defects; (4) possess a good character; and (5) score not less than 90 points as outlined in this subpart.

(b) "U.S. Grade C" (or "U.S. Standard") is the quality of canned pimientos that possess similar varietal characteristics; possess a normal flavor; and for the applicable type and style: (1) Possess a fairly good color; (2) are fairly uniform in size and shape for the applicable styles; (3) are fairly free from defects; (4) possess a fairly good character; and (5) score not less than 80 points as outlined in this subpart.

(c) "Substandard" is the quality of canned pimientos that fail to meet the requirements of U.S. Grade C.

FILL OF CONTAINER AND DRAINED WEIGHTS § 52.2685 Recommended fill of tainer.

con

The recommended fill of container is not incorporated in the grades of the finished product since fill of container, as such, is not a factor of quality for the purpose of these grades. It is recommended that each container of canned pimientos be filled with pimientos as full as practicable without impairment of quality.

§ 52.2686 Recommended drained weight. The drained weight recommendations in Table I are not incorporated in the grades of the finished product since

drained weight, as such, is not a factor of quality for the purpose of these grades. The drained weight of pimientos is determined by emptying the contents of the container upon a U.S. Standard No. 8 circular sieve of proper diameter containing 8 meshes to the inch [0.0937-inch (2.38 mm.), ±3%, square openings] so as to distribute the product evenly, inclining the sieve slightly to facilitate drainage, and allowing to drain for 2 minutes. A sieve 8 inches in diameter is used for No. 21⁄2 size cans (401 x 411) and smaller sizes, and a sieve 12 inches in diameter is used for containers larger than the No. 21⁄2 size can.

§ 52.2687 Compliance with mended drained weights.

recom

FACTORS OF QUALITY

§ 52.2688 Ascertaining the grade of a sample unit.

(a) General. The grade of a sample unit is ascertained by considering certain factors which are not scored; the ratings for the factors of color, uniformity of size and shape, defects, and character which are scored; the total score; and the limiting rules which may apply.

(b) Factors not rated by score points. (1) Varietal characteristics.

(2) Flavor: "Normal flavor” means that the canned pimientos have a good, characteristic, mild but distinct pimiento flavor and are free from objectionable or bitter flavors and objectionable odors of any kind.

(c) Factors rated by score points. The relative importance of each factor which is scored is expressed numerically on the scale of 100. The maximum number of points that may be given each factor is: Factors:

Color

Uniformity of size and shape_-.

Defects

Character

§ 52.2689

Points 30 20

40

10

100

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 each factor and expressed numerically. The numerical range within each factor is inclusive (for example, "27 to 30 points" means 27, 28, 29, or 30 points). § 52.2690 Color.

(a) Evaluation of color. The evaluation of color of canned pimientos shall be determined immediately after opening the container. The color is based upon the brightness and the uniformity of the exterior red to reddish-yellow color of the units. Green or dull oxidized reddish-brown units are scored under this factor when the overall color is affected.

(b) Color standards. The color of the units is classified by using the USDA plastic color standards for canned pimientos as follows:

(1) "Pimiento Red" means a red color equal to or more red than the USDA Pimiento Red color standard.

(2) "Pimiento Reddish-Yellow" means a reddish-yellow color equal to or more red than USDA Pimiento Reddish-Yellow but less red than USDA Pimiento Red color standard.

(3) Information regarding these color standards may be obtained from: Processed Products Standardization and Inspection Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Division, Consumer and Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250.

(c) (A) classification. Canned pimientos that possess a good color may be given a score of 27 to 30 points. "Good color" means that the overall color of the product is bright, practically uniform, and typical of canned pimientos; and that the color on the exterior surfaces complies with the requirements for the applicable style as outlined in Table II.

(d) (C) classification. If the canned pimientos possess a fairly good color, a score of 24 to 26 points may be given. Canned pimientos that fall into this classification shall not be graded above U.S. Grade C, regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule). "Fairly good color" means that the overall color of the product may be variable and slightly dull but none of the units may be green or of a greenish cast or off color; and the color on the exterior surface complies with the applicable style as outlined in Table II.

(e) (SStd) classification. Canned pimientos that fail to meet the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section or that are definitely off color may be given a score of 0 to 23 points and shall not be graded above Substandard, regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule).

blossom end the normal size and shape
of the pod is substantially preserved.

(4) "Fairly well trimmed" means that
the unit is trimmed but not mutilated to
such an extent as to seriously affect the
appearance of the pod.

