated, do not 

record turning color peppers on the notesheet nor report them on the certificate. 

Report mixed color in conjunction with the grade such as “U.S. No. 1 Mixed 

Color,” etc., and report in the “Remarks” or “Other” sections, “Lot designated as 

mixed color at applicant’s request.”

COLOR SPECIFIED LOTS

Sweet Pepper lots may be specified to be any color. Individual peppers may be 

specified to be more than one color (e.g., Red and Yellow Striped).

• Score peppers of contrasting color (off-colored peppers), such as green peppers 

in a red lot, as quality defects against the 10% allowance for off-color peppers 

and report as “Green Peppers in a Red Lot,” or whatever the case may be.

• At least 90% of the peppers in the lot must show some amount of the specified 

characteristic color(s). There are no restrictions on the percentage of different 

colored peppers that may be present in any one container, provided that the lot 

as a whole averages 90% or more peppers showing some of the specified 

characteristic color(s). This includes striped peppers lots, which must show 90% 

or more of the peppers having some amount of each specified color.

• Report specified color in conjunction with the grade. Example: “U.S. Fancy Red” 

or “U.S. No. 1 Yellow.” When “green” is one of the specified colors in a lot of two 

or more colors, report all the specified colors in the grade statement including 

“green.” Example: “U.S. No. 1 Red, Yellow, and Green.”
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• The 10% total defects tolerance is separate from the 10% off-color allowance. 

For example, a lot of U.S. No. 1 Yellow peppers with 8% defects and 8% off-color 

peppers would grade “U.S. No. 1 Yellow, since neither the total defects tolerance 

nor the off-color allowance exceeds 10%.

• Do not apply the application of tolerances to color for color specified lots.

• Peppers not meeting the color requirements of a qualified U.S. grade such as 

“U.S. Fancy Red” or “U.S. No. 1 Yellow,” etc., may, when requested by the 

applicant, be designated as “mixed color.” When the applicant requests the lot 

be based on mixed color, color requirements no longer apply. When designated 

as mixed color, report the fact with the grade. For example, “U.S. No. 1 Mixed 

Color.” In the “Remarks” or “Other” sections report “Lot designated as mixed 

color at applicant’s request.”

COLOR APPLICATION SCENARIOS

The following scenarios based on a U.S. No. 1 grade.

Scenario 1: Applicant explains that she asked for full colored red peppers, but most of 

the peppers show some amount of green on them. The applicant wants you to score 

the green color. What would you do? 

Answer: The standards state when an average of 90% or more of the peppers in the lot 

show some amount of the specified characteristic color, the color requirement is met. 

Therefore, the green area on the red peppers is not scorable. However, you may 

describe the color in general terms in the “Remarks” or “Other” sections. Example: 

“Most peppers show 10 to 75% of surface being green, some show full red color, not 

affecting grade and reported at applicant’s request.”

Scenario 2: You just completed an inspection on orange peppers. The results show 

9% off-color (e.g., green peppers in an orange lot), 2% damage by scars, 5% damage 

by shriveling, and 2% decay. Is the lot out of grade? 

Answer: The standards allow 10% for total defects AND, in a color specified lot, an 

additional 10% allowance for off-color. Therefore, the lot meets the grade. Also, since 

the 9% off-color did not exceed the 10% allowance, do not report it on the certificate.

Scenario 3: Using scenario 2 above, if ONE of the samples has 23% off-color with the 

total off-color remaining at 9%, and all other factors unchanged, does the lot still grade? 

Answer: Yes. The application of tolerances does not apply to the 10% allowance for 

off-color.
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Scenario 4: A lot of “suntan” peppers is called in. The trade name “suntan” is not 

defined by the USDA. If the applicant says “I bought them for turning red and I’m only 

interested in the decay, what could you suggest? 

Answer: You could suggest the lot be designated as “mixed color.” If the applicant 

agrees, do not keep a column on the notesheet for turning color nor report it on the 

certificate. In addition, report mixed color in conjunction with the grade and that it was 

requested by the applicant.

Scenario 5: You inform the applicant that they have 12% damage by bruising and 18% 

turning red color in a green pepper lot. The applicant requests the lot be recertified as a 

mixed color lot (hoping it will pass). Can you fulfill the request? 

Answer: No. We no longer recertify a lot once the inspection is completed. The 

applicant would need to call in another inspection requesting mixed color. Besides, the 

lot would still fail account condition with 12% damage by bruising.

Scenario 6: You are inspecting a lot with cartons having 12 sleeves of peppers. Each 

sleeve has 3 peppers – one green, one yellow, and one red. The lot passes for U.S. 

No. 1 and meets the specified colors (green, yellow, and red). Would the grade 

statement be “U.S. No. 1 Mixed Color?” 

Answer: No. Only report “mixed color” when the color requirements are waved. When 

color is specified, report the specified colors in the grade statement. In this case, report

“U.S. No. 1 Green, Yellow, and Red.”

Scenario 7: The green peppers in scenario 6 have 14% turning red color. Does the lot 

now fail to grade U.S. No. 1? 

Answer: Yes. Turning red color on green peppers is a scorable condition defect. Even 

though only the green peppers are affected, the entire lot fails. Report as “Fails to 

grade U.S. No. 1 Green, Yellow, and Red account condition.” In the “Average Defects”

section report “Turning Red Color affecting green peppers (__ to __ %).”

CRUSHED, BROKEN, OR SPLIT (C)

Rough handling or a very tight pack may cause crushed, broken, or split peppers. The 

fleshy walls of these peppers have been penetrated with openings or punctures making 

them free from defects in all grades.

Scoring Guide

Always serious damage: Free from; any amount. When encountering abnormal 

amounts, report on the certificate the location in the container or load.
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DISCOLORATION (Q OR C)

INTERNAL DISCOLORATION (C)

Discoloration may affect the flesh inside the cavity.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When slightly affecting the interior flesh of the pepper.

Damage: When materially affecting the interior flesh of the pepper.

Serious damage: When seriously affecting the interior flesh of the pepper.

NOTE: Do not score discolored or dried seeds. May report at applicant’s request.

SURFACE DISCOLORATION (C)

Surface discoloration may be caused by many factors including transit rubbing. It may 

appear as non-characteristic tan or darker colors affecting the skin of the pepper.

Discoloration could also appear as light to dark yellow spots. These spots may or may 

not be sunken, and are more prevalent on colored peppers. If the spots are sunken or 

have discolored underlying flesh, see the Sunken Discolored Area section.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When the aggregate area exceeds 5% of the surface.

Damage: When the aggregate area exceeds 10% of the surface.

Serious damage: When the aggregate area exceeds 25% of the surface.

SILVERY WHITE DISCOLORATION (Q)

Silvery white discoloration appears as a diffused or solid silvery white area. This defect 

is more common on non-green peppers, but can occur on all colors.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When aggregating more than 5% of the surface.

Damage: When aggregating more than 10% of the surface.

