Frozen Melon Balls Grades and Standards

Melon balls are spheres of melon flesh prepared from suitable varieties of sound, fresh Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo) melons and/or sound, fresh Honey Dew (indorus) melons to which melon balls prepare from sound, fresh melons of a definitely different but suitable variety may be added. The balls are  prepared and washed in a manner to assure a clean and wholesome product. They are properly drained before filling into containers; may include a suitable fruit and/or vegetable garnish; may be packed with the addition of nutritive or nonnutritive sweetening ingredient(s) including sirup and any other ingredient permissible under the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; and are prepared and frozen in accordance with good commercial practice an maintained at temperatures necessary for the preservation of the product.

Grades of Frozen Melon Balls

  1. U.S. Grade A or U.S. Fancy is the quality of frozen melon balls that:
    1. Possess a good flavor and odor;
    2. Have good color;
    3. Are practically uniform in size and shape;
    4. Are practically free from defects;
    5. Have good character; and
    6. Score not less than 90 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.
  2. U.S. Grade B or U.S. Choice is the quality of frozen melon balls that:
    1. Possess a reasonably good flavor and odor;
    2. Have reasonably good color;
    3. Are reasonably uniform in size and shape;
    4. Are reasonably free from defects;
    5. Have reasonably good character; and
    6. Score not less than 80 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.
  3. Substandard is the quality of frozen melon balls that fails the requirements of U.S. Grade B.

Inspection Aid

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

Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources: