Grades of Canned Pumpkin and Canned Squash
- U.S. Grade A is the quality of canned pumpkin or canned squash that possesses a good color; that possesses a good consistency; that possesses a good finish; that is practically free from defects; that possesses a normal flavor; and scores not less than 85 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.
- U.S. Grade C is the quality of canned pumpkin or canned squash that possesses a fairly good color; that possesses a fairly good consistency; that possesses a fairly good finish; that is fairly free from defects; that possesses a normal flavor; and scores not less than 70 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.
- Substandard is the quality of canned pumpkin or canned squash that fails to meet the requirements of U.S. Grade C or U.S. Standard.
Inspection Aid
- Headspace Gauge
- Color Standards for Canned Pumpkin and Canned Squash
See How to Purchase Inspection Aids for more details.
Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources:
- U.S. Grade Standards for Canned Pumpkin and Canned Squash (pdf)
- Inspection Instructions for Canned Pumpkin and Canned Squash (pdf)
- Certification Manual
- Condition of Container Manual
- Domestic Origin Verification (DOV) Program Manual
- Foreign Material Manual
- General Procedures Manual
- Safety Manual
- Sampling Manual
- Sanitation Manual
- SC 364-59 Score Sheet for Canned Pumpkin and Canned Squash
- Technical Procedures Manual
- U.S. Standards for Determination of Fill Weights
- U.S. Standards for Inspection by Variables
- USDA Purchases Manual