Serious damage: When aggregating more than 25% of the surface.
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FIELD FROST INJURY (Q)

Field frost injury first shows a dark discoloration. More severe cases show a yellowish 

brown discoloration under the outer skin, which may penetrate the fleshy wall.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When the aggregate area exceeds 5% of the surface.

Damage: When the aggregate area exceeds 10% of the surface.

Serious damage: When the aggregate area exceeds 25% of the surface.

NOTE: Allow less surface area when peeling and feathering.

DARK OR BLACK AREAS

Peppers may have very dark or black shiny smooth areas blending into the skin color. 

This pigmentation usually starts at the blossom end and may cover a considerable 

portion of the pepper surface. It is thought to be a varietal characteristic; therefore, do 

not score against any U.S. grade. If requested by the applicant to include a description 

of the black coloration in the “Remarks” or “Other” sections using general terms, 

followed by, “not affecting grade, reported at applicant’s request.”

Do not confuse dark or black areas with sooty mold, which can be easily scraped off 

with a fingernail or knife (see the Sooty Mold section).

BLACK STEMS

Dark or black color on stems is not a scorable factor unless decay is present. However, 

the stem color may be reported in the “Remarks” or “Other” sections in general terms at 

applicant’s request. For example, “Many stems turning black, few black color, reported 

at applicant’s request, not affecting grade.”

FIRMNESS (C)

Sweet Peppers are required to be “firm.”

§51.3278 Firm...the pepper is not soft, shriveled, limp or pliable, although it may 

yield to slight pressure.

The determination of firmness for peppers is somewhat different than that of other 

vegetables and is more difficult to gauge. Peppers consist of partly empty shells; the 

seed bearing portion is not in contact with the walls, but is connected by a thin 

membrane. The resistance to pressure is based entirely on the condition and thickness 
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of the walls. Wall thickness may be the predominating factor in determining the 

resistance to pressure. Do not report peppers as “soft” due to thin walls.

Scoring Guide

Always serious damage: Report peppers failing to meet the requirements of firm as 

“Soft” or “Flabby,” according to the facts, and score them as serious damage.

FREEZING OR FREEZING INJURY (C)

Use the term “frozen” only when ice crystals are present. Frozen peppers will be “dull, 

glassy, and translucent” in comparison to unaffected peppers. Freezing is a free from 

defect in all grades of Sweet Peppers.

“Freezing injury” is the term used when it is evident that the peppers have been frozen, 

but are not in a frozen condition (thawed out) at the time of inspection. The affected 

peppers may be flabby, watery, and/or translucent. The U.S. Fancy grade is free from 

freezing injury. For the U.S. No.1 and U.S. No. 2 grades, apply the general definitions 

for damage and serious damage when scoring freezing injury.

Use the following procedures when reporting freezing or freezing injury:

• Record pulp temperatures taken at various locations.

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

• Determine and record the 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, record the 

fact. For example, “Freezing injury so located as to indicate occurrence after packing 

but not in present location,” or “Freezing injury so located as to indicate freezing 

occurred in trailer.”

HAIL OR SIMILAR INJURY (Q)

Hail or similar injury usually appears as several unhealed punctures or small openings. 

If the hail or similar injury has had time to heal, the crack(s) or puncture(s) may have a 

brownish corky tissue on or below the surface.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When the skin is healed and the affected areas aggregate more than the 

equivalent of a circle 3/8 inch in diameter.
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Damage: When the skin is healed and the affected areas aggregate more than the 

equivalent of a circle 3/8 inch in diameter.

Serious damage: When the injury is not healed, or when the puncture or opening 

penetrates through the fleshy wall of the pepper.

INSECTS (Q OR C)

Various types of insects may affect peppers in several ways. Different types of worms 

may feed on the peppers by chewing or burrowing into the fleshy walls, and feeding on 

the inside of the peppers causing internal damage. Aphids may affect the appearance

as they feed on plant sap by depositing a sugar-rich sticky liquid, known as aphid 

honeydew, on the surface of the peppers. Other types of insects such as stinkbugs 

may feed on the surface of the peppers leaving white or yellow blotches (greenish 

brown spots on colored peppers).

Aphids: These insects do not burrow into the peppers or chew on the surface as 

worms do. However, when present in sufficient amounts they are objectionable. Use 

adequate light to determine if aphids are a factor.

Worms: The most common are the armyworm and the earworm. These worms 

typically chew on the surface or burrow into the pepper, feeding on the inside cavity, 

causing internal damage that may promote secondary disease infection.

Scoring Guide

Evidence of insect or worm feeding

Injury: When a single injury is more than 3/8 inch in diameter or an aggregate area 

exceeds a circle 5/8 inch in diameter.

Damage: When a single injury is more than 3/8 inch in diameter or an aggregate area 

exceeds a circle 5/8 inch in diameter.

Serious damage: When the injury penetrates the fleshy wall, or when a single injury is 

more than 3/4 inch in diameter or an aggregate area exceeds a circle 1 inch in diameter 

and length, or when one or more attached worms show evidence of feeding.

Insects or worms present with no evidence of feeding

When there is no evidence of insect feeding, score Sweet Peppers with more than 5 

insects present against the total tolerance for all U.S. grades.
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When one or more attached worms are present with no evidence of feeding, do not 

score. However, mention them on the notesheet and certificate and report as not 

affecting grade.

NOTE: Report fresh feeding and live insects or worms as condition. When dead, report 

as quality. When both live and dead insects or worms are present, report them as 

condition.

INTERNAL SPROUTS (C)

Internal seed sprouting, known as “second growth” by the industry, may develop within 

the seed cavity. It’s more prevalent on non-green peppers, but can occur on all colors.

Scoring Guide

Damage: When more than half of the internal volume of the cavity is affected by 

internal sprouts (determined by cutting crosswise parallel to the stem and blossom end).

Serious damage: Never score internal sprouts as serious damage.

NOTE: Peppers with nonscorable internal sprouts may be described in the “Remarks”

or “Other” sections using general terms and reported as “not affecting grade.”

MATURITY (Q)

Green peppers are not a variety or type that is colored green; they are under-ripened 

peppers. Generally if left on the plant to ripen, green peppers will begin to turn red, 

orange or yellow. Even though green peppers are under-ripened, they can still be 

mature. In fact, Sweet Peppers of all grades are required to be “mature green.”

§51.3276 Mature green...the pepper has reached the stage of development that 

will withstand normal handling and shipping.

Mature peppers are firm and have well developed hard seeds. Immature peppers 

usually have soft, pliable, thin-fleshed, pale colored walls, and seeds that are soft and 

underdeveloped. “Mature green” applies not only to green peppers, but to all colors.

Scoring Guide

Always serious damage: Report peppers not meeting the requirements of mature 

green as “immature” and score them as serious damage.
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MECHANICAL (Q OR C)

Mechanical injury refers to cuts and skin breaks caused by rough handling during 

harvesting and packing or by birds pecking holes through the walls to obtain seeds. 

When healed or unhealed, apply the following scoring guide:

Scoring Guide

Injury: When the aggregate area exceeds 5/8 inch in diameter.

Damage: When the aggregate area exceeds 5/8 inch in diameter.

