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 reddishyellow 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, Agricultural 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).

1 Except permit 1 unit to fail in any container with less than 10 units, provided, the average of all sample units from the lot meets the percent, by count, tolerance.

1

§ 52.2691 Uniformity of size and shape. dimensions—(1)

(a) Ascertaining Width of whole and halved pimientos. The width is the widest surface measured at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the flattened pimiento pod.

(2) Length of whole and halved pimientos. The length is the longest surface measured from the stem end to blossom end of the flattened pimiento pod.

(3) Square area measurement of a piece. The square area of a piece is calculated by multiplying the average width times the average length of the flattened single wall piece.

(4) Length and width of sliced pimientos. The length of a slice is the longest measurement. The width of a slice is the widest flat surface measured at right angles to the length.

(5) Size of diced pimientos. The size of a dice is measured along the edge which is most representative of the cube's size.

(b) Definitions of shapes, sizes, and trim. (1) "Other shapes and sizes" means noticeably large or small units that vary in shape and size from normal units of the style; and in diced style means units smaller than onehalf the volume of an average size cube.

(2) "Very small pieces" in sliced style means units shorter than one-half inch length.

(3) "Well trimmed" in whole style means that the pod is neatly trimmed at the stem end and when trimmed at the 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 pimientos 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 requirements for (A) classification in Table III; and

(2) Any such variation does not materially detract from the overall appearance 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:

(1) The pimientos comply with the measurement, shape, and uniformity requirement for (C) classification in Table III; and

(2) Any such variation does not seriously detract from the overall appearance of the product.

(e) (SStd.) classification. Canned pimientos that fail to meet the requirements of paragraph (d) 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).

§ 52.2692 Defects.

(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 pimientos 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

(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 require

(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).