Brussels Sprouts Grades and Standards

  1. U.S. No. 1 consists of Brussels sprouts which are well colored, firm, not withered or burst, which are free from soft decay and seedstems, and free from damage caused by discoloration, dirt or other foreign material, freezing, disease, insects, or mechanical or other means.
    1. Unless otherwise specified, the diameter of each Brussels sprout shall be not less than one inch, and the length shall be not more than 2-3/4 inches.
    2. In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling, other than for size, not more than a total of 10 percent, by weight, of the Brussels sprouts in any lot may fail to meet the requirements of the grade: Provided, That not more than one-fifth of this amount, or 2 percent, shall be allowed for soft decay. In addition, not more than a total of 5 percent, by weight, of the Brussels sprouts in any lot may be smaller than the specified minimum diameter, and not more than 10 percent may be longer than the specified maximum length.
  2. U.S. No. 2 consists of Brussels sprouts which are fairly well colored, fairly firm, not withered or burst, which are free from soft decay and seedstems, and free from damage caused by insects, and free from serious damage caused by discoloration, dirt or other foreign material, freezing, disease or mechanical or other means.
    1. Unless otherwise specified, the diameter of each Brussels sprout shall be not less than one inch, and the length shall be not more than 2-3/4 inches.
    2. In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling, other than for size, not more than a total of 10 percent, by weight, of the Brussels sprouts in any lot may fail to meet the requirements of the grade: Provided, That not more than one-fifth of this amount, or 2 percent, shall be allowed for soft decay. In addition, not more than a total of 5 percent, by weight, of the Brussels sprouts in any lot may be smaller than the specified minimum diameter, and not more than 10 percent may be longer than the specified maximum length.

Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources: