Tomatoes for Processing Grades and Standards

Tomatoes for Processing

  1. Category A consists of tomatoes which meet the following requirements:
    1. Basic requirements:
      1. Firm; and,
      2. Color:
        1. Electronic color determination shall be as specified in §51.3317; or
        2. Visual color analysis shall be as specified in §51.3317.
    2. Free from:
      1. Any worm attached;
      2. Worm injury;
      3. Freezing;
      4. Stems over 1 inch in length;
      5. Mechanical damage when more than one locule is exposed or when causing a loss of more than 10 percent by weight, of the tomato;
      6. Mold or decay; and,
      7. Any other defect or combination of defects, the removal of which in the preparation for processing causes a loss of more than 10 percent, by weight, of the tomato.
  2. Category B consists of tomatoes which meet the following requirements:
    1. Basic requirements:
      1. Fairly firm; and,
      2. Color:
        1. Electronic color determination shall be as specified in §51.3317; or
        2. Visual color analysis shall be as specified in §51.3317.
    2. Free from:
      1. Any worm attached;
      2. Worm injury;
      3. Freezing;
      4. Stems over 3 inches in length;
      5. Mechanical damage when more than two locules are exposed or when causing a loss of more than 20 percent by weight, of the tomato;
      6. Mold or decay; and,
      7. Any other defect or combination of defects, the removal of which in the preparation for processing causes a loss of more than 20 percent, by weight, of the tomato.
  3. Category C consists of tomatoes which meet the following requirements:
    1. Basic requirements:
      1. Fairly firm; and,
      2. Color:
        1. Electronic color determination shall be as specified in §51.3317; or
        2. Visual color analysis shall be as specified in §51.3317.
    2. Free from:
      1. Any worm attached;
      2. Worm injury;
      3. Freezing;
      4. Stems over 3 inches in length;
      5. Anthracnose when more than two spots or aggregating more than a circle three-eights inch in diameter; and,
      6. Other mold or decay, or a combination of other defects including mold or decay, the removal of which in the preparation for processing causes a loss of more than 20 percent, by weight, of the individual tomato; including therein not more than 10 percent resulting from mold or decay.

Visual Aids

Official Visual Aids are available for Purchase.  See How to Purchase Visual Aids for more details.

Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources: