Subpart-United States Standards for

Grades of Frozen Blueberries

SOURCE: 52.611 to 52.620 appear at 18 F.R. 7944, Dec. 9, 1953, unless otherwise noted. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION, TYPES, AND GRADES § 52.611 Product description.

Frozen blueberries are prepared from sound, properly ripened fresh fruit of the blueberry bush (Genus Vaccinium), including species or varieties often called "huckleberries," but not of the Genus Gaylussacia; are cleaned and stemmed; are properly washed; are packed with or without packing media; and are frozen and maintained at temperatures necessary for the preservation of the product. [20 F. R. 3096, May 7, 1955]

§ 52.612 Types of frozen blueberries. (a) Native (or wild) type.

(b) Cultivated type.

that are practically free from defects; that possess a good character; that possess a normal flavor and odor; and are of such quality with respect to color as to score not less than 90 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.

(b) "U. S. Grade B" or "U. S. Choice" is the quality of frozen 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.

(c) "U. S. Grade C" or "U. S. Standard" is the quality of frozen 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.

(d) "U. S. Grade D" or "Substandard" is the quality of frozen blueberries that fail to meet the requirements of U.S. Grade C or U. S. Standard.

(c) The scores for the factors of color, absence of defects, and character of frozen blueberries are determined when the product is sufficiently free from ice crystals to permit handling of the blueberries.

(d) "Normal flavor and odor" means that the product is free from objectionable flavors and objectionable odors of any kind.

§ 52.615 Ascertaining the rating for the factors which are scored.

The essential variations within each factor which is scored are so described that the value may be ascertained for such factors and expressed numerically. The numerical range within each factor which is scored is inclusive (for example, "18 to 20 points" means 18, 19, or 20 points).

§ 52.616 Color.

(a) (A) classification. Frozen blueberries that possess a very good color may be given a score of 18 to 20 points. "Very good color" means that the blueberries possess a practically uniform, bright, dark blue-purple color typical of properly matured berries for the variety and that there may be present not more than 5 percent by count of berries that possess a red-purple color. Frozen blueberries that are undercolored (not at least red-purple color) or that have a definite green cast are considered "green berries." (See § 52.617 (a).)

(b) (B) classification. If the frozen blueberries possess a good color, a score of 16 or 17 points may be given. "Good color" means that the blueberries possess a reasonably uniform, dark blue-purple color typical of reasonably well-matured berries for the variety and that there may be present not more than 10 percent by count of berries that possess a red-purple color. Frozen blueberries that are under-colored (not at least redpurple color) or that have a definite green cast are considered "green berries." (See § 52.617 (a).)

(c) (C) classification. If the frozen blueberries possess a fairly good color, a score of 14 or 15 points may be given. Frozen blueberries that fall into this classification shall not be graded above U. S. Grade C or U. S. Standard, regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule). "Fairly good color" means that the blueberries may be moderately variable in color, but are not definitely dull or off color, and there may be present not more than 20 percent by count of berries that possess a red-purple color. Frozen blue berries that are undercolored (not at least red-purple color) or that have a definite green cast are considered "green berries." (See § 52.617 (a).)

(d) (SStd) classification. Frozen blue erries that fail to meet the requirement of paragraph (c) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 13 points

(a) General. The factor of absence of defects refers to the degree of freedom from harmless extraneous material (such as leaves and large stems); from clusters; from cap stems; from green berries, undeveloped berries, or edible berries other than blueberries; and from berries damaged by insect, pathological, cr any other injury.

(1) "Green berries" are blueberries that are undercolored and do not possess at least a red-purple color or that have a definite green cast, even though the over-all color of the berries may not be a true green color.

(2) "Cap stems" are small stems which attach berries to the branch and means single cap stems or joined double cap stems with or without berries attached.

(3) A "cluster" means three or more joined cap stems with or without berries attached.

(4) "Undeveloped berries" are mummified berries with wrinkled or tough skins or which may be pathologically defective.

(b) (A) classification. Frozen blueberries that are practically free from defects may be given a score of 36 to 40 points. "Practically free from defects" means that the frozen blueberries are reasonably free from cap stems and for each 16 ounces of net weight, or the equivalent thereof, there may be present:

(1) Not more than a total of 2 whole leaves or large stems, provided such whole leaves and any other portions of leafy material do not exceed 2 square inch;

(2) Not more than a total of 10 berries that are green or undeveloped or edible berries other than blueberries or berries that are damaged, provided not more than 5 berries are undeveloped or edible berries other than blueberries or berries that are damaged; and

(3) In Native (or wild) type, not more than an average of 12 clusters in all samples or containers comprising the sample, provided there are no more than 16 clusters in any single sample or in any single container; or

(4) In Cultivated type, not more than 4 clusters.

(c) (B) classification. If the frozen blueberries are reasonably free from de

fects, a score of 32 to 35 points may be given. Frozen blueberries that fall into this classification shall not be graded above U. S. Grade B or U. S. Choice, regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule). "Reasonably free from defects" means that the frozen blueberries are reasonably free from cap stems and for each 16 ounces of net weight, or the equivalent thereof, there may be present:

(1) Not more than a total of 4 whole leaves or large stems, provided such whole leaves and any other portions of leafy material do not exceed 34 square inch;

(2) Not more than a total of 16 berries that are green or undeveloped or edible berries other than blueberries or berries that are damaged, provided not more than 8 berries are undeveloped or edible berries other than blueberries or berries that are damaged; and

(3) In Native (or wild) type, not more than an average of 20 clusters in all samples or containers comprising the sample, provided there are no more than 28 clusters in any single sample or in any single container; or

(4) In Cultivated type, not more than 8 clusters.

(d) (C) classification. If the frozen blueberries are fairly free from defects, a score of 28 to 31 points may be given. Frozen blueberries that fall into this classification shall not be graded above U. S. Grade C or U. S. Standard, regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule). "Fairly free from defects" means that the frozen blueberries are fairly free from cap stems and for each 16 ounces of net weight, or the equivalent thereof, there may be present:

(1) Not more than a total of 6 whole leaves or large stems, provided such whole leaves and any other portions of leafy material do not exceed 1 square inch;

(2) Not more than a total of 20 berries that are green or undeveloped or edible berries other than blueberries or berries that are damaged, provided not more than 10 berries are undeveloped or edible berries other than blueberries or berries that are damaged; and

(3) In Native (or wild) type, not more than an average of 28 clusters in all samples or containers comprising the sample, provided there are no more than 40 clusters in any single sample or in any single container; or

(4) In Cultivated type, not more than 12 clusters.

(e) (SStd) classification. Frozen blueberries that fail to meet the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 27 points and shall not be graded above U. S. Grade D or Substandard, regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule). § 52.618 Character.

(a) (A) classification. Frozen blueberries that possess a good character may be given a score of 36 to 40 points. "Good character" means that the blueberries are reasonably firm, reasonably fleshy, practically whole, and practically intact with not more than 6 percent by weight of berries that may be crushed, mushy, or broken.

(b) (B) classification. If the frozen blueberries possess a reasonably good character, a score of 32 to 35 points may be given. Frozen blueberries that fall into this classification shall not be graded above U. S. Grade B or U. S. Choice, regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule). "Reasonably good character" means that the blueberries may be lacking in firmness and fleshy texture but are reasonably whole and reasonably intact with not more than 10 percent by weight of berries that may be crushed, mushy, or broken.

(c) (C) classification. If the frozen blueberries possess a fairly good character, a score of 28 to 31 points may be given. Frozen blueberries that fall into this classification shall not be graded above U. S. Grade C or U. S. Standard, regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule). "Fairly good character" means that the blueberries are fairly whole and fairly intact with not more than 20 percent by weight of berries that may be crushed, mushy, or broken.

Frozen

(d) (SStd) classification. blueberries that fail to meet the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 27 points and shall not be graded above U. S. Grade D or Substandard, regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule).

LOT INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION § 52.619

Ascertaining the grade of a lot. The grade of a lot of the processed product covered by these standards is determined by the procedures set forth in the regulations governing inspection

§ 52.631

GRADES

Product description. "Frozen broccoli" is the product prepared from the fresh, clean, sound stalks or shoots of the broccoli plant by trimming, washing, blanching, sorting, and properly draining and is frozen in accordance with good commercial practice and maintained at temperatures necessary for preservation of the product. § 52.632 Styles of frozen broccoli.

