U.S. Code of Federal Regulations
Regulations most recently checked for updates: Aug 27, 2025
(a) “U.S. Grade A” is the quality of Raisins with Seeds that have similar varietal characteristics; that have a good typical color with not more than 10 percent, by weight, that may be dark reddish-brown berries; that have a good characteristic flavor; that show development characteristics of raisins prepared from well-matured grapes; with not less than 80 percent, by weight, of raisins that are well-matured or reasonably well-matured; that contain not more than 18 percent, by weight, of moisture, except that any seeded raisins may contain not more than 19 percent, by weight, of moisture; and meet the additional requirements as outlined in table 1 to this section.
(b) “U.S. Grade B” is the quality of Raisins with Seeds that have similar varietal characteristics; that have a reasonably good typical color with not more than 15 percent, by weight, that may be dark reddish-brown berries; that have a good characteristic flavor; that show development characteristics of raisins prepared from reasonably well-matured grapes; with not less than 70 percent, by weight, of raisins that are well-matured or reasonably well matured; that contain not more than 18 percent, by weight, of moisture, except that any seeded raisins may contain not more than 19 percent, by weight, of moisture; and meet the additional requirements as outlined in table 1 to this section.
(c) “U.S. Grade C” is the quality of Raisins with Seeds that have similar varietal characteristics; that have a fairly good typical color with not more than 20 percent, by weight, that may be dark reddish-brown berries; that have a fairly good flavor; that show development characteristics of raisins prepared from fairly well-matured grapes; that contain not more than 18 percent, by weight, of moisture, except that any seeded raisins may contain not more than 19 percent, by weight, of moisture; and meet the additional requirements as outlined in table 1 to this section.
(d) “Substandard” is the quality of Raisins with Seeds that fail to meet the requirements of U.S. Grade C.
Table 1 to § 52.1852—Allowances for Defects in Raisins With Seeds—Except Layer or Cluster
| Defects | U.S. Grade A | U.S. Grade B | U.S. Grade C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum count (per 32 ounces) | |||
| Pieces of Stem | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Maximum count (per 16 ounces) | |||
| Capstems in other than uncapstemmed types | 10 | 15 | 20 |
| Seeds in seeded types | 12 | 15 | 20 |
| Loose capstems in uncapstemmed types | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Maximum (percent by weight) | |||
| Sugared | 5 | 10 | 15 |
| Discolored, damaged, or moldy | 5 | 7 | 9 |
| Provided these limits are not exceeded: | |||
| Damaged | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Moldy | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Substandard development and undeveloped | 2 | 5 | 8 |
| Appearance or edibility of product | |||
| Slightly discolored or damaged by fermentation or any other defect not described above | May not be affected | May not be more than slightly affected | May not be more than materially affected. |
| Grit, sand, or silt | None of any consequence may be present that affects the appearance or edibility of the product | Not more than a trace may be present that affects the appearance or edibility of the product. |
