Frozen Mixed Vegetables Grades and Standards

Frozen mixed vegetables consist of three or more succulent vegetables, properly prepared and properly blanched; may contain vegetables (such as, small pieces of sweet red peppers or sweet green peppers) added as garnish; and are frozen and maintained at temperatures necessary for the preservation of the product.

Grades of Frozen Mixed Vegetables

  1. U.S. Grade A is the quality of frozen mixed vegetables in which each basic vegetable possesses similar varietal characteristics; in which all vegetables possess a good color, are practically free from defects, possess a good character, possess a good 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 is the quality of frozen mixed vegetables in which each basic vegetable possesses similar varietal characteristics; in which all vegetables possess a reasonably good color, are reasonably free from defects, possess a reasonably good character, possess a good 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 is the quality of frozen mixed vegetables in which each basic vegetable possesses similar varietal characteristics; in which all vegetables possess a fairly good color, are fairly free from defects, possess a fairly good character, possess a fairly good 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 frozen mixed vegetables that fail to meet the requirements of U.S. Grade C.

Color Standard

Inspection Aid

Photo Guide

  • PG-2: Photo Guide for Frozen Green & Wax Beans depicting defects and character
  • PG-12 for Classifying “Cut” and “Pulled” Kernels in Canned and Frozen Whole Kernel Corn
  • PG-13 Interpretive Guide Illustrating Discolored Kernels or Pieces of Kernels in Canned and Frozen Corn  

See How to Purchase Photo Guides for more details.

Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources: