Canned Tomato Paste Grades and Standards

Grades of Canned Tomato Paste

  1. U.S. Grade A or U.S. Fancy is the quality of tomato paste that:
    1. has a good flavor and odor,
    2. has a good color,
    3. is practically free from defects, and
    4. scores not less than 90 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart. 
  2. U.S. Grade C or U.S. Standard is the quality of tomato paste that:
    1. has at least a fairly good flavor and odor,
    2. has at least a fairly good color,
    3. is at least fairly free from defects, and
    4. scores not less than 80 points when scores in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.
  3. Substandard is the grade of tomato paste that fails to meet the requirements of U. S. Grade C.

Color Standards

Color Standards for Tomato Products.

Instructions for Use and Care of the Visual Color Standards for Tomato Products, including additional technical guidance is found in the Fresh and Processed Equipment Catalog (pdf).  

Inspection Aid

See How to Purchase Visual Aids for more details.

Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources: