United States

Department of

Agriculture

Agricultural

Marketing

Service

Fruit and

Vegetable

Division

Processed

Products

Branch

United States Standards

for Grades of

Canned Blackberries and

Other Similar Berries

Effective date May 12, 1976
This is the second issue as amended, of the United States Standards for Grades of

Canned Blackberries and other Similar Berries published in the FEDERAL REGISTER of

April 9, 1976, (41 FR 15016) to become effective May 12, 1976. This issue supersedes

the second issue, which has been in effect since December 1, 1956.

Voluntary U.S. grade standards are issued under the authority of the Agricultural

Marketing Act of 1946, which provides for the development of official U.S. grades to

designate different levels of quality. These grade standards are available for use by

producers, suppliers, buyers, and consumers. As in the case of other standards for grades

of processed fruits and vegetables, these standards are designed to facilitate orderly

marketing by providing a convenient basis for buying and selling, for establishing quality

control programs, and for determining loan values.

The standards also serve as a basis for the inspection and grading of commodities by the

Federal inspection service, the only activity authorized to approve the designation of U.S.

grades as referenced in the standards, as provided under the Agricultural Marketing Act

of 1946. This service, available as on-line (in-plant) or lot inspection and grading of all

processed fruit and vegetable products, is offered to interested parties, upon application,

on a fee-for-service basis. The verification of some specific recommendations,

requirements, or tolerances contained in the standards can be accomplished only by the

use of on-line inspection procedures. In all instances, a grade can be assigned based on

final product factors or characteristics.

In addition to the U.S. grade standards, grading manuals or instructions for inspection of

several processed fruits and vegetables are available upon request for a nominal

fee. These manuals or instructions contain detailed interpretations of the grade standards

and provide step-by-step procedures for grading the product.

Grade standards are issued by the Department after careful consideration of all data and

views submitted, and the Department welcomes suggestions which might aid in improving

the standards in future revisions. Comments may be submitted to, and copies of standards

and grading manuals obtained from:

Chief, Processed Products Branch

Fruit and Vegetable Division, AMS

U.S. Department of Agriculture

P.O. Box 96456, Rm. 0709, So. Bldg.

Washington, D.C. 20090-6456
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Blackberries and Other Similar Berries

Section Page No.

§52.551 Product description. ........................................ 2

§52.552 Grades of canned berries. ................................... 2

§52.553 Recommended designations of liquid media and Brix measurements for

canned berries. ............................................ 2

§52.554 Recommended fill of container. ................................ 3

§52.555 Recommended minimum drained weight. ........................ 3

§52.556 Compliance with recommended drained weights. .................. 4

§52.557 Ascertaining the grade. ...................................... 4

§52.558 Ascertaining the rating for the factors which are scored. ............ 5

§52.559 Color. ................................................... 5

§52.560 Uniformity of size. .......................................... 6

§52.561 Absence of defects. ......................................... 6

§52.562 Character of fruit. .......................................... 7

§52.563 Ascertaining the grade of a lot. ................................ 8

§52.564 Score sheet for canned berries. ............................... 9

Authority: Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, Secs. 203, 205, 60 Stat. 1087, as

amended, 1090, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1622, 1624).

Note: Compliance with the provisions of these standards shall not excuse failure to

comply with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or with

applicable State laws and regulations.
2

§52.551 Product description.

Canned blackberries and other similar berries such as boysenberries, dewberries,

loganberries, and youngberries is the product represented as defined in the Standards

of Identity (21 CFR 145.120) issued pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic

Act.

§52.552 Grades of canned berries.

(a) U.S. Grade A or U.S. Fancy is the quality of canned berries that possess

similar varietal characteristics; that possess a good color; that are practically

uniform in size; that are practically free from defects; that possess good

character; that posses a normal flavor and odor; and that for those factors

which are scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this

subpart, the total score is not less than 90 points: Provided, that the canned

berries may possess a reasonably good color and may be reasonably uniform

in size if the total score is not less than 90 points.

(b) U.S. Grade B or U.S. Choice is the quality of canned berries that possess

similar varietal characteristics; that possess a reasonably good color; that are

reasonably uniform in size; that are reasonably free from defects; that

possess reasonably good character; that possess a normal flavor and odor;

and that for those factors which are scored in accordance with the scoring

system outlined in this subpart the total score is not less than 80

points: Provided, that the canned berries may be fairly uniform in size if the

total score is not less than 80 points.

(c) U.S. Grade C or U.S. Standard is the quality of canned berries that possess

similar varietal characteristics; that possess a fairly good color; that may be

fairly uniform in size; that are fairly free from defects; that possess a fairly

good character; that possess a normal flavor and odor; and that when scored

in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart, the total score

is not less than 70 points.

(d) Substandard is the quality of canned berries that fail to meet the

requirements of U.S. Grade C or U.S. Standard.

§52.553 Recommended designations of liquid media and Brix measurements for

canned berries.

Cut-out requirements for liquid media in canned berries are not incorporated in the grades

of the finished product since sirup or any other liquid medium, as such, is not a factor of

quality for the purposes of these grades. The recommended cut-out Brix measurement,

as applicable, for the respective designations are as follows:
3

Designations Brix measurements

Extra heavy sirup; or Extra heavily sweetened

fruit juice(s) and water; or Extra heavily

sweetened fruit juice(s).

24E or more but not more than

35E

Heavy sirup; or Heavily sweetened fruit juice(s)

and water; or Lightly sweetened fruit juice (s).

19E or more but less than 24E

Light sirup; or Lightly sweetened fruit juice(s)

and water; or Lightly sweetened fruit juice(s).

14E or more but less than 19E

Slightly sweetened water; or Extra light sirup;

or Slightly sweetened fruit juice(s) and water;

or Slightly sweetened fruit juice(s).

Less than 14E

In water

In fruit juice(s) and water

In fruit juice(s)

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

§52.554 Recommended fill of container.

The recommended fill of container is not incorporated in the grades of the finished product

since fill of container, as such, is not a factor of quality for the purposes of these grades. It

is recommended that each container of canned berries be filled with berries as full as

practicable without impairment of quality and that the product and packing medium occupy

not less than 90 percent of the volume of the container.

§52.555 Recommended minimum drained weight.

The minimum drained weight recommendations are not incorporated in the grades of the

finished product since drained weight, as such, is not a factor of quality for the purposes

of these grades. The drained weight of canned berries is determined by emptying the

contents upon a United States Standard No. 8 circular sieve of proper diameter containing

8 meshes to the inch (0.0937 inch + 3%, square openings) so as to distribute the product

evenly, inclining the sieve to an angle of 17 to 20 degrees to facilitate drainage, and

allowing to drain for two minutes. The drained weight (or drained berries) is the weight of

the sieve and the berries less the weight of the dry sieve. A sieve 8 inches in diameter is

used for containers less than 3 pounds, and a sieve 12 inches in diameter is used for

containers 3 pounds or more.
4

§52.556 Compliance with recommended drained weights.

Compliance with the recommended drained weights for canned berries is determined by

averaging the drained weights from all containers which are representative of a specific

lot and such lot is considered as meeting the recommendations if: The average drained

weight from all the containers meet the recommended drained weight; one-half or more of

the containers meet the recommended drained weight; and the drained weights from the

containers which do not meet the recommended drained weight are within the range of

variability for good commercial practice.

Table No. 1

Recommended Minimum Drained Weight in Ounces of Canned Berries

Can dimensions Maximum Blackberries Other berries

 (in inches) capacity in

water at

68E F. (in

ounces)

Diameter Height Extra Light Extra Light

heavy sirup and heavy sirup

and water and and

heavy heavy water

sirup sirup

8 ounce ............

No. 303 ............

No. 2 ...............

No. 10 ..............

No. 10 (heavy pack) 1/ .

2-11/16 3-4/16 8.65 4-1/2 4-3/4 4-1/4 4-1/4

3-3/16 4-6/16 16.85 8-1/2 9-1/4 7-3/4 8-1/4

3-7/16 4-9/16 20.50 11 12 9-1/2 10

6-3/16 7 109.45 62 66 55 60

6-3/16 7 109.45 ...... 74 ....... 70

_1/ Canned berries in No. 10 containers (in water) may be certified with the additional

statement heavy pack, provided they meet the minimum drained weight requirement

specified.

§52.557 Ascertaining the grade.

(a) General. In addition to considering other requirements outlined in the

standards the following factors are evaluated:

(1) Factors not rated by score points.

(i) Varietal characteristics.

(ii) Flavor.

