Canned grape juice is the unfermented liquid obtained from properly matured fresh grapes. Such grape juice is prepared without concentration, without dilution, is packed with or without the addition of sweetening ingredients, and is sufficiently processed by heat to assure preservation of the product in hermetically sealed containers (either metal or glass).
Grades of Canned Grape Juice
- U.S. Grade A or U.S. Fancy is the quality of canned grape juice from which tartrate crystals have been removed; that possesses a good color; that is practically free from defects; that possesses a good flavor; and that scores not less than 85 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 grape juice from which tartrate crystals have been removed, that possesses a reasonably good color; that is reasonably free from defects; that possesses a reasonably good flavor; and that scores 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 grape juice that fails to meet the requirements of U.S. Grade B or U.S. Choice.
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 Grape Juice (pdf)
- A-492 Fortification of Standardized Juices
- Certification Manual
- Condition of Container Manual
- Domestic Origin Verification (DOV) Audit Program (pdf)
- Foreign Material Manual
- General Procedures Manual
- Safety Manual
- Sampling Manual
- Sanitation Manual
- SC 364-30 Score Sheet for Canned Grape Juice
- Technical Procedures Manual
- USDA Purchases Manual (pdf)