(a) "Spears" or "Stalks" consist of the head and adjoining portions of the stem, with or without attached leaves, ranging from not less than 31⁄2 inches to not more than 6 inches in length. Such spears or stalks may be cut longitudinally.

(b) "Short spears" or "Florets" consist of the head and adjoining portions of the stem, with or without attached leaves, ranging in length from not less than 1 inch to less than 31⁄2 inches and weigh more than 0.2 ounce. Such short spears or florets may be cut longitudinally.

(c) "Cuts" consist of spears or stalks cut into portions ranging from 34 inch or more but not more than 2 inches in length. This style contains not less than 25 percent, by weight, of head material and not more than 25 percent, by weight, of leaf material.

(d) "Chopped" consists of spears or stalks cut into portions approximating less than 3/4 inch in length. This style contains not less than 25 percent, by weight, of head material and not more than 25 percent, by weight, of leaf material.

(e) "Pieces" consist of cut or chopped portions of spears or stalks not more than 2 inches in length and which does not meet the requirements for "Cuts" or "Chopped" style.

§ 52.633 Grades of frozen broccoli.

(a) "U.S. Grade A" or ("U.S. Fancy") is the quality of frozen broccoli of any style, other than the style of "Pieces", that possesses similar varietal characteristics; that possesses a good color; that is fairly uniform or reasonably uniform in size for the applicable style; that is practically free from defects; that possesses a good character; that possesses a good fiavor and odor; and that for those factors which are rated in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart, the total score is not less than 90 points.

(b) "U.S. Grade B" or ("U.S. Extra Standard") is the quality of frozen broccoli of any style that possesses similar varietal characteristics; that possesses a reasonably good color; that is fairly uniform in size or may vary in size; that is reasonably free from defects; that possesses a reasonably good character; that possesses a fairly good flavor and odor; and that for those factors which are rated in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart, the total score is not less than 80 points.

(c) "Substandard" is the quality of frozen broccoli of any style that fails to meet the requirements of "U.S. Grade B."

(c) The scores for the factors of color, uniformity of size, defects, and character are determined immediately after thawing to the extent that the product is substantially free from ice crystals and can be handled as individual units. The evaluation of the factors of flavor and odor and of character with respect to tenderness is determined after thawing and after the product is cooked.

(d) "Good flavor and odor" means that the product has a good, characteristic flavor and odor and is free from objectionable flavors and objectionable odors of any kind.

(e) "Fairly good flavor and odor" means that the product may be lacking in good flavor and odor but is free from objectionable flavors and objectionable odors of any kind.

§ 52.635 Ascertaining the rating for the factors which are scored.

The essential variations within each factor which is scored are so described that the value may be ascertained for such factors and expressed numerically. The numerical range within each factor which is scored is inclusive (for example, "18 to 20 points" means 18, 19, or 20 points).

"Pieces", that possesses a good color may be given a score of 18 to 20 points. "Good color" means that the frozen broccoli possesses a bright, reasonably uniform, characteristic green color which may include lighter colored areas typical of young and tender broccoli that does not materially affect the appearance of the product.

(b) (B) classification. Frozen broccoli of any style that possesses a reasonably good color may be given a score of 16 or 17 points. Frozen broccoli that falls into this classification shall not be graded above "U.S. Grade B" regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule). "Reasonably good color" means that the frozen broccoli possesses a characteristic green color which may be variable but is not off color.

(c) (SStd.) classification. Frozen broccoli of any style that fails to meet the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 15 points and shall not be graded above Substandard, regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule). § 52.637 Uniformity of size.

(a) General. "Diameter" of a spear or stalk, whether or not cut longitudinally, means the greatest crosswise dimension measured 1 inch above the lowest portion of the main stem of the spear or stalk at approximate right angles to the length.

(b) (A) classification. Frozen broccoli of any style, other than the style of "Pieces", that is reasonably uniform in size may be given a score of 9 or 10 points. "Reasonably uniform in size" has the following meanings for the respective styles:

(1) Spears. (i) The length of the longest unit does not exceed the length of the shortest unit by more than 2 inches;

(ii) Of all the units in the container, in the 90 percent, by count, which are of the most uniform lengths, the length of the longest unit does not exceed the length of the shortest unit by more than 1 inch:

(iii) The diameter of the unit with the greatest diameter does not exceed the diameter of the unit with the smallest diameter by more than 1 inch: