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Maltese Laws |
PRODUCT SAFETY ACT, 2001 (ACT NO. V OF 2001)Fruit and Vegetables Marketing Standards Regulations, 2003
IN exercise of the powers conferred by article 39 of the Product Safety Act, 2001, the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, on the advice of the Malta Standards Authority, has made the following regulations:
1.1 The title of these regulations is the Fruit and Vegetables
Marketing Standards Regulations, 2003.
1.2 These regulations shall come into force on such date as the Minister responsible for the Malta Standards Authority may, by notice, prescribe.
2.1 Without prejudice to regulation 2.2, these regulations shall apply to the fruits and vegetables listed in the Schedule hereof, which fruits and vegetables are to be delivered fresh to the consumer.
2.2 The following products are exempted from the requirement of complying with the quality standards laid down by these regulations:
a) products displayed or offered for sale, sold, delivered or marketed in any other manner by the grower on wholesale markets, in particular in producer markets,
b) products transported from those wholesale markets to preparation and packaging stations and storage facilities,
c) products sold or delivered by the grower to preparation or packaging stations or storage facilities, or transported from his holding to such stations,
d) products transported from storage facilities to preparation and packaging stations,
Citation and commencement
Applicability
e) products transported to processing plants, unless minimum quality criteria for products intended for industrial processing are set,
f) products transferred by the producer on his holding to consumers for their personal use.
2.3 Where, following extreme shortage or exceptionally plentiful supply, the supply of products conforming to the quality standards laid down by these regulations is insufficient to meet, or appreciably exceeds, consumer demands, the Director may, on the advice of the Director of Agriculture, adopt measures derogating from the application of these quality standards for a limited period.
3.1 The information particulars required by the quality standards must be shown legibly in an obvious position on one side of the packaging, either indelibly printed directly onto the package or on a label which is an integral part of, or firmly affixed to, the package.
3.2 For goods transported in bulk and loaded directly onto a means of transport, the particulars referred to in subregulation 3.1 shall be given in a document accompanying the goods or shown on a notice placed in an obvious position inside the means of transport.
3.3 At the retail stage, where products are packaged, the information particulars shall be legible and conspicuous.
3.3.1 For pre-packaged products within the meaning of the Labelling, Presentation and Advertising of Foodstuffs Regulations, 2001, the net weight shall be indicated, in addition to all the information provided for in the quality standards. However, in the case of products normally sold by number, the requirement to indicate the net weight shall not apply if the number of items can be clearly seen and easily counted from the outside or, failing that, if the number is indicated on the label.
3.3.2 Products may be presented unpackaged, provided that the retailer displays with the goods offered for sale a card showing prominently and legibly the information specified in the quality standards relating to:
(a) variety,
(b) origin of the product, (c) class.
Information particulars
4.1 In order to establish whether products covered by quality standards conform to the provisions of these regulations, checks shall be made by sampling at all marketing stages and during transport. These checks shall preferably be made prior to dispatch from production areas when the products are being packed or loaded.
4.2 Products covered by quality standards shall be accepted for importation only if they conform to the quality standards laid down by these regulations or to standards at least equivalent to them.
Control measures
SCHEDULE PART 1
QUALITY STANDARD FOR BRUSSELS SPROUTSI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to Brussels sprouts, being the axillary buds growing along the vertical stem of varieties (cultivars) of Brassica oleracea L. var. bullata subazr. gemmifera DC., supplied fresh to the consumer, Brussels sprouts for industrial processing being excluded.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of this standard is to define the quality requirements for Brussels sprouts after preparation and packaging.
A. Minimum requirements
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, Brussels sprouts must be:
— intact,
— sound, produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unit for consumption is excluded,
— fresh in appearance,
— clean, practically free of any visible foreign matter,
— not frozen,
— free of insects and/or other parasites,
— free of abnormal external moisture,
— free of foreign smell and/or taste.
The stalk of trimmed Brussels sprouts must be cut just beneath the outer leaves; the stalk of untrimmed Brussels sprouts must be fractured
at the base; the cut or fracture must be clean, without other parts of the plant adhering. The conditions of the Brussels sprouts
must be such as to allow them:
— to withstand transport and handling, and
— to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of the destination. B. Classification
Brussels sprouts are classified into two classes defined below:
(i) Class I
Brussels sprouts in this class must be of good quality. They must be:
— firm,
— closed,
— free of damage by frost.
Trimmed Brussels sprouts must be well coloured. For untrimmed Brussels sprouts, slightly discoloured basal leaves are allowed. Slight
damage to the outer leaves, caused by picking, grading or packing is also allowed, provided that it does not affect the good condition
of the produce.
(ii) Class II
This class includes Brussels sprouts which do not qualify for inclusion in Class I, but satisfy the minimum requirements specified
above.
However, produce in this class may be:
— less firm,
— less closed but not opened,
— moreover they may show slight damage due to frost.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZE
Sizing is determined by the maximum diameter of the equatorial section. The minimum diameter is:
— 10 mm for trimmed Brussels sprouts graded in Classes I and II,
— 15 mm for untrimmed Brussels sprouts graded in Classes I and II.
For Brussels sprouts in Class I, the difference between the largest and the smallest sprout in any one package must not exceed 20
mm.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size are allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements
of the class indicated.
A. Quantity tolerances
(i) Class I
10 % by weight of Brussels sprout not satisfying the requirements of the class but meeting the requirements for
Class II, or exceptionally, coming within the tolerances for that class.
(ii) Class II
10 % by weight of Brussels sprouts satisfying neither the requirements for the class nor the minimum requirements, but excluding
produce attacked by rot or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.
B. Size tolerances
For all classes: 10 % by weight of Brussels sprouts not conforming to the size of requirements.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION A. Uniformity
The contents of each package must be uniform and comprise only Brussels sprouts of the same origin, variety, quality and size (where
required).
The visible part of the contents of each package must be representative of the entire contents. B. Packaging
The Brussels sprouts must be packed in such a way as to protect them properly.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials and particularly of paper or stamps bearing trade specifications is allowed provided that the
printing or labelling has been done with a non-toxic ink or glue.
The packages must be free of any foreign matter.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked and visible from
the outside:
A. Identification
Packer and/or Dispatcher: Name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, in the case where a code mark is used,
the reference ‘packer and/or dispatcher (or equivalent abbreviations)’ has to be indicated in close connection with the code
mark.
B. Nature of produce
‘Trimmed Brussels sprouts’ or ‘untrimmed Brussels sprouts’, if the contents are not visible from the outside. C. Origin of produce
Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown, or national regional or local place name.
D. Commercial specifications
Class; when sized, size expressed in minimum and maximum diameter. E. Official control mark (optional).
PART 2
QUALITY STANDARD FOR HEADED CABBAGESI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to headed cabbages grown from varieties (cultivars) of Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata L. (including red cabbages and pointed cabbages) and from Brassica oleracea L. var. bullata DC. and var. sabauda L. (savoy cabbages), supplied fresh to the consumer, cabbages for industrial processing being excluded.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of the standard is to define the quality requirements for headed cabbages after preparation and packaging.
A. Minimum requirements:
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the headed cabbages should be:
— intact,
— fresh in appearance,
— not burst, showing no signs of flower development,
— sound, produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
— free of bruises and injury,
— free from insects and/or other parasites,
— free of damage due to frost,
— clean, practically free of any visible foreign matter,
— free of abnormal external moisture,
— free of any foreign smell and/or taste.
The stem should be cut slightly below the lowest point of leaf growth; the leaves should remain firmly attached, and the cut should
be clean.
The condition of the headed cabbages must be such as to enable them:
— to withstand transport and handling, and
— to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination. B. Classification:
Headed cabbages are classified into two classes defined below:
(i) Class I:
Headed cabbages graded into this class should be of good quality and possess all the characteristics typical of the variety. They
should be compact, having regard to the species.
