Grades of Canned Dried Prunes
- U.S. Grade A or U.S. Fancy canned dried prunes are dried prunes of similar varietal characteristics; which possess a normal flavor and are of such quality with respect to color, uniformity of size, absence of defects, and character of fruit as to score not less than 90 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined herein.
- US Grade B or U.S. Choice canned dried prunes are dried prunes of similar varietal characteristics which possess a reasonably uniform typical color; are reasonably free from defects; possess a reasonably good, tender, fleshy texture; possess a normal flavor; and are of quality with respect to uniformity of size as to score not less than 75 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined herein.
- U.S. Grade C or U.S. Standard canned dried prunes are dried prunes which possess a fairly uniform, fairly good typical color; are fairly free from defects; possess a fairly good texture; possess a normal flavor; and are of such quality with respect to uniformity of size as to score not less than 60 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined herein.
- U.S. Grade D or Substandard canned dried prunes are dried prunes that are wholesome and edible but fail to meet the requirements of U. S. Grade C or U. S. Standard.
Inspection Aid
Headspace Gauge
See How to Purchase Inspection Aids for more details.
Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources:
- U.S. Grade Standards for Canned Dried Prunes (pdf)
- 21 CFR § 145.190 - Canned prunes
- Certification Manual
- Condition of Container Manual
- FDA Food Defect Action Levels
- Foreign Material Manual
- General Procedures Manual
- Safety Manual
- Sampling Manual
- Sanitation Manual
- SC 364-58 Score Sheet for Canned Dried Prunes
- Technical Procedures Manual
- U.S. Standards for Determination of Fill Weights
- U.S. Standards for Inspection by Variables