The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sets quality standards for fruits and vegetables.  These standards are measurable and consider size, cosmetic and internal damage and overall quality of the product. The number of grades varies by crop. Buyers can determine what standards the product they are looking to purchase must meet. 

USDA Grades and Standards

The United States Department of Agriculture sets quality grades and standards for produce, including visual and written descriptions.  This information allows schools and farmers to speak the “same language” when discussing quality needs of produce.  You can find the quality grades and standards for fruits on the Fruits website.  The Vegetables website has standards for vegetables.

The NCDA&C Cooperative Grading Service offers voluntary inspection of fresh fruits and vegetables. These inspections verify if the produce meets USDA grades or other contract specifications. Information on this inspection can be found on the NCDA&CS Cooperative Grading Service website.

The Institute of Child Nutrition has resources intended to advance your understanding of food safety for produce in child nutrition operations.  School Nutrition professionals with interest in this topic are encouraged to sign up through their State Agencies to attend Produce Safety University, a week-long immersion course offered by USDA. Information on culinary techniques, GAPS and other topics can be found on the Produce Safety Lab website.