Canned Fruit Preserves (Jams) Grades and Standards

Grades of Canned Fruit Preserves (Jams)

1. U.S. Grade A or U.S. Grade A for Manufacturing is the quality of fruit and preserves (or jams) that have a good consistency; that have a good color; that are practically free from defects; that have a good flavor; and that score not less than 85 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart, Provided: that no fruit preserve or jam shall be graded, inspected and/or certified as a manufacturing grade product unless it is suitably designated and/or labeled. Manufacturing grade product shall not be packaged in containers smaller than the equivalent of a number ten (No. 10) metal can (603 x 700).
2. U.S. Grade B is the quality of fruit preserves (or jams) that possess a reasonably good consistency; that possess a reasonably good color; that are reasonably free from defects; that possess a fairly good flavor; and that score not less than 70 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.
3. Substandard is the quality of fruit preserves (or jams) that fail to meet the requirements of U.S. Grade B.

Inspection Aid

• IA #30A Area Measurement Guide, 8 x 10 in English Units
• IA #30B Area Measurement Guide
• IA #30C Area Measurement Guide

Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources:

• U.S. Grade Standards for Canned Fruit Preserves (Jams) (pdf)
• Inspection Instructions for Canned Fruit Preserves (Jams) (pdf)
• 21 CFR § 150.160 - Fruit preserves and jams
• Certification Manual 
• Condition of Container Manual
• FDA Food Defect Action Levels
• Foreign Material Manual 
• General Procedures Manual 
• Safety Manual
• Sampling Manual
• Sanitation Manual
• SC-364-23 Score Sheet for Fruit Preserves (Jams)
• Technical Procedures Manual