Canned Blueberries Grades and Standards

Grades of Canned Blueberries

1. U.S. Grade A or U.S. Fancy is the quality of canned blueberries that possesses similar varietal characteristics; that possesses a very good color; that is practically free from defects; that possesses a good character; that possesses a normal flavor and odor; and that 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. Choice is the quality of canned blueberries that possesses similar varietal characteristics; that possesses a good color; that are reasonably free from defects; that possesses a reasonably good character; that possesses a normal flavor and odor; and that 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 blueberries that possesses similar varietal characteristics; that possesses a fairly good color; that are fairly free from defects; that possesses a fairly good character; that possesses a normal flavor and odor; and that 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 blueberries that 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 Blueberries (pdf)
• Certification Manual
• Condition of Container Manual
• FDA Food Defect Action Levels
• Foreign Material Manual
• General Procedures Manual 
• Safety Manual
• Sampling Manual
• Sanitation Manual
• SC 364-12 Score Sheet for Canned Blueberries
• Technical Procedures Manual
• U.S. Standards for Determination of Fill Weights 
• U.S. Standards for Inspection by Variables