(c) (A) classification. Canned pimien-
tos that are practically uniform in
size and shape may be given a score of
18 to 20 points. "Practically uniform in
size and shape" means that most of the
pods are well trimmed and that:
(1) The pimientos comply with the

measurement, shape, and uniformity re-
quirements for (A) classification in Table
III; and

(2) Any such variation does not ma-
terially detract from the overall appear-
ance of the product.

(d) (C) classification. If the canned
pimientos are fairly uniform in size and
shape, a score of 16 or 17 points may be
given. "Fairly uniform in size and shape"
means that most of the pods are at least
fairly well trimmed and that:

measurement, shape, and uniformity re-
quirement for (C) classification in Table
III; and

(2) Any such variation does not seri-
ously detract from the overall appear-
ance of the product.

(e) (SStd.) classification. Canned pi-
mientos that fail to meet the require-
ments of paragraph (d) of this section
may be given a score of 0 to 15 points
and shall not be graded above Sub-
standard, regardless of the total score

(1) The pimientos comply with the for the product (this is a limiting rule).

99-109-69-31

Largest unit does not exceed smallest
unit by more than 34 inch in any
dimension. Maximum 25 percent,
by count, of whole pods may be
split the full length of pod.
Largest whole does not exceed smallest

whole by more than 3/4 inch in any
dimension. Maximum 5 percent,
by weight, of pieces less than i
square inch each.
Maximum 5 percent, by weight, of
pieces less than 1 square inch each.
Maximum 35 percent, by weight, of
units less than 14 inches in length,
provided very small pieces do not
materially affect the appearance.
Maximum 15 percent, by weight, of
other shapes and sizes of units.
Maximum 5 percent, by weight, of
units larger than 1 square inch each.

Largest unit does not exceed smallest unit by more than 1 inch in any dimension.1

Largest whole does not exceed smallest
whole by more than 1 inch in any
dimension. Maximum 10 percent, by
weight, of pieces less than 1 square
inch each.4
Maximum 10 percent, by weight, of
pieces less than 1 square inch each.
Maximum 35 percent, by weight, of
units less than 14 inches in length,
provided very small pieces do not
exceed 25 percent, by weight, of units.
Maximum 25 percent, by weight, of
units of other shapes and sizes of
units.

Maximum 10 percent, by weight, of
units larger than 1 square inch each.

(a) General. Defects refers to the degree of freedom from grit, sand, silt, seeds, core and stem material, peel (except insignificant pieces of charred peel at the stem end and the blossom end), units blemished internally or externally by brown or black discoloration, pathological injury or insect injury; and any other defects not specifically defined which affect the appearance or edibility of the units or the product.

(b) (A) classification. Canned plmientos that are practically free from defects may be given a score of 36 to 40 points. "Practically free from defects" means that any combination of defects present, including the maximum limits for peel and seeds for (A) classification in Table IV, may no more than slightly detract from the appearance or edibility of the product.

TABLE IV.-MAXIMUM ALLOWANCES FOR PEEL AND SEEDS IN CANNED PIMIENTOS

1 Undeveloped seeds are not counted in tolerances.

(c) (C) classification. Canned pimientos that are fairly free from defects may be given a score of 32 to 35 points. Canned pimientos that fall into this classification shall not be graded above U.S. Grade C, regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule). "Fairly free from defects" means that any combination of defects present, including the maximum limits for peel and seeds for (C) classification in Table IV,

does not seriously detract from the appearance or edibility of the product.

(d) (SStd.) classification. Canned pimientos that fail to meet the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 31 points and shall not be graded above Substandard, regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule).

§ 52.2693 Character.

(a) General. The factor of character refers to the tenderness, texture, and firmness of the unit and the condition and thickness of the flesh.

(b) (A) classification. Canned pimientos that possess a good character may be given a score of 9 or 10 points. "Good character" means the units are firm and full fleshed and tender without apparent disintegration, and possess a practically uniform texture.

(c) (C) classification. If the canned pimientos possess a fairly good character a score of 8 points may be given. Canned pimientos that fall into this classification shall not be graded above U.S. Grade C, regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule). “Fairly good character" means that the units may be somewhat lacking in firmness and fleshiness and may show some evidence of disintegration but are not soft or mushy nor tough.

(d) (SStd.) classification. Canned pimientos that fail to meet the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 7 points and shall not be graded above Substandard, regardless of the total score for the product (this is a limiting rule).

LOT COMPLIANCE

§ 52.2694 Ascertaining the grade of a lot.

The grade of a lot of canned pimientos covered by these standards is determined by the procedures set forth in the Regulations Governing Inspection and Certification of Processed Fruits and Vegetables, Processed Products Thereof, and Certain Other Processed Food Products (§§ 52.1 through 52.87).