Headed cabbages, according to the variety, must have firmly attached leaves. Store headed cabbages may have some of their outer leaves
removed. Green Savoy headed cabbages and early headed cabbages, taking into account their variety, must be properly trimmed, but
in doing so a number of leaves may be left for protection. Green headed cabbages may be slightly frosted.
The following are admitted:
— small cracks in the outer leaves,
— slight bruising and light trimming of the outer leaves, provided that it does not affect the good condition of the produce.
(ii) Class II:
This class includes headed cabbages which do not qualify for inclusion in Class I, but meet the minimum requirements specified above.
They may differ from headed cabbages in Class I in the following ways:
— they may have cracks in the outer leaves,
— more of their outer leaves may be removed,
— they may have larger bruises and the outer leaves may be more extensively trimmed,
— they may be less compact.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
Sizing is determined by the net weight. This must not be less than 350 grams per unit.
Sizing is compulsory for headed cabbages presented in packages. In that case, the weight of the heaviest head in any one package must
not be more than double the weight of the lightest head.
When the weight of the heaviest head is equal to or less than 2 kilograms the difference between the heaviest and the lightest head
may be up to 1 kilogram.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size are allowed in each package or in each lot in the case of headed cabbages transported in
bulk for produce not satisfying the requirements for the class indicated.
A. Quality tolerances:
(i) Class I:
10 % by number or weight of headed cabbages not satisfying the requirements for the class, but meeting the requirements for Class
II or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances for that class.
(ii) Class II:
10 % by number or weight of headed cabbages not satisfying the requirements of the class, or the minimum requirements, but excluding
headed cabbages visibly affected by rotting or any other deterioration rendering them unfit for consumption.
B. Size tolerances:
For all classes: 10 % by number or weight of headed cabbages not meeting the specified requirements as regards:
— uniformity,
— minimum size.
However, no head may weigh less than 300 grams.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION A. Uniformity
The contents of each package or lot, if transported in bulk, must contain only headed cabbages of the same origin, variety and quality.
The headed cabbages classed in Class I must be uniform in shape and colour.
The visible part of the contents of the package or lot must be representative of the entire contents. B. Packaging
The headed cabbages must be packed in such a way as to ensure that they are suitably protected. The may be delivered packed or in
bulk.
The materials used inside the package must be clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage to
the produce. The use of materials and particularly of paper or stamps bearing trade specifications is allowed provided
that the printing or labelling has been done with a non-toxic ink or glue. Packages, or lots if the produce is transported in bulk,
must be free of all foreign matter.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
1. For headed cabbages presented in packages, each package must bear the following particulars in letters grouped on the same side,
legibly and indelibly marked and visible from the outside:
Α. Identification
Packer and/or Dispatcher: Name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, in the case where a code mark is used,
the reference ‘packer and/or dispatcher (or equivalent abbreviations)’ has to be indicated in close connection with the code
mark.
B. Nature of produce
— ‘White headed cabbages’, etc., if the contents are not visible from the outside, C.
C. Origin of produce
— Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown, or national, regional or local place name. D. Commercial specifications
— Class,
— Weight or number of units.
E. Official control mark (optional).
2. For headed cabbages transported in bulk (loaded directly into a vehicle or vehicle compartment), the above particulars must appear
on a document accompanying the goods or on a notice placed in a visible position inside the vehicle.
PART 3
QUALITY STANDARD FOR SPINACHI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to spinach of varieties (cultivars) grown from Spinacia oleracea L. to be supplied fresh to the consumer, spinach for industrial processing being excluded.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of this standard is to define the quality requirements for spinach in leaf or in heads after preparation
and packaging.
A. Minimum requirements
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the spinach must be:
— sound, produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
— fresh in appearance,
— clean, practically free of visible foreign matter,
— practically free from pests,
— free of floral stems,
— free of any foreign smell and/or taste. Washed spinach must be adequately drained.
