Canned Pumpkin and Canned Squash Grades and Standards

Grades of Canned Pumpkin and Canned Squash

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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
• USDA Purchases Manual