Grades

(a) “U.S. Grade A” (or “U.S. Fancy”) is the quality of canned red tart pitted cherries that have at least the following attributes:

(1) At least a reasonably good color;

(2) Practically free from pits;

(3) Practically free from defects;

(4) Good character;

(5) Normal flavor and odor; and

(6) Score not less than 90 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.

Canned red tart pitted cherries of this grade may contain not more than eight cherries per sample unit that are less than 9/16 inch (14 mm) in diameter.

(b) “U.S. Grade B” (or “U.S. Choice”) is the quality of canned red tart pitted cherries that have at least the following attributes:

(1) Reasonably good color;

(2) Reasonably free from pits;

(3) Reasonably free from defects;

(4) Reasonably good character;

(5) Normal flavor and odor; and

(6) Score not less than 80 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.

Canned red tart pitted cherries of this grade may contain not more than 15 cherries per sample unit that are less than 9/16 inch (14 mm) in diameter.

(c) “U.S. Grade C” (or “U.S. Standard”) is the quality of canned red tart pitted cherries that have at least the following attributes:

(1) Fairly good color;

(2) Fairly free from pits;

(3) Fairly free from defects;

(4) Fairly good character;

(5) Normal flavor and odor; and

(6) Score not less than 70 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.

There is no size requirement for canned red tart pitted cherries of this grade.

(d) “Substandard” is the quality of canned red tart pitted cherries that fail to meet the requirements of “U.S. Grade C.”