Grades of Canned Plums
1. U.S. Grades A or U. S. Fancy is the quality of canned plums that:
- Have similar varietal characteristics;
- Have a normal flavor and odor;
- Have a good, practically uniform color;
- Are at least reasonably uniform in size;
- Are practically free from defects;
- Have a good character; and
- Score not less than 90 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.
2. U.S. Grade B or U. S. Fancy is the quality of canned plums that:
- Have similar varietal characteristics;
- Have a normal flavor and odor;
- Have a reasonably good, reasonably uniform color;
- Are at least fairly uniform in size;
- Are reasonably free from defects;
- Have a reasonably good character; and
- Score not less than 80 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.
3.U.S. Grade C or U. S. Standard is the quality of canned plums that:
- Have similar varietal characteristics;
- Have a normal flavor and odor;
- Have a fairly good color;
- Are fairly uniform in size;
- Are fairly free from defects;
- Have a fairly good character; and
- Score not less than 70 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.
4.Substandard is the quality of canned plums that fail to meet the requirements of U. S. Grade C.
Inspection Aid
- Headspace gauge
- IA #30A Area Measurement Guide, 8 x 10 in English Units
- IA #30C Area Measurement Guide
- Inspection Aid 123 Scoring Guide Canned Plums (pdf)
Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources:
- U.S. Grade Standards for Canned Plums (pdf)
- Inspection Instructions for Canned Plums (pdf)
- 21 CFR § 145.185 - Canned plums
- Inspection Aid 123 Scoring Guide Canned Plums (pdf)
- Certification Manual (pdf)
- Condition of Container Manual (pdf)
- FDA Food Defect Action Levels
- Foreign Material Manual
- General Procedures Manual (pdf)
- Safety Manual (pdf)
- Sampling Manual (pdf)
- Sanitation Manual (pdf)
- SC-364-56 Score Sheet for Canned Plums
- Technical Procedures Manual (pdf)