(2) Factors rated by score points. The relative importance of each factor

which is scored is expressed numerically on the scale of 100. The

maximum number of points that may be given such factors are:
5

Factors Points

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

Uniformity of size ................................

Absence of defects ...............................

Character of fruit .................................

Total Score .................................

20

20

30

 30

100

(b) Normal flavor and odor means that the product is free from objectionable

odors and objectionable flavors of any kind.

§52.558 Ascertaining the rating for the factors which are scored.

The essential variations within each factor which is scored are so described that the value

may be ascertained for such factors and expressed numerically. The numerical range

within each factor which is scored is inclusive (for example, 22 to 25 points means 22, 23,

24, or 25 points).

§52.559 Color.

The factor of color refers to the color typical of the varietal group and to the intensity and

brightness of such characteristic color.

(a) "A" classification. Canned berries that possess a good color may be given

a score of 18 to 20 points. Good color means that the canned berries

possess a color typical of well-ripened berries for the varietal type that have

been properly processed and are practically uniform and bright in color.

(b) "B" classification. If the canned berries possess a reasonably good color,

a score of 16 or 17 points may be given. Reasonably good color means

that the canned berries possess a color typical of reasonably well-ripened

berries for the varietal type that have been properly processed, and which

color may be somewhat lacking in luster and may range in color from the

lighter shades of reasonably well-ripened berries to the darker hues of wellripened berries.

(c) "C" classification. If the canned berries possess a fairly good color, a score

of 14 or 15 points may be allowed. Canned berries that fall into this

classification shall not be graded above U.S. Grade C or U.S. Standard,

regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule). Fairly

good color means that the canned berries possess a color typical of fairly

well-ripened berries for the varietal type that have been properly processed,

and which color may be variable but is not off-color.
6

(d) "SStd" classification. Canned berries that fail to meet the requirements of

paragraph (c) of this section, may be given a score of 0 to 13 points and shall

not be graded above Substandard, regardless of the total score for the

product (this is a limiting rule).

§52.560 Uniformity of size.

(a) General. The factor of uniformity of size refers to the uniformity of diameters

of the canned berries. Diameter is the minimum diameter of the fruit of the

berry measured at right angles to the stem axis that will pass through a rigid

ring of the same diameter without using pressure.

(b) "A" classification. If the canned berries are practically uniform in size, a

score of 18 to 20 points may be given. Practically uniform in size means

that the variation in size of the berries does not materially affect the

appearance of the product and that with respect to canned blackberries, not

more than 15 percent, by count, of the blackberries are less than 20/32 inch

in diameter.

(c) "B" classification. If the canned berries are reasonably uniform in size, a

score of 16 or 17 points may be given. Reasonably uniform in size means

that the variation in size of the berries does not seriously affect the

appearance of the product and that with respect to canned blackberries, not

more than 15 percent, by count, of the blackberries are less than 18/32 inch

in diameter.

(d) "C" classification. If the canned berries are fairly uniform in size, a score

of 14 or 15 points may be given. Canned berries that fall into this

classification shall not be graded above U.S. Grade C or U.S. Standard,

regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule). Fairly

uniform in size means that the canned berries may be variable in size and

that with respect to canned blackberries more than 15 percent, by count, are

less than 18/32 inch in diameter.

§52.561 Absence of defects.

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

from harmless extraneous vegetable material and from damaged berries.

(1) Harmless extraneous vegetable material means any vegetable

substance (including, but not limited to, leaves, stems, or portions of

stems, whether or not attached, caps or portions of caps, whether or

not attached).
7

(2) Damaged means any surface blemish or internal injury that materially

affects the appearance or edibility of the berry (including, but not

limited to, insect injury, pathological injury, hard berries,

underdeveloped berries, and abnormally developed berries).

(b) "A" classification. Canned berries that are practically free from defects may

be given a score of 27 to 30 points. Practically free from defects means

that harmless extraneous vegetable material may be present that does not

more than slightly affect the appearance or edibility of the product; and that

not more than 4 percent, by count, of the canned berries may be damaged.

(c) "B" classification. If the canned berries are reasonably free from defects,

a score of 24 to 26 points may be given. Canned berries that fall into this

classification shall not be graded above U.S. Grade B or U.S. Choice,

regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting

rule). Reasonably free from defects means that harmless extraneous

vegetable material may be present that does not more than materially affect

the appearance or edibility of the product; and that not more than 8 percent,

by count, of the canned berries may be damaged.