Serious damage: When the aggregate area exceeds 1 inch in diameter, or when 

penetrating the fleshy wall of the pepper.

NOTE: Score fresh cuts or skin breaks as a condition factor en route or at destination.

MOLD (C)

SURFACE MOLD

Lots subjected to high humidity or moisture may show white to gray, or black surface 

mold, which may dissipate when exposed to drier air. Describe and report surface mold 

that does not affect the appearance at applicant’s request.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When the aggregate area exceeds 5% of the surface.

Damage: When the aggregate area exceeds 10% of the surface.

Serious damage: When the aggregate area exceeds 25% of the surface.

NOTE: Greater or lesser areas may be allowed depending on the color and 

concentration of the mold. Black heavily concentrated mold would be allowed lesser 

area than gray and slightly concentrated surface mold.

INTERNAL MOLD

Mold may also affect the flesh inside the cavity.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When slightly affecting the interior flesh of the pepper, or when more than 

slightly affecting the seeds.
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Damage: When materially affecting the interior flesh or the seeds of the pepper.

Serious damage: When seriously affecting the interior flesh of the pepper. However, 

when mold only affects the seeds, do not score as serious damage.

PITTING (C)

Pitting may occur when peppers are subjected to windblown sand or dirt while still in the 

field. It is progressive and usually becomes prevalent after packing. Pitting may also 

occur when peppers are held in storage at low, but not freezing temperatures for an 

extended period. Slightly affected peppers may develop only a few scattered pits, but 

severely affected ones may develop “sheet-pitting” covering most of the surface.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When slightly detracts from the appearance.

Damage: When materially detracts from the appearance.

Serious damage: When seriously detracts from the appearance.

PULLED STEMS (Q)

When peppers are improperly clipped or the pod is pulled sharply from the plant, a tear 

or rip may occur, usually pulling the stem and part of the calyx.

Scoring Guide

Serious damage: Score only when a definite break occurs in the pepper wall.

SCARS (Q)

Scars generally consist of brownish corky tissue formed on the surface of peppers as a 

result of injury caused by branches rubbing against the pepper during development.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When scattered over the surface and aggregating more than the area of a circle 

5/8 inch in diameter or one scar 3/8 inch in diameter.

Damage: When scattered over the surface and aggregating more than the area of a 

circle 5/8 inch in diameter or one scar 3/8 inch in diameter.

Serious damage: When scattered over the surface and aggregating more than the 

area of a circle 1 inch in diameter or one scar 3/4 inch in diameter.
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GROUND SCAR

These scars, sometimes referred to as “ground spots” or “ground scars,” consist of dark, 

rough, dirty looking spots occurring on the blossom end where peppers had been 

resting on or rubbing against the ground.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When slightly affecting the appearance of the pepper.

Damage: When materially affecting the appearance of the pepper.

Serious damage: When more than 15% of the surface is affected.

SHAPE (Q)

The U.S. Standards have the following requirements for shape:

• U.S. Fancy: Well shaped.

• U.S. No. 1: Fairly well shaped.

• U.S. No. 2: Not seriously misshapen.

The standards apply to all types of Sweet Peppers. When determining shape, consider 

the characteristics of the variety and describe using the following terms:

§51.3279 Well shaped...the pepper is not more than slightly curved, slightly 

indented or not otherwise more than slightly misshapen.

§51.3281 Fairly well shaped...the pepper may be more than slightly indented or 

curved, but is not of the type commonly known as “button” or is not decidedly 

crooked, constricted or deformed.

§51.3283 Not seriously misshapen...the pepper is not badly indented, crooked, 

constricted or otherwise badly deformed.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When failing to meet the requirements of well shaped, report as “not well 

shaped” against the total tolerance for the grade.

Damage: When failing to meet the requirements of fairly well shaped, report as 

“misshapen” against the total tolerance for the grade.
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Serious damage: When failing to meet the requirements of not seriously misshapen,

report as “seriously misshapen” against the total tolerance for the grade.

Visual aids: See U.S. Standards for Grades of Sweet Peppers.

SHRIVELING (C)

Shriveling is a common condition factor at destination. It is often caused from injury to 

the skin, which results in moisture loss. Aging and exposure to warm, dry atmosphere 

may also cause shriveling.

Peppers pressed against the sides of the container may show more shriveling. When 

sampling less than the entire container, ensure the sample is representative by not 

including too many peppers in contact with the sides of the container.

When it’s present, use the following scoring guide:

Scoring Guide

Injury: When slightly detracts from the appearance.

Damage: When materially detracts from the appearance.

Serious damage: When seriously detracts from the appearance.

SIMILAR VARIETAL CHARACTERISTICS (Q)

Individual lots of Sweet Peppers are required to have similar varietal characteristics 

except when more than one variety and/or color is marked on the container.

§51.3277 Similar varietal characteristics...each pepper is of the same general 

type (except when more than one variety and/or color are marked on the 

container). For example, thin walled types and thick walled types of the same 

color shall not be mixed within the container.

Scoring Guide

Report peppers that fail to meet the requirements of similar varietal characteristics as 

“dissimilar varietal characteristics” and score against the total tolerance in all grades.

SOOTY MOLD (Q)

Sooty mold is caused by a fungus that appears as a black coating on the surface of the 

pepper. The fungus obtains its nourishment from insect “honeydew.” Honeydew is a 

sweet, clear, sticky substance secreted by insects such as aphids, mealy bugs, scale, 

and whiteflies. The honeydew drops from the insects to the plant. Wind-blown sooty 
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mold spores stick to the honeydew and begin to germinate. Sooty mold may occur as 

light deposits scattered over the surface of the pepper or as heavily concentrated areas

on the shoulders and calyxes. The mold can be easily scraped off with a fingernail or 

knife. Normal washing procedures do not entirely remove fungus deposits. Do not 

confuse sooty mold with dark or black coloration, which is a skin pigmentation and 

cannot be removed (see Discoloration: Dark or Black Areas section).

Scoring Guide

Injury: When the aggregate area exceeds 5% of the surface.

Damage: When the aggregate area exceeds 10% of the surface.

Serious damage: When the aggregate area exceeds 25% of the surface.

NOTE: Allow less surface area when dark and heavily concentrated. For example, if 

sooty mold is black and heavily concentrated around the shoulders and calyx, it may be 

materially detracting (scorable for damage) even though it does not exceed 10% of the 

surface. Also, insects, such as aphids, may be present. If the amount of sooty mold is 

not scorable, yet there are more than 5 insects present, score as Insect Injury. If both 

are present in scorable amounts, choose the more severe of the two.

SUNBURN (Q)

Sunburn causes yellow areas and in severe cases the wall of the affected area may be 

somewhat brittle and slightly thinner than the remainder of the pepper. Sunburn is 

typically found on the shoulders or sides of the pepper.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When causing discoloration which affects an aggregate area exceeding 5% of 

the surface of the pepper.

Damage: When causing discoloration which affects an aggregate area exceeding 15%

of the surface of the pepper.

