Grades of Canned Blueberries
- U.S. Grade A or U.S. Fancy is the quality of canned blueberries that possess similar varietal characteristics; that possess a very good color; that are practically free from defects; that possess a good character; that possess 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.
- U.S. Grade B or U.S. Choice is the quality of canned blueberries that possess similar varietal characteristics; that possess a good color; that are reasonably free from defects; that possess a reasonably good character; that possess 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.
- U.S. Grade C or U.S. Standard is the quality of canned blueberries that possess similar varietal characteristics; that possess a fairly good color; that are fairly free from defects; that possess a fairly good character; that possess 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.
- U.S. Grade D or 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
- IA #30A Area Measurement Guide, 8 x 10 in English Units
- IA #30B Area Measurement Guide
See How to Purchase Inspection Aids for more details.
Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources:
- U.S. Grade Standards for Canned Blueberries (pdf)
- 21 CFR § 145.120 - Canned berries
- Certification Manual
- Condition of Container Manual
- FDA Food Defect Action Levels
- Foreign Material Manual
- General Processed Procedures Manual(pdf)
- Safety Manual
- Sampling Manual
- Sanitation Manual
- SC 364-12 Score Sheet for Canned Blueberries
- Technical Procedures Manual