(d) "C" classification. Canned berries that are fairly free from defects may be

given a score of 21 to 23 points. Canned berries that fall into this

classification shall not be graded above U.S. Grade C or U.S. Standard

regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule). Fairly free

from defects means that harmless extraneous vegetable material may be

present that does not seriously affect the appearance or edibility of the

product; and that not more than 15 percent, by count, of the canned berries

may be damaged.

(e) "SStd" classification. Canned berries which fail to meet the requirements

of paragraph (d) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 20 points and

shall not be graded above Substandard, regardless of the total score for the

product (this is a limiting rule).

§52.562 Character of fruit.

(a) General. The factor of character refers to the degree of texture, and

appearance as well as to the degree of disintegration of the berries.

(1) A berry is considered crushed if more than 50 percent of the drupelets

are crushed, broken or detached, or if the normal shape of the berry

is otherwise materially affected or destroyed.
8

(b) "A" classification. Canned berries that possess a good character may be

given a score of 27 to 30 points. Good character means that the berries

possess a firm, tender texture characteristic of well-ripened berries for the

varietal type and are practically intact; that the berries and accompanying

liquor are practically free from detached seed cells; and that not more than

5 percent, by weight, of blackberries may be crushed and not more than 10

percent, by weight, of dewberries, boysenberries, loganberries, or other

similar types may be crushed.

(c) "B" classification. If the canned berries have a reasonably good character,

a score of 24 to 26 points may be given. Canned berries that fall into this

classification shall not be graded above U.S. Grade B or U.S. Choice,

regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting

rule). Reasonably good color means that the berries may possess a

reasonably tender texture characteristic of reasonably well-ripened berries to

slightly over-ripe berries for the varietal type and are reasonably free from

detached seed cells; and that not more than 10 percent, by weight, of

blackberries may be crushed and not more than 15 percent, by weight, of

dewberries, boysenberries, loganberries, or other similar types may be

crushed.

(d) "C" classification. Canned berries that possess a fairly good character may

be given a score of 21 to 23 points. Canned berries that fall into this

classification shall not be graded above U.S. Grade C or U.S. Standard,

regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule). Fairly

good character means that the berries may possess a fairly tender texture

characteristic of fairly well-ripened berries to over-ripe berries for the varietal

type and are fairly intact; and that not more than 20 percent, by weight, of the

berries may be crushed.

(e) "SStd" classification. Canned berries that fail to meet the requirements of

paragraph (d) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 20 points and shall

not be graded above Substandard, regardless of the total score for the

product (this is a limiting rule).

§52.563 Ascertaining the grade of a lot.

The grade of a lot of canned berries covered by these standards is determined by the

procedures set forth in the Regulations Governing Inspection and Certification of

Processed Fruits and Vegetables, Processed Products Thereof, and Certain Other

Processed Food Products (7 CFR 52.1 through 52.83).
9

§52.564 Score sheet for canned berries.

Can size ...........................................................

Can mark ..........................................................

Label ..............................................................

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

Vacuum readings (in inches) ...........................................

Drained weight (in ounces) .............................................

Degree of sirup (Brix) .................................................

Factors Score Points

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

Uniformity of size .................

Absence of defects ................

Character of fruit ..................

Total Score ...................

20 "B" 16-17 _1/

20 "B" 16-17 _1/

30 "B" 24-26 _1/

30 "B" 24-26 _1/

100

"A" 18-20

"C" 14-15 _1/

"SStd" 0-13 _1/

"A" 18-20

"C" 14-15 _1/

"A" 27-30

"C" 21-23 _1/

"SStd" 0-20 _1/

"A" 27-30

"C" 21-23 _1/

"SStd" 0-20 _1/

U.S. Grade .........................................................

_1/ Indicates limiting rule

The U.S. Standards for Grades of Canned Blackberries and Other Similar Berries, as

herein amended, shall become effective May 12, 1976 and thereupon will supersede the

U.S. Standards for Grades of Canned Blackberries and Other Similar Berries which have

been in effect since December 1, 1956.

Dated: April 6, 1976

Donald E. Wilkinson

Administrator

Agricultural Marketing Service