Serious damage: When causing discoloration which affects an aggregate area 

exceeding 25% of the surface of the pepper.

SUNKEN DISCOLORED AREAS (C)

Injury to the pepper skin during harvesting, packing, and shipping may result in tiny 

punctures on the skin, causing loss of moisture. This injury is practically invisible prior 

to shipping, but may become discolored and/or sunken in transit within a few days after 

reaching the market.
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Peppers, particularly non-green ones, may show light to deep yellow spots, which may 

darken to brown and become sunken. The underlying flesh may be white, yellow, or 

brown color. If the spots are not sunken, see the Surface Discoloration section.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When a single spot exceeds 3/8 inch in diameter or an aggregate area exceeds 

a circle 5/8 inch in diameter.

Damage: When a single spot exceeds 3/8 inch in diameter or an aggregate area 

exceeds a circle 5/8 inch in diameter.

Serious damage: When a single spot exceeds 3/4 inch in diameter or an aggregate 

area exceeds a circle 1 inch in diameter.

SUNSCALD (Q)

Sweet Peppers of all grades are required to be free from sunscald. Sunscald appears 

as sunken areas, which become tan or creamy-white, and is usually located on the 

sides or upper half of the pepper. Often the skin will become thin, dry, and parchmentlike.

Scoring Guide

Always serious damage: Score any amount of sunscald against the 5% serious 

damage tolerance in each U.S. grade.

DECAY (C)

In the market, Bacterial Soft Rot, Gray Mold Rot (Botrytis Rot), and Alternaria Rot are 

the most common decays affecting peppers. Alternaria Rot is especially prevalent on 

stems following chilling injury.

Do not report the type of decay on the certificate. However, report the degree of 

advancement as early, moderate, or advanced stages using general terms.

NOTE: Do not combine (add together) stem decay and decay affecting walls 

and/or calyxes. When both stem decay and decay affecting walls and/or calyxes are 

present, report them on separate columns on the notesheet and on separate lines on 

the certificate (See Appendix I Example # 3 Notesheet Back and Certificate, and 

Example # 4 page 1 and page 2).
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DECAY AFFECTING STEMS

Score stem decay when the surface sloughs off or disintegrates upon touch. Do not 

confuse black or dark discolored stems for decay (see the Black Stems section).

Scoring Guide

Always serious damage: Score stem decay against the 5% serious damage tolerance 

in the U.S. Fancy and U.S. No. 1 grades. Score as serious damage against the 

restrictive 5% tolerance for “peppers affected by sunscald or affected by decay affecting 

stems only” in the U.S. No. 2 grade. Report as “Decay affecting stems” or “Stem 

decay.”

DECAY AFFECTING CALYXES AND/OR WALLS

Scoring Guide

Always serious damage: Score calyx and wall decay against the 2% tolerance for 

“decay affecting calyxes and/or walls” and reported as thus. Decayed seeds in the 

cavity are also scored against the 2% tolerance for decay.
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PART II – PEPPERS, OTHER THAN SWEET PEPPERS

GENERAL

“Other Than” peppers include hot peppers, which come in many different sizes, shapes, 

flavors, and colors. Hot peppers contain capsaicin, a chemical concentrated in the 

placenta (the heart of the pepper where the seeds are attached). When capsaicin is 

combined with pain receptors in the mouth and throat, it creates a sensation of hotness.

Any portion of these instructions beginning with §51 and followed with bold print is 

material copied directly from the U.S. Standards for Grades of Peppers (Other Than 

Sweet Peppers)

REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLING

Obtaining representative samples is essential. Accurate certification is possible only if 

the samples examined are truly representative of the entire lot or accessible portion. 

Sample all portions of a lot or load even if it is difficult to reach all layers or parts. If you 

cannot access the entire lot for sampling, restrict the inspection and certificate to the 

accessible portion.

SIZE OF SAMPLE

The tolerances in the U.S. Standards for Grades of Peppers (Other Than Sweet 

Peppers) are determined on the basis of count. Whenever practical, the entire contents 

of the container will be the sample. For containers that contain a large number of 

specimens, at least fifty peppers will be examined from each container. If the 

application of tolerances is exceeded, double the sample size or sample the entire 

container in at least one sample that exceeded the tolerance.

The sample size for consumer packages will be the individual consumer unit and not the 

master container.

For sample size and sampling procedures for internal defects, refer to the section on 

“Commodities without Defined Cutting Plans” in the General Market Manual.

NUMBER OF SAMPLES

As a general rule, examine a minimum of 1% of the lot. For lots of fewer than 300 

packages, examine a minimum of 3 samples. For lots over 2,000 packages, sample at 

the rate of two-thirds of 1%. To ensure an accurate description of the lot, examine 

additional representative samples when the quality, condition, or size within samples is 

decidedly different.
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27

TOLERANCES AND APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES

TOLERANCES

§51.1285 Tolerances. In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading 

and handling in each of the foregoing grades, the following tolerances, by count, 

are provided as specified:

(a) U.S. Fancy and U.S. No. 1 grades.

(1) For Defects. Not more than 10 percent of the peppers in any lot may 

fail to meet the requirements of these grades, but not more than onehalf of this amount, or 5 percent, shall be allowed for peppers which 

are seriously damaged or affected by decay of the stems only, 

including therein not more than 2 percent for peppers affected by 

decay affecting calyxes and/or walls.

(2) For Offsize: Not more than 10 percent of the peppers in a lot may fail 

to meet the specified size.

(b) U.S. No. 2 grade.

(1) For Defects. Not more than 10 percent of the peppers in any lot may 

fail to meet the requirements of the grade, but not more than one-half 

of this amount, or 5 percent, shall be allowed for peppers which are 

affected by sunscald or affected by decay of the stem only, including 

therein not more than 2 percent for peppers affected by decay 

affecting calyxes and/or walls.

(2) For Off-Size. Not more than 10 percent of the peppers in a lot may 

fail to meet the specified size.

SUMMARY OF TOLERANCES

Grade Total Defects

Including 

Serious 

Damage

Including 

Decay of Walls 

& Calyxes

Off-Size

U.S. Fancy 

U.S. No. 1 10% 5% 2% 10%

U.S. No. 2 10% 5%∗ 2% 10%

∗

Serious damage for sunscald and decay affecting stems only.
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APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES

§51.1286 Application of Tolerances. The contents of individual packages in the 

lot, based on sample inspection, are subject to the following limitations: 

Provided, that the averages for the entire lot are within the tolerances specified 

for the grade.

(a) For packages which contain more than 20 peppers, 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.

(b) For packages which contain more than 20 peppers and a tolerance of less 

than 10 percent is provided, and for packages which contain 20 peppers or 

less, individual packages in any lot shall have not more than double the 

tolerance specified, except that at least 1 defective and 1 off-size pepper 

may be permitted in any package

SUMMARY OF APPLICATION OF TOLERANCES

Application of Tolerances for Packages with More Than 20 Peppers

Grade Total Defects

Including 

Serious 

Damage

Including 

Decay of Walls 

and Calyxes

Off-Size

U.S. Fancy 

U.S. No. 1 10 x 11⁄2 = 15% 5 x 2 = 10% 2 x 2 = 4% 10 x 11⁄2 = 15%

U.S. No. 2 10 x 11⁄2 = 15% 5 x 2 = 10%∗ 2 x 2 = 4% 10 x 11⁄2 = 15%

∗

Serious damage for sunscald and decay affecting stems only.

