Grades of Canned Peas
- U.S. Grade A is the quality of canned peas that:
- Meets the following prerequisites in Table II of Section 52.2288 in which the canned peas:
- Have similar varietal characteristics;
- Have a good appearance;
- Have not more than one (1) percent, by count, blond peas;
- Have a good liquor; and
- Have a good flavor and odor.
- Is within the limits for defects as specified in Tables III, IV, and V of Section 52.2288, as applicable.
- U.S. Grade B is the quality of canned peas that:
- Meets the following prerequisites in Table II of Section 52.2288 in which the canned peas:
- Have similar varietal characteristics;
- Have a good appearance;
- Have not more than one and one-half (1.5) percent, by count, blond peas;
- Have a good liquor; and
- Have a good flavor and odor.
- Is within the limits for defects as specified in Tables III, IV, and V of Section 52.2288, as applicable.
- U.S. Grade C is the quality of canned peas that:
- Meets the following prerequisites in Table II of Section 52.2288 in which the canned peas:
- Have similar varietal characteristics;
- Have a reasonably good appearance;
- Have not more than two (2) percent, by count, blond peas;
- Have a reasonably good liquor; and
- Have reasonably good flavor and odor.
- Is within the limits for defects as specified in Tables III, IV, and V of Section 52.2288, as applicable.
- Substandard is the quality of canned peas that fail to meet the requirements of U.S. Grade C.
Inspection Aid
- Headspace Gauge
- Universal Sizer IA#106
- USDA Pea Sizer IA#107
See How to Purchase Inspection Aids for more details.
Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources:
- U.S. Grade Standards for Canned Peas (pdf)
- Grading Manual for Canned Peas (pdf)
- 21 CFR § 155.170 - Canned Peas
- AOAC Official Method 945.81 Weevils in Beans and Peas
- Certification Manual
- Condition of Container Manual
- Domestic Origin Verification (DOV) Program Manual (pdf)
- FDA Food Defect Action Levels
- FDA MPM:V-11 G. Method for Peas and Beans (Canned, Frozen, and Dried) (V-104)
- Foreign Material Manual
- General Procedures Manual
- Safety Manual
- Sampling Manual
- Sanitation Manual
- SC 364-50 Score Sheet for Canned Peas
- Technical Procedures Manual
- USDA Purchases Manual (pdf)