Container Markings

Container markings for California peaches, plums and nectarines include some required information and other important details about the fruit inside and where it came from. These are the markings and meanings behind what’s printed on a container of California peaches, plums or nectarines.

Container Markings Diagram
  1. Commodity Name
    Identifies what type of fruit is packed in the container: peaches, plums or nectarines.
  2. Varietal Name
    This optional marking identifies what variety is packed in the container, such as Honey Blaze Nectarine or Elegant Lady Peach.
  3. Maturity Standard
    One of two maturity standards may be marked on the container. These standards designate the level of maturity the fruit reached before harvest and packing.
  4. Size/Count
    For peaches or nectarines, the size/count marking records the size of the fruit or the actual count in the tray pack. For plums, the size designation equals the number of plums in a 10-pound sample.
  5. Identity
    The name, address, and ZIP code of shipper are marked on each container.
  6. Net Weight
    The net weight of the fruit is marked on volume-filled containers only.
  7. Federal-State Inspection Stamp
    This optional strip stamp or hand stamp designates that the container has been inspected and meets CTFA quality, size and maturity standards. Stamps vary in shape, but must state “Federal-State Lot” or “CA. Fed. State Insp.” with a code denoting the shipper identification number and the date packed. Some shippers codify the date.
  8. Industry Traceback Marking
    The traceback marking identifies the packing facility number and date, making it possible to identify the fruit’s source all the way back to the orchard. This marking is used by all California packers except those who use a Federal-State Inspection stamp.
  9. Post Harvest Applications
    In the case of post-harvest applications, a statement of the materials used, like this sample, is required by the Federal Food and Drug Administration.
    TREATED WITH THIOPHANATE-METHYL, OGNA, TRIFORINE AND CHLORINE FOR FUNGICIDE USE, AND MINERAL OIL-PARAFFIN AS A COLD WAX.

Maturity Standards

California Well Matured® is a California Tree Fruit Agreement standard. California Well Matured or “CA WELL MAT®” peaches, plums and nectarines must meet maturity guidelines established for their specific variety. This generally means that 90% of the fruit’s yellow surface color must meet the color guideline for the variety. For varieties that have full red surface color, there are other ways to check whether the fruit meets the maturity standard, like stem cavity color or interior flesh color.

U.S. Mature is the federal minimum maturity standard, and may be applied to fruit that does not meet the higher California Well Matured® standard. This fruit will have container markings that say “US Mature” or “US MAT.”

Grade Standards

Grade standards evaluate the shape and condition of California peaches, plums and nectarines. There are two grades with which fruit can be recognized.

The Modified U.S. No. 1 grade establishes maximum allowances for physical defects in the fruit, like scarring, cracks at the stem end of the fruit, and shape variation that the fruit in each container must meet. This grade is not marked on the box.

The Utility grade allows “cosmetically challenged” fruit to be packed and marketed. This fruit must still meet most regulations of the California Agricultural Code, with some exceptions. For example, containers of utility grade fruit must not include more than 40% fruit that meets or exceeds the U.S. No. 1 Grade Standard. If fruit is utility grade, “Utility” will be marked on the container.