Defect classification is the systematic categorisation of imperfections found in a product lot, such as damaged, unripe or foreign pieces, with defined tolerance limits for each category that determine whether a lot is accepted or rejected.
In trade practice
Specifications list defect types, for example crushed berries, stems, leaves, stones or discoloured kernels, and assign a maximum percentage or count per sample for each. At incoming inspection, QA staff draw samples according to an agreed sampling plan, sort and weigh defects by category, and compare results against the defect table. A common mistake is grouping defects into a single total rather than scoring each category separately, which can mask a critical defect that individually exceeds its limit. Defect tables are often attached as annexes to purchase contracts.
In a specification
A specification or contract annex lists each defect type with its individual tolerance, expressed as a maximum percentage by weight or count per unit of sample, and states the sampling plan and lot-rejection criteria.