In the case of spinach heads, the portion comprising the root must be cut close to the base of the outer leaves. The spinach must
be sufficiently developed and in such condition as to enable it:
— to withstand transport and handling, and
— to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination. B. Classification
Spinach is classified into two classes, defined below:
(i) Class I
Spinach in this class may be in leaf or in heads and must be of good quality. The leaves must be:
— normal in colour and appearance for the variety and time of harvest,
— free from damage caused by frost, animal parasites or diseases impairing appearance or edibility. In the case of leaf spinach,
the leaf stem must not exceed 10 cm in length.
(ii) Class II
This class includes leaf spinach or spinach heads which do not qualify for inclusion in Class I, but satisfy the minimum requirements
specified above.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING Sizing is not compulsory for spinach.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCE
Tolerances in respect of quality shall be allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements of the class indicated.
(i) Class I
10 % by weight of spinach not satisfying the requirements for the class but meeting the requirements for Class
II or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances for that class.
(ii) Class II
10 % by weight of spinach not satisfying the requirements for the class nor the minimum requirements, excluding spinach in leaf or
in heads affected by rotting or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption. In addition, in the case of spinach heads,
a tolerance of 10 % by weight of heads, having roots attached which do not exceed 1 cm in length from the base of the outer leaves,
shall be allowed.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION A. Uniformity
The contents of each package must be uniform and comprise only spinach of the same origin, variety and quality.
Leaf spinach and spinach heads must not be mixed in the same package.
The visible part of the contents of each package must be representative of the entire contents. B. Packaging
The spinach must be packed in such a way as to ensure that it is suitably protected.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials and particularly of paper or stamps bearing trade specifications is allowed provided that the
printing or labelling has been done with a non-toxic ink or glue.
The packages must be free of all foreign matter.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked and visible from
the outside:
A. Identification
Packer and/or Dispatcher: Name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark.
However, in the case where a code mark is used, the reference ‘packer and/or dispatcher (or equivalent abbreviations)’ has to
be indicated in close connection with the code mark.
B. Nature of produce
‘Leaf spinach’ or ‘spinach heads’, if the contents are not visible from the outside. C. Origin of produce
Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown or national, regional or local place name. D. Commercial specifications
Class.
E. Official control mark (optional).
PART 4
QUALITY STANDARD FOR STRAWBERRIESI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to strawberries, fruit of the varieties (cultivars) grown from the genus Fragaria L. to be supplied fresh to the consumer, strawberries for industrial processing being excluded.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of the standard is to define the quality requirements for strawberries after preparation and packaging.
A. Minimum requirements
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the strawberries must be:
— intact, undamaged,
— with the calyx and a short green unwithered stalk attached (except in the case of wood strawberries),
— sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
— practically free from damage caused by pests or disease,
— clean, practically free of any visible foreign matter,
— fresh, but not washed,
— free of abnormal external moisture,
— free of any foreign smell and/or taste.
The strawberries must have been carefully picked.
They must be sufficiently developed and display satisfactory ripeness. The development and the condition must be such as to enable
them:
— to withstand transport and handling, and
— to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination. B. Classification
Strawberries are classified into three classes defined below:
(i) ‘Extra’ Class:
The strawberries in this class must be of superior quality. In colouring and shape they must be typical of the variety and they must
be particularly uniform and regular with respect to degree of ripeness, colour and size (1). They must be bright in appearance, taking account of the characteristics of the variety, and they must be free from soil.
(ii) Class I:
The strawberries in this class must be of good quality. They must present the characteristics of the variety. They may, however, have
the following defects, provided these do not impair the external appearance of the fruit or its conservation:
— slight defects of shape,
— presence of a small white patch.
They may be less uniform in size. They must be practically free from soil.
(iii) Class II
This class includes strawberries which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes, but satisfy the minimum requirements
specified above.
