Chapter 901:3-45 | Maple Syrup

Rule 901:3-45-01 | Grades and Color Classes.

• Effective: September 2, 2017
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Grades. The following grades shall be used in classifying maple syrup:

(1) U.S. grade A is the quality of maple syrup that:

(a) Not more than 68.9 per cent solids content by weight (Brix);

(b) Has good uniform color;

(c) Has good flavor and odor, and intensity of flavor (maple taste) normally associated with the color class;

(d) Is free from off flavors and odors considered as damage;

(e) Is free from cloudiness, turbidity, sediment, and is clean; and

(f) No deviants for damage shall be allowed in grade A.

(2) Maple syrup for processing (processing grade) means any maple syrup that fails to meet the requirements of U.S. grade A, but possess good characteristic maple taste and may contain off-flavors, but is fairly free of damage, turbidity, cloudiness, and is fairly clean.

(3) Substandard is the quality of maple syrup that fails to meet the requirements of processing grade maple syrup.

(B) Color classes.

(1) The color class of maple syrup is determined by:

(a) The per cent of light transmission through the syrup as measured with a spectrophotometer using matched square optical cells having a ten mm light path at a wavelength of five hundred sixty nm. The color value is expressed as percent of light transmission as compared to analytical reagent glycerol fixed at one hundred per cent. Per cent transmission is symbolized by "%Tc."

(b) Any method that provides equivalent results. When certifying the color of a sample that has been officially drawn and which represents a specific lot of maple syrup, if the number of color deviants exceeds the acceptance number in the appropriate sampling plan, the lot should be designated as mixed color.

(c) Any commercial color determining kit that provides an analysis of clarity and color comparable to that obtained by a spectrophotometer may be used to determine the grade listed on a label; however, in any dispute over the accuracy of a grade claim, a spectrophotometer shall be used to determine grade.

(2) Color classes are associated with specific "%Tc" values as follows:

Grade A Color Classes	Taste	Light Transmittance (%Tc)
U.S. Grade A Golden	Delicate	>75.0
U.S. Grade A Amber	Rich	50.0-74.9
U.S. Grade A Dark	Robust	25.0-49.9
U.S. Grade A Very Dark	Strong	<25.0

Last updated February 6, 2024 at 9:36 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3715.24
Amplifies: 3715.24, 3715.25, 3715.59, 3715.60
Five Year Review Date: 1/31/2029
Prior Effective Dates: 2/15/2004

Rule 901:3-45-02 | Optional ingredients.

• Effective: September 2, 2017
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

The following ingredients may be added to maple products:

(A) Salt;

(B) Chemical preservatives; and

(C) Defoaming agents, so long as it is used as a processing aid.

Last updated February 6, 2024 at 9:36 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3715.24
Amplifies: 3715.24, 3715.25, 3715.59, 3715.60
Five Year Review Date: 1/31/2029
Prior Effective Dates: 5/1/1998

Rule 901:3-45-03 | Labeling.

• Effective: September 2, 2017
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Any producer or processor whose maple syrup conforms to a standard for a grade other than commercial or substandard may place the grade name on the package label. The legend shall be stylized: "U.S. Grade _______," and include the full grade name listed in rule 901:3-45-01 of the Administrative Code.

(B) No grade may be placed on a package label unless the maple syrup has first been tested by one of the methods in paragraph (B)(1) of rule 901:3-45-01 of the Administrative Code.

(C) Any optional ingredients permitted under rule 901:3-45-02 of the Administrative Code, when used, shall be listed on the package label, except for those not required by 21 CFR 101.100 (2017).

Last updated February 6, 2024 at 9:36 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3715.24
Amplifies: 3715.24, 3715.25, 3715.59, 3715.60
Five Year Review Date: 1/31/2029
Prior Effective Dates: 5/1/1998

Rule 901:3-45-04 | Packaging and fill.

• Effective: September 2, 2017
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

(A) Except as specified in paragraph (B) of this rule, all packaging shall be:

(1) Made of food grade materials;

(2) Clean prior to filling and free of water at the time of filling;

(3) Free from rust on food contact surfaces and not contain any substances or be constructed from any material which could damage either the color or flavor of maple syrup;

(4) Constructed with an air tight closing mechanism;

(5) Filled with not less than ninety per cent of their capacity.

(B) Canning containers designed for reuse shall be washed and sanitized prior to refilling. Closures shall not be reused.

Last updated February 6, 2024 at 9:36 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3715.24
Amplifies: 3715.24, 3715.25, 3715.59, 3715.60
Five Year Review Date: 1/31/2029

Rule 901:3-45-05 | Bulk containers.

• Effective: September 2, 2017
• Promulgated Under: 119.03

Barrels, drums, and other similar bulk containers used to store or ship maple syrup shall:

(A) Be made of food grade materials;

(B) Be in good condition and constructed to provide an easily cleanable surface;

(C) Be cleaned and sanitized prior to filling, and free of water at the time of filling; and

(D) Not be used if it has:

(1) Previously contained a chemical or other hazardous material including lead or lead-based paint;

(2) A food-contact surface that is rusted; or

(3) Lead solder on the food-contact surface.

Last updated February 6, 2024 at 9:36 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 3715.24
Amplifies: 3715.24, 3715.25, 3715.59, 3715.60
Five Year Review Date: 1/31/2029