Dried prunes are prepared from sound, properly matured prune plums from which the greater portion of moisture is removed by drying. The dried prunes are cleaned to assure a wholesome product; they may be treated with water or steam; and a safe and suitable preservative may be added.
Grades of Dried Prunes
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U.S. Grade A or U.S. Fancy is the quality of dried prunes that, except for mixed types, possess similar varietal characteristics; that are fairly uniform in size and average 85 prunes or less per pound; that meet the applicable moisture limits in Table IV of this subpart but regardless of size and kind of packaging are reasonably uniform in moisture; and that do not exceed the total allowances and limitations for defects shown in Table I of this subpart.
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U.S. Grade B or U.S. Choice is the quality of dried prunes that, except for mixed types, possess similar varietal characteristics; that are fairly uniform in size; that meet the applicable moisture limits in Table IV of this subpart but regardless of size and kind of packaging are reasonably uniform in moisture; and that do not exceed the total allowances and limitations for defects shown in Table II of this subpart.
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U.S. Grade C or U.S. Standard is the quality of dried prunes that, except for mixed types, possess similar varietal characteristics; that are fairly uniform in size; that meet the applicable moisture limits in Table IV of this subpart but regardless of size and kind of packaging are reasonably uniform in moisture; and that do not exceed the total allowances and limitations for defects shown in Table III of this subpart.
- Substandard is the quality of dried prunes that meet the applicable moisture limits in Table IV of this subpart but regardless of size and kind of packaging are reasonably uniform in moisture; and that may fail to meet other requirements for U.S. Grade C or U.S. Standard, but not more than 5 percent, by weight, of the dried prunes may be affected by mold, dirt, foreign material, insect infestation, or decay: Provided, that not more than 1 percent, by weight, of the dried prunes may be affected by decay.
Photo Guide
Photo-Guide PG-11 Identification and Classification of Dates, Raisins, Prunes and Canned Ripe Olives Imported into the U.S. See How to Purchase Equipment and Visual Aids for more details.
Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources:
- U.S. Grade Standards for Dried Prunes (pdf)
- Certification Manual
- Condition of Container Manual
- FDA Food Defect Action Levels
- Foreign Material Manual
- General Procedures Manual
- Safety Manual
- Sampling Manual
- Sanitation Manual
- SC-364-82 Score Sheet for Dried Prunes
- Section 8e Marketing Order Manual (pdf)
- Technical Procedures Manual