The strawberries may show:
1 These uniformity requirements for the ‘Extra’ Class may be applied a little less strictly in the case of wood strawberries.
— defects of shape, on condition that they retain the characteristics of the variety,
— a whitish patch not exceeding one fifth of the surface area of the fruit,
— slight dry bruising not likely to spread,
— slight traces of soil.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
Sizing is determined by the maximum diameter of the equatorial section. Strawberries must be of the following minimum sizes:
— ‘Extra’ Class: 25 mm,
— Classes I and II (except for the Primella and Gariguette varieties): 22 mm; Primella and Gariguette varieties:
18 mm,
No minimum size is laid down for wood strawberries.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size shall be allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements for the class
indicated.
A. Quality tolerances
(i) ‘Extra’ Class
5 % by number or weight of strawberries not satisfying the requirements for the class but meeting the requirements for Class I, or,
exceptionally, coming within the tolerances for that class. Of these 5 %, not more than 2 % in total may consist of spoilt fruit.
(ii) Class I
10 % by number or by weight of strawberries not satisfying the requirements for the class but meeting the requirements for Class II,
or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances for that class. Of these 10 %, not more than 2 % in total may consist of spoilt fruit.
(iii) Class II
10 % by number or weight of strawberries not satisfying the requirements for the class, nor the minimum requirements, but excluding
fruit affected by rotting, severe bruising or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption. Of these 10 %, not more
than 2 % in total may consist of spoilt fruit.
B. Size tolerances
For all classes: 10% by number or weight of strawberries not conforming to the minimum size.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION A. Uniformity
The contents of each package must be uniform and contain only strawberries of the same origin, variety and quality.
The visible part of the contents of each package must be representative of the entire contents. B. Packaging
The strawberries must be packed in such a way as to ensure that they are suitably protected.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials and particularly of paper or stamps beating trade specifications is allowed provided that the
printing or labelling has been done with a non-toxic ink or glue.
Fruit in the ‘Extra’ Class must be particularly well presented. Packages must be free from all foreign matter.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked and visible from
the outside:
Packer and/or Dispatcher: Name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, in the case where a code mark is used,
the reference ‘packer and/or dispatcher (or equivalent abbreviations)’ has to be indicated in close connection with the code
mark.
B. Nature of produce
— ‘Strawberries’, if the contents are not visible from the outside,
— name of the variety (optional, except for the Primella and Gariguette varieties for which this information is compulsory).
C. Origin of produce
— Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown, or national, regional or local place name. D. Commercial specifications
— Class.
E. Official control mark (optional).
PART 5
QUALITY STANDARD FOR CHERRIESI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to cherries, of varieties (cultivars) derived from Prunus Avium L., Prunus Cerasus L., or hybrids thereof, to the supplied fresh to the consumer, cherries for industrial processing being excluded.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of this standard is to define the quality requirements for cherries, after preparation and packaging. A. Minimum requirements
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the cherries must be:
— intact,
— fresh in appearance,
— sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
— firm (according to the variety),
— clean, practically free of any visible foreign matter,
— practically free from pests,
— free from abnormal external moisture,
— free of any foreign smell and/or taste,
— with the stem attached (2).
The cherries must be sufficiently developed and display satisfactory ripeness. The development and the condition must
be such as to enable them:
— to withstand transport and handling, and
— to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination. B. Classification
Cherries are classified into three classes, defined below:
(i) ‘Extra’ Class
Cherries in this class must be of superior quality. They must be well developed and have all the characteristics and the colouring
typical of the variety. They must be free from defects apart from a very slight superficial deterioration of the skin, on condition
that this does not affect the quality and general appearance of the produce or its presentation in the package.
(ii) Class I
Cherries in this class must be of good quality. They must present the characteristics of the variety.
They may, however, have the following defects, provided these do not impair the external appearance of the fruit or its conservation:
— a slight defect in shape,
— a slight defect in colouring.