Application of Tolerances for Packages with 20 Peppers or Less

Grade Total Defects

Including 

Serious 

Damage

Including 

Decay of Walls 

and Calyxes

Off-size

U.S. Fancy 

U.S. No. 1 10 x 2 = 20% 5 x 2 = 10% 2 x 2 = 4% 10 x 2 = 20%

U.S. No. 2 10 x 2 = 20% 5 X 2 = 10%∗ 2 x 2 = 4% 10 x 2 = 20%

Allow at least 1 defective and 1 off-size in any package.

∗

Serious damage for sunscald and decay affecting stems only.
Shipping Point and Market Inspection Instructions for Peppers (March 2016)

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NOTESHEET AND CERTIFICATE

Entries on the notesheet and certificate must be legible and accurate. Support all 

information appearing on the certificate by information on the notesheet. All information 

and notations must be properly recorded so that anyone familiar with inspection 

procedures can understand them and write a certificate. Notesheets and certificates 

are prima facie evidence and must withstand legal scrutiny.

Detailed instructions about dates, inspection points, places of inspection, types of 

carriers, lading, and other items not covered by these instructions may be found in the 

General Shipping Point Manual, General Market Manual, Federal-State Inspection 

Certificate (FV-184) Handbook, or Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Certificate (FV300) Manual. Contact your supervisor for anything not covered in these instructions.

PRODUCT

Even though this section deals with non-sweet peppers such as hot peppers, for more 

consistency with the title of the standards, the name “Other Peppers” will be used to 

describe this commodity in the “Product” section. Color and description may be used in 

conjunction with the product or reported in the “Lot ID” section on market certificates, 

such as “Other Peppers, Yellow,” or “Other Peppers, Long Green,” or “Other Peppers, 

Round Red.” Unlike Sweet Peppers, when color is not reported, do not assume the 

peppers are “green.”

NUMBER/TYPE OF CONTAINERS

Always report the number of containers. In the market and at shipping point locations 

for stationary lot certification, always verify the container count provided by the applicant 

for each lot and report it as the “inspector’s count.” When the number of containers 

available for inspection does not match the application, confirm that the amount 

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

report the count at someone else’s authority, but also report the reason for doing so on 

the notesheet (e.g., numerous pallets with mixed product).

At shipping point locations for “days-run” certification, the manifest for count typically 

provided by the applicant is acceptable to use for reporting the number of containers.

Other Peppers are generally packed and shipped in waxed cartons weighing 11, 15, or 

20 pounds. Peppers marketed in consumer size packages such as clamshells, film 

bags, and shrink-wrap trays are generally packed in master cartons or flats.
Shipping Point and Market Inspection Instructions for Peppers (March 2016)

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BRAND/MARKINGS

At shipping point, report the brand, variety, size, color, positive lot identification (PLI), 

and other important information appearing on the container on the notesheet and 

certificate in the appropriate sections. 

At market, report the brand, variety, size, color, count, grade, weight, point of origin, and 

other important information appearing on the container on the notesheet in the 

“Brand/Markings” section. On the certificate, report only the brand name and other

pertinent information in the “Brand/Markings” section.

ORIGIN

Do not make a positive statement about origin on your own authority; rather, quote the 

container markings that list the state or country of origin in the appropriate space on the 

notesheet and the certificate. If origin is not marked, try 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.

CONDITION OF PACK

Other Peppers, such as hot peppers, are generally volume filled (jumble packed) in 

containers. Use the following terms to describe the fullness:

Well filled: The contents are level with top edge of the container. 

Fairly well filled: The contents are not in contact with the lid or cover, and not more 

than 1-1/2 inches below the lid or cover.

Slack: The contents are more than 1-1/2 inches below the lid or cover. 

Report the amount of slackness in inches or fractions of inches below the lid.

TEMPERATURE OF PRODUCT

Temperatures are not normally determined or reported 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 you accurately determine and report the temperature 

or range in temperatures on each lot. Report pulp temperature regardless of the 

location of the product, e.g., in the carrier, in a warehouse, or stacked on a platform.

Precool the thermometer to obtain true readings and report all temperatures to the 

nearest whole degree. Take a minimum of three temperatures for each lot; record the 

results on the notesheet. Take additional temperatures if the lot is abnormally cold or 
Shipping Point and Market Inspection Instructions for Peppers (March 2016)

31

hot, or if there is a specific request for temperature. Specify the location where you took 

the temperature in the lot and/or load in greater detail when additional temperatures are 

taken.

SIZE

There are no size requirements for Other Peppers. However, size may be specified in 

inches and fractions of inches in connection with the grade by minimum diameter, 

maximum diameter, minimum length, and/or maximum length. Example: “U.S. No. 1, 3 

inch minimum length.” In “Remarks” state: “Minimum length specified by and reported 

at applicant’s request.”

§51.1296 Diameter...the greatest dimension measured at right angles to the 

longitudinal axis.

§51.1297 Length...the greatest length measured in a straight line parallel to the 

longitudinal axis, excluding the stem.

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 or “permanent”

defects are those that do not change during storage or shipment (e.g., shape and 

scars).

Report factors noted with (C) as CONDITION on market certificates. Condition defects

are factors subject to change during shipment or storage, such as bruising, 

discoloration, shriveling, and decay.

Factors noted with (Q or C) may be considered as QUALITY or CONDITION, 

depending on the circumstances.

BLOSSOM END ROT (C)

Blossom End Rot is a physiological disease that can affect peppers. It is associated 

with calcium deficiency in the soil and sporadic water fluctuations. It first appears as 

small watersoaked spots near the blossom end. The spots enlarge into smooth, sunken 

dry lesions that become light brown to brownish black in color.

In the U.S. Grade Standards for Peppers (Other Than Sweet Peppers), Blossom End 

Rot is a free from defect in the U.S. Fancy grade.
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32

Scoring Guide

Injury: When present in any amount.

Damage: When aggregate area exceeds the area of a circle 3/8 inch in diameter. On 

Other Peppers that are less than 1/2 inch in diameter and less than 1 inch in length, 

score when the aggregate area exceeds 5% of the surface.

Serious damage: When aggregate area exceeds the area of a circle 3/4 inch in 

diameter. On Other Peppers that are less than 1/2 inch in diameter and less than 1 inch 

in length, score when the aggregate area exceeds 10% of the surface.

BRUISING (C)

Bruising may occur due to rough handling, movement of the peppers in a slack pack, or 

excessively tight packs. Bruising is characterized by a depressed or flattened area that 

may have a discolored, whitish, or translucent appearance.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When aggregate area exceeds 5% of the surface.

Damage: When aggregate area exceeds 10% of the surface.

