- U.S. Grade A is the quality of frozen broccoli that:
- Meets the following prerequisites in which the broccoli:
- Has similar varietal characteristics;
- Has a good flavor and odor;
- Is practically free from grit and silt;
- Has a good overall brightness; and
- In the styles of cut, chopped, and pieces, the individual buds are at least reasonably well developed.
- Is within the limits for defects as classified in Table V and specified in Tables VI, VII, or VIII, as applicable for the style.
- Meets the following prerequisites in which the broccoli:
- U.S. Grade B is the quality of frozen broccoli that:
- Meets the following prerequisites in which the broccoli:
- Has similar varietal characteristics;
- Has at least a fairly good flavor and odor;
- Has no more than a trace of grit and silt;
- Has at least a reasonably good overall brightness which may be slightly dull; and
- In the styles of cut, chopped, and pieces, the individual buds may be poorly developed if they do not materially affect the appearance of the product.
- Is within the limits for defects as classified in Table V and specified in Tables VI, VII, or VIII, as applicable for the style..
- Meets the following prerequisites in which the broccoli:
- Substandard is the quality of frozen broccoli that fails to meet the requirements of U.S. Grade B.
Photo Guide
Photo Guide PG-1 Illustrating Defects in Frozen Broccoli See How to Purchase Photo Guides for more details.
Inspection Aid
- Area Measurement Guide, 8 x 10 in Metric Units
See How to Purchase Inspection Aids for more details.
Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources:
- U.S. Grade Standards for Frozen Broccoli (pdf)
- Inspection Instructions for Frozen Broccoli (pdf)
- A-490 Interpretive Guide for the Determination of Detached Fragments in Frozen Broccoli (pdf)
- Certification Manual
- Condition of Container Manual
- Cumulative Sum Sampling Plan (CUSUM) Attributes Standards Only
- Domestic Origin Verification (DOV) Program Manual
- FDA Food Defect Action Levels
- Foreign Material Manual
- General Procedures Manual
- Lot Single Sampling Plan Attributes (pdf)
- Safety Manual
- Sampling Manual
- Sanitation Manual
- SC 364-164-1 Tally Sheet for Frozen Broccoli Pieces (Sample Unit Size - 250 Grams)
- SC 364-164-2 Tally Sheet for Frozen Broccoli Cut (Sample Unit Size - 250 Grams)
- SC 364-164-3 Tally Sheet for Frozen Broccoli Chopped (Sample Unit Size - 250 Grams)
- SC 364-164-4 Tally Sheet for Frozen Broccoli Short Spears Or Florets (Sample Unit Size - 50 Units)
- SC 364-164-5 Tally Sheet for Frozen Broccoli Spears (Sample Unit Size - 50 Units)
- Technical Procedures Manual
- USDA Purchases Manual