Grades of Frozen Onions
- U.S. Grade A is the quality of frozen onions that meet the following requirements:
- Similar varietal characteristics except color, when designated as specialty or mixed pack;
- Has a normal flavor and odor;
- Has good color;
- Has a good appearance;
- Has no grit or dirt present that affects the appearance or edibility of the product; and
- Is within the limits for defects as specified in Tables I and II of this subpart as applicable for the styles in §52.4078.
- U.S. Grade B is the quality of frozen onions that meet the following requirements:
- Similar varietal characteristics except color, when designated as specialty or mixed pack;
- Has a normal flavor and odor;
- Has a reasonably good color;
- Has a reasonably good appearance;
- Has no grit or dirt present that affects the appearance or edibility of the product; and
- Is within the limits for defects as specified in Tables I and II of this subpart as applicable for the styles in §52.4078.
- Substandard is the quality of frozen onions that fail to meet the requirements of U.S. Grade B.
Inspection Aid
- Area Measurement Guide, 8 x 10 in English Units, IA#30A
- Area Measurement Guide, IA #30C
See How to Purchase Inspection Aids (pdf) for more details.
Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources
- United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Onions (pdf)
- Inspection Instruction for Frozen Onions (pdf)
- Condition of Food Container Manual
- Cumulative Sum Sampling Plan (CUSUM) Attributes Standards Only
- Domestic Origin Verification (DOV) Program Manual
- Foreign Material Manual (pdf)
- General Procedures Manual (pdf)
- Safety Manual (pdf)
- Sampling Manual
- Sanitation Manual
- Technical Procedures Manual (pdf)
- USDA Purchases Manual