Serious Damage: When aggregate area exceeds 15% of the surface.

COLOR (Q & C)

Other Peppers do not have a color requirement. However, a short concise color 

description may be reported in the “Remarks” or “Other” sections to give a clearer 

picture of the lot. Examples: “Mostly turning red to red, many green,” or “Mostly yellow, 

some both orange and red.”

• Even though there is no color requirement, an applicant may specify color in 

connection with the grade, provided at least 90% of the peppers show any 

amount of specified color. When color is specified, report color with the grade: 

“Fails to grade U.S. No. 1 Yellow account condition” or “U.S. No. 1 Green.” In 

remarks state: “Applicant specified lot as yellow color (or green color, or 

whatever the case may be).

• Unlike Sweet Peppers, when a grade statement does not include color, do not 

assume the peppers are green.
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• In addition, unlike Sweet Peppers, Other Peppers do not have a 10% allowance 

for off-color. When color is specified, off-color is scored against the 10% total 

tolerance.

• Never score turning color peppers in a green Other Pepper lot, since all colors, 

including green, are specified colors. However, turning color may be reported in 

the “Remarks” or “Other” sections in general terms or, when requested by the 

applicant, in percentages. Example: “Most peppers green, many turning red 

color affecting 10 to 50 % of surface, not affecting grade, reported at applicant’s 

request,” or (when requested) “16 to 59%, average 40% turning red color 

affecting 10 to 50% of surface, not affecting grade. Percentages reported at 

applicant’s request.”

COLOR APPLICATION SCENARIOS

The following scenarios based on a U.S. No. 1 grade.

Scenario 1: You have been requested to perform a grade inspection on Jalapeno 

peppers. The applicant specifies that the peppers are green. You find that most of the 

peppers are turning red color. Should you score the turning red peppers?

Answer: No. The Standards for Grades of Peppers (Other Than Sweet Peppers) states 

that the applicant may specify color in connection with the grade provided at least 90% 

of the peppers show any amount of specified color. In this case, all the peppers show 

the specified green color; therefore, do not score them. However, since color was 

specified, include a color description on the notesheet and certificate such as “Many 

green, mostly turning red color, affecting 10 to 33% of surface, not affecting grade, 

reported at applicant’s request.”

Scenario 2: You are performing a grade inspection on Other Peppers of unknown type. 

The cartons are not marked and the inspection request did not specify color. The 

peppers have similar varietal characteristics but are full green, yellow, orange, and red 

color (no turning). How would you handle the variation in color?

Answer: Depends. First, ask the applicant. A) If color is not specified, you do not need 

to report color. However, as a courtesy, you may report color in the “Remarks” or 

“Other” sections, such as “Many peppers green color, some yellow, some orange, few 

red.” B) If color is specified (let’s say it’s green), score the other colors as “Quality - Offcolor peppers in a green lot” or “Quality - Yellow, orange, & red peppers in a green lot.” 

In the “Remarks” or “Other” sections state “Applicant specified lot as green color.” The 

lot would meet or fail to meet “U.S. No. 1 Green.”
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CRUSHED, BROKEN, OR SPLIT (C)

Rough handling or a very tight pack may cause crushed, broken, or split peppers. The 

fleshy walls of these peppers have been penetrated with openings or punctures making 

them free from defects in all grades.

Scoring Guide:

Always serious damage: Free from; any amount. When encountering abnormal 

amounts, report on the certificate the location in the container or load.

DIRT/CLEANNESS (Q)

There are no cleanness requirements for Other Peppers. Cleanness refers to dirt or 

other foreign material affecting the surface of the individual pepper. Use the following 

terms to describe the degree of cleanness:

Clean: Practically free from dirt or other foreign material.

Fairly clean: Reasonably free (95% or more of surface) from dirt or other foreign 

material.

Dirty: Scorable as defined by injury, damage, and serious damage.

NOTE: Do not use “slightly dirty” to describe the degree of cleanness on peppers.

Scoring Guide

Injury: Dirty when aggregate area exceeds 5% of the surface.

Damage: Dirty when aggregate area exceeds 10% of the surface.

Serious Damage: Dirty when aggregate area exceeds 15% of the surface.

DISCOLORATION (Q OR C)

INTERNAL DISCOLORATION (C)

Discoloration may affect the flesh inside the cavity.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When slightly affecting the interior flesh of the pepper.

Damage: When materially affecting the interior flesh of the pepper.
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Serious damage: When seriously affecting the interior flesh of the pepper.

NOTE: Do not score discolored or dried seeds. May report at applicant’s request.

SURFACE DISCOLORATION (C)

Surface discoloration may be caused by many factors including transit rubbing. It may 

appear as non-characteristic tan or darker colors affecting the skin of the pepper.

Discoloration could also appear as light to dark yellow spots. These spots may or may 

not be sunken, and are more prevalent on colored peppers. If the spots are sunken or 

have discolored underlying flesh, see the Sunken Discolored Area section.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When aggregate area exceeds 5% of the surface.

Damage: When aggregate area exceeds 10% of the surface.

Serious Damage: When aggregate area exceeds 15% of the surface.

SILVERY WHITE DISCOLORATION (Q)

Silvery white discoloration appears as a diffused or solid silvery white area. This defect 

affects all colors of peppers, but is less common on green ones.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When aggregate area exceeds 5% of the surface.

Damage: When aggregate area exceeds 10% of the surface.

Serious Damage: When aggregate area exceeds 15% of the surface.

FIELD FROST INJURY (Q)

Field frost injury first shows a dark discoloration. More severe cases show a yellowish 

brown discoloration under the outer skin, which may penetrate the fleshy wall.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When the aggregate area exceeds 5% of the surface.

Damage: When the aggregate area exceeds 10% of the surface.
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Serious damage: When the aggregate area exceeds 15% of the surface.

NOTE: Score less of the surface when peeling and feathering.

DARK OR BLACK AREAS

Some lots may show peppers with very dark or black areas blending into the skin color. 

This coloration usually starts at the blossom end and may cover a considerable portion 

of the pepper surface. This is a pigmentation of the pepper and does not progress. It is

thought to be a varietal characteristic; therefore, do not score against any U.S. grade. If 

requested by the applicant to include a description of the black coloration on the 

inspection certificate, report it in the “Remarks” or the “Other” sections using general 

terms, followed by, “not affecting grade, reported at applicant’s request.”

Do not confuse dark or black areas with sooty mold, which can be easily scraped off 

with a fingernail or knife (see section on Sooty Mold).

BLACK STEMS

Do not score dark or black color on stems unless decay is present. The stem color may 

be reported in the “Remarks” or “Other” sections in general terms at applicant’s request. 

Example: “Most stems turning black color, many black, reported at applicant’s request, 

not affecting grade.”

FIRMNESS (C)

Other Peppers are required to be “firm.”

§51.1289 Firm...the pepper is not soft or pliable, although it may yield to slight 

pressure.

The determination of firmness for peppers is somewhat different than that of other 

vegetables and is more difficult to gauge. Peppers, consist of partly empty shells with 

the seed bearing portion (placenta) not in contact with the walls, but connected by a thin 

membrane. The resistance to pressure is based entirely on the condition and thickness 

of the walls. In fact, wall thickness may be the predominating factor in determining the 

resistance to pressure. Do not report peppers as “soft” due to thin walls.

Scoring Guide

Always serious damage: Report peppers failing to meet the requirements of firm as 

“Soft” or “Flabby,” according to the facts, and score them as serious damage.
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FREEZING OR FREEZING INJURY (C)

Use the term “frozen” only when ice crystals are present. Frozen peppers will be “dull, 

glassy, and translucent” in comparison to unaffected peppers. Freezing is a free from 

defect in all grades of Other Peppers.

“Freezing injury” is the term used when it is evident that the peppers have been frozen, 

but are not in a frozen condition at the time of inspection (thawed out). The affected 

peppers may be flabby, watery, and/or translucent. Freezing injury is a free from defect 

in all grades of Other Peppers.

Use the following procedures when reporting freezing or freezing injury:

• Record pulp temperatures taken at various locations.

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

• Determine and record the 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, record the 

fact. For example, “Freezing injury so located as to indicate occurrence after packing 

but not in present location,” or “Freezing injury so located as to indicate freezing 

occurred in trailer.”

HAIL/MECHANICAL (Q & C)

Hail and mechanical (cuts, skin breaks) are free from defects in the U.S. Fancy grade.

Scoring Guide:

Injury: When present in any amount.

Damage: When aggregate area exceeds the area of a circle 3/8 inch in diameter. On 

Other Peppers that are less than 1/2 inch in diameter and less than 1 inch in length, 

score when the aggregate area exceeds 5% of the surface.

Serious damage: When aggregate area exceeds the area of a circle 3/4 inch in 

diameter. On Other Peppers that are less than 1/2 inch in diameter and less than 1 inch 

in length, score when the aggregate area exceeds 10% of the surface.

NOTE: Score fresh cuts or skin breaks as a condition factor en route or at destination.
Shipping Point and Market Inspection Instructions for Peppers (March 2016)

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INSECTS/WORMS (Q OR C)

Other Peppers tend to be more pest resistant than Sweet Peppers due to the chemical 

capsaicin. Natural and organic pesticides, containing capsaicin, are made from juices 

of crushed hot peppers.

Scoring Guide

Evidence of insect or worm feeding

Injury: When insect or worm feeding slightly affects the appearance.

Damage: When insect or worm feeding materially affects the appearance.

Serious damage: When insect or worm feeding seriously affects the appearance, or 

when any amount of feeding penetrates the fleshy wall, or when one or more attached 

worms show evidence of feeding.

Insects or worms present with no evidence of feeding

When there is no evidence of insect feeding and there are more than 5 insects present, 

report as “Insects” and score against the total tolerance for all U.S. grades.

When one or more attached worms are present with no evidence of feeding, do not 

score. However, mention their presence on the notesheet and certificate and report as 

not affecting grade.

NOTE: Report fresh feeding and live insects or worms as condition. When dead, report 

as quality. When either live and dead insects or worms are present, report as condition.

MATURITY (Q)

Other Peppers in all grades are required to be mature.

§51.3276 Mature...the pepper has reached the stage of development that will 

withstand normal handling and shipping.

Mature peppers are firm and have well developed hard seeds. Immature peppers may 

have soft, pliable, thin-fleshed, pale colored walls, and seeds that are soft and 

underdeveloped.

Scoring Guide

Always serious damage: Report Other Peppers that do not meet the requirements of 

mature as immature and score as serious damage.
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MOLD (C)

SURFACE MOLD

Lots subjected to high humidity or moisture may show white to gray, or black surface 

mold, which may dissipate when exposed to drier air. Surface mold that does not affect 

the appearance can be described and reported at applicant’s request.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When the aggregate area exceeds 5% of the surface.

Damage: When the aggregate area exceeds 10% of the surface.

Serious damage: When the aggregate area exceeds 15% of the surface.

NOTE: Greater or lesser areas may be allowed depending on the color and 

concentration of the mold. Black heavily concentrated mold would be allowed lesser 

area than gray and slightly concentrated surface mold.

INTERNAL MOLD

Mold may affect the flesh inside the cavity.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When slightly affecting the interior flesh of the pepper, or when more than 

slightly affecting the seeds.

Damage: When materially affecting the interior flesh or seeds of the pepper.

Serious damage: When seriously affecting the interior flesh of the pepper. However, 

when mold only affects the seeds, do not score as serious damage.

PITTING (C)

Pitting may occur when peppers are subjected to windblown sand or dirt while still in the 

field. It is progressive and usually becomes prevalent after packing. Pitting may also 

occur when peppers are held in storage at low, but not freezing temperatures for an 

extended period. Slightly affected peppers may develop only a few scattered pits, but 

severely affected ones may have most of the surface displaying a “sheet-pitting” affect.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When aggregate area exceeds 5% of the surface.
Shipping Point and Market Inspection Instructions for Peppers (March 2016)

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Damage: When aggregate area exceeds 10% of the surface.

Serious damage: When aggregate area exceeds15% of the surface.

PULLED STEMS (Q)

When peppers are improperly clipped or the pod is pulled sharply from the plant, a tear 

or rip may occur, usually pulling the stem and part of the calyx away.

Scoring Guide

Serious damage: Score only when a definite break occurs in the pepper wall.

SCARS (Q)

There are varieties of Other Peppers, particularly the Jalapeno, that tend to develop 

what the trade calls “dry lines” or “heat marks.” These longitudinal striations or corky 

cracks resemble skin checks and are actually scars. The scars may be an indication of 

heat intensity, but the data is inconclusive. In the market there are those who desire the 

presence of these scars and those who do not. However, the standards for Other 

Peppers consider scars a defect and provide the following scoring guide:

Scoring Guide

Injury: When aggregate area exceeds 5% of the surface.

Damage: When aggregate area exceeds 10% of the surface.

Serious damage: When aggregate area exceeds 15% of the surface.

SHAPE (Q)

Other Peppers have the following requirements for shape:

• U.S. Fancy: Well shaped.

• U.S. No. 1: Fairly well shaped.

• U.S. No. 2: Not seriously misshapen.

The standards apply to all types of Other Peppers. When determining shape, consider 

the characteristics of the variety and describe using the following terms:

§51.1290 Well shaped...the pepper is not more than slightly curved, slightly 

indented or slightly misshapen for the variety.
Shipping Point and Market Inspection Instructions for Peppers (March 2016)

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§51.2191 Fairly well shaped...the pepper may be more than slightly indented or 

curved, or is not decidedly crooked, constricted or deformed for the variety.

§51.1292 Not seriously misshapen... the pepper is not badly indented, crooked, 

constricted or otherwise badly deformed for the variety.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When failing to meet the requirements of well shaped, report as “not well 

shaped” against the total tolerance for the grade.

Damage: When failing to meet the requirements of fairly well shaped, report as 

“misshapen” against the total tolerance for the grade.

Serious damage: When failing to meet the requirements of not seriously misshapen,

report as “seriously misshapen” against the total tolerance for the grade.

SHRIVELING (C)

Shriveling is a common condition factor at destination on Other Peppers. However, 

there are varieties of Other Peppers that “appear” crinkled or shriveled, but on closer 

examination, the walls are crisp, turgid, with no movement of skin. Do not confuse 

shriveling with this wrinkled characteristic on certain varieties such as Cubanelle types. 

When shriveling is present, use the following scoring guide:

Scoring Guide

Injury: When aggregate area exceeds 5% of the surface.

Damage: When aggregate area exceeds 10% of the surface.

Serious damage: When aggregate area exceeds15% of the surface.

SIMILAR VARIETAL CHARACTERISTICS (Q)

Similar varietal characteristics, except when specified as mixed varieties and/or colors, 

is a requirement in all grades of Other Peppers.

§51.1288 Similar varietal characteristics...each pepper is of the same type and 

shape.

Scoring Guide

Report peppers that fail to meet the requirements of similar varietal characteristics as 

“dissimilar varietal characteristics” and score against the total tolerance in all grades.
Shipping Point and Market Inspection Instructions for Peppers (March 2016)

42

SOOTY MOLD (Q)

Sooty mold is caused by a fungus that appears as a black coating on the surface of the 

pepper. The fungus obtains its nourishment from insect “honeydew.” Honeydew is a 

sweet, clear, sticky substance secreted by insects such as aphids, mealy bugs, scale, 

and whiteflies. The honeydew drops from the insects to the plant. Wind-blown sooty 

mold spores stick to the honeydew and begin to germinate. Sooty mold may occur as 

light deposits scattered over the surface of the pepper or as heavily concentrated areas 

on the shoulders and calyxes. The mold can be easily scraped off with a fingernail or 

knife. Normal washing procedures do not entirely remove fungus deposits. Do not 

confuse sooty mold with dark or black coloration, which is a skin pigmentation and 

cannot be removed (see Discoloration: Dark or Black Areas section).

Scoring Guide

Injury: When aggregate area exceeds 5% of the surface.

Damage: When aggregate area exceeds 10% of the surface.

Serious damage: When aggregate area exceeds15% of the surface.

NOTE: Allow less surface area when dark and heavily concentrated. For example, if 

sooty mold is black and heavily concentrated around the shoulders and calyx, it may be 

materially detracting (scorable for damage) even though it does not exceed 10% of the

surface. Also, insects, such as aphids, may be present. If the amount of sooty mold is 

not scorable, yet there are more than 5 insects present, score as Insect Injury. If both 

are present in scorable amounts, choose the more severe of the two.

SUNBURN (Q)

Sunburn causes yellow areas and in severe cases the wall of the affected area may be 

somewhat brittle and slightly thinner than the remainder of the pepper. Sunburn is 

typically found on the shoulders or sides of Other Peppers.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When aggregate area exceeds 5% of the surface.

Damage: When aggregate area exceeds 10% of the surface.

Serious damage: When aggregate area exceeds 15% of the surface.
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SUNKEN DISCOLORED AREAS (C)

Injury to the pepper skin during harvesting, packing, and shipping may result in tiny 

punctures on the skin, causing loss of moisture. This injury is practically invisible prior 

to shipping, but may become discolored and/or sunken in transit within a few days after 

reaching the market.

Peppers, particularly non-green ones, may show light to deep yellow spots, which may 

darken to brown and become sunken. The underlying flesh may be white, yellow, or 

brown color. If the spots are not sunken, see the Surface Discoloration section.

Scoring Guide

Injury: When slightly detracting from the appearance.

Damage: When materially detracting from the appearance.

Serious damage: When seriously detracting from the appearance.

SUNSCALD (Q)

Other Peppers of all grades are required to be free from sunscald. Sunscald appears 

as sunken areas, which become tan or creamy-white, and is usually located on the 

sides or upper half of the pepper. Often the skin will become thin, dry, and parchmentlike.

Scoring Guide

Always serious damage: Score any amount of sunscald against the 5% serious 

damage tolerance in each U.S. grade.

DECAY (C)

The major post-harvest decays of Other Peppers are Alternaria Rot, Gray Mold Rot 

(Botrytis), and Bacterial Soft Rot. Phytophthora Rot may occur if the peppers are 

exposed to prolonged periods of heavy rainfall prior to harvest.

Do not report the type of decay on the certificate. However, report the degree of 

advancement as early, moderate, or advanced stages using general terms.

NOTE: Do not combine (add together) stem decay and decay affecting walls 

and/or calyxes. When both stem decay and decay affecting walls and/or calyxes are 

present, report them on separate columns on the notesheet and on separate lines on 

the certificate (See Appendix I Example # 3 Notesheet Back and Certificate, and 

Example # 4 page 1 and page 2).
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DECAY AFFECTING STEMS

Do not confuse black or dark discolored stems for decay. Score as decay when the 

surface sloughs off or disintegrates upon touch (see Black Stems section).

Scoring Guide

Always serious damage: Score stem decay against the 5% serious damage tolerance 

in the U.S. Fancy and U.S. No. 1 grades. Score as serious damage against the 

restrictive 5% tolerance for “peppers affected by sunscald or affected by decay affecting 

stems only” in the U.S. No. 2 grade. Report as “Decay affecting stems” or “Stem 

decay.”

DECAY AFFECTING CALYXES AND/OR WALLS

Scoring Guide

Always serious damage: Score decay affecting the calyxes and walls against the 2% 

tolerance for “Decay affecting calyxes and/or walls.” Decayed seeds in the cavity are 

also scored against the 2% tolerance for decay.
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APPENDIX I – NOTESHEET AND CERTIFICATE EXAMPLES

EXAMPLE 1: FV-184 NOTESHEET
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EXAMPLE 1: FV-184 CERTIFICATE 
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EXAMPLE 2: FV-300 NOTESHEET (FRONT)
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EXAMPLE 2: FV-300 NOTESHEET (BACK)
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EXAMPLE 2: FV-300 CERTIFICATE
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EXAMPLE 3: FV-300 NOTESHEET (FRONT)
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EXAMPLE 3: FV-300 NOTESHEET (BACK)

Tip: Lot A: When designated as “mixed 

color,” do not keep a column for turning 

red color, since all color requirements are 

waived.
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EXAMPLE 3: FV-300 CERTIFICATE
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EXAMPLE 4: FV-300 FEIRS CERTIFICATE (PAGE 1)

Tip: Lot A:

There were 6 consumer units per 

carton each containing 4 different 

colored peppers. The consumer unit 

was the sample. 12/ 4 count samples 

were selected (2 from 6 different 

master cartons)
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EXAMPLE 4: FV-300 FEIRS CERTIFICATE (PAGE 2)
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EXAMPLE 5: FV-300 NOTESHEET (FRONT)
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EXAMPLE 5: FV-300 NOTESHEET (BACK)
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EXAMPLE 5: FV-300 CERTIFICATE