4 MISC. PUBLICATION 5 98, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE 



For what processed products are United States standards in effect? 



Approximately 85 United States standards for processed fruits and 

 vegetables are in effect — each for a different commodity. Canned 

 apples, dried apples, canned peas, frozen peas, canned green or wax 

 beans, raisins, peanut butter, canned tomatoes, tomato catsup, dried 

 prunes, and canned pineapple are some of the products for which 

 grades have been established. A complete list of the products for 

 which United States standards have been issued, as well as copies of 

 any standard, may be obtained without charge upon request of the 

 United States Department of Agriculture, Washington 25, D. C. 



How are they developed? 



The United States standards are developed by the United States 

 Department of Agriculture in cooperation with growers, processors, 

 financing agencies, distributors, and consumers. Problems peculiar 

 to each phase of production and marketing are carefully considered 

 and the advice of each group is sought. 



How can the United States standards help the farmer? 



Growers are encouraged to produce better quality products so they 

 can obtain higher prices. The quality-conscious packer or processor 

 demands raw products of high quality and is willing to pay more for 

 them. Growers often find that they receive a better return for a lesser 

 yield of high-quality fresh products for processing than for a big yield 

 of low-quality products. 





USDA N-3440 



Figube 2. — Growers' trucks line up at a canning factory with loads of grapefruit. 



How can the United States standards help the processor? 



Official standards for grades can serve the processor as a definite basis 

 for contracting with buyers, and as a guide to improve packing opera- 

 tions. Official inspection certificates, based on United States stand- 

 ards, are of great assistance in financing his operations. The stand- 

 ards also assist the processor in meeting the ever-increasing demand 

 for foods packed in accordance with definite grades. 