They must be free of burns, cracks, bruises or defects caused by hail.
(iii) Class II
This class includes cherries which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes, but which satisfy the minimum requirements
defined above. However, the cherries may have:
— defects in shape and colouring, on condition that they retain the characteristics of variety,
— small, healed surface scars, not likely to impair significantly the appearance or conservation of the fruit.
2 Missing stems are allowed in the case of:
— sweet varieties which naturally lose the stem at harvest, on condition that the skin is not damaged;
— sour varieties, on condition that there is no severe leakage of juice.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
Sizing is determined by the maximum diameter of the equatorial section. Cherries must have the following minimum sizes:
— ‘Extra’ Class: 20 mm,
— Classes I and II: 17 mm.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCE
Tolerances in respect of quality and size shall be allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements of the class
indicated.
A. Quality tolerances
(i) ‘Extra’ Class
5 % by number or weight of cherries not satisfying the requirements of the class but meeting those of Class I, or exceptionally, coming
within the tolerances for that class, with the exception of over-ripe fruit. Within this tolerance, not more than 2 % in total may
consist of split and/or worm-eaten fruit.
(ii) Class I
10 % by number or weight of cherries not satisfying the requirements of the class but meeting those of Class II or, exceptionally,
coming within the tolerances for that class. Within this tolerance, not more than 4 % in total may consist of split and/or worm-eaten
fruit.
(iii) Class II
10 % by number or weight of cherries satisfying neither the requirements for the class nor the minimum requirements, excluding fruit
affected by rotting or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption. Within this tolerance, not more than 4 % in total
may consist of overripe and/or split and/or worm-eaten fruit. Not more than 2 % in total may consist of over-ripe fruit.
B. Size tolerances
(i) ‘Extra’ Class and Classes I and II
10 % by number or weight of cherries not conforming to the minimum sizes specified, provided, however, that the diameter is not less
than:
— 17 mm in the ‘Extra’ Class,
— 15 mm in Classes I and II.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION A. Uniformity
The contents of each package must be uniform and consist exclusively of cherries of the same origin, variety and quality. The fruit
must be of uniform size.
In addition, cherries in the ‘Extra’ Class must be of uniform colouring and ripeness.
The visible part of the contents of each package must be representative of the entire contents. B. Packaging
The cherries must be packed in such a way as to ensure proper protection of the produce.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials and particularly of paper or stamps bearing trade specifications is allowed provided that the
printing or labelling has been done with a non-toxic ink or glue.
The packages must be free from foreign matter.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked and visible from
the outside:
A. Identification
Packer and/or Dispatcher: Name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, in the case where a code mark is used,
the reference ‘packer and/or dispatcher (or equivalent abbreviations)’
has to be indicated in close connection with the code mark. B. Nature of produce
— ‘Cherries’, where the contents are not visible from the outside,
— Name of the variety (optional). C. Origin of produce
Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown or national, regional or local place name. D. Commercial specifications
Class.
E. Official control mark (optional)
PART 6
QUALITY STANDARD FOR CARROTSI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to carrots of the varieties (cultivars) grown from Daucus carota L, to be supplied fresh to the consumer, carrots for industrial processing being excluded.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of the standard is to define the quality requirements for carrots after preparation and packaging. A. Minimum requirements
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the carrots must be:
— sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
— clean, that is to say:
— practically free from visible foreign matter if they are washed,
— practically free from excess dirt and impurities, if they are not washed,
— not woody,
— firm,
— practically free from pests,
— practically free from damage caused by pests,
— not running to seed,
— not forked, free from secondary roots,
— free of abnormal external moisture, i.e. sufficiently dried after washing,
— free of any foreign smell and/or taste.
The development and condition of the carrots must be such as to enable them:
— to withstand transport and handling, and
— to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination. B. Classification
The carrots are classified into the three classes defined below:
(i) ‘Extra’ class
Carrots in this class must be of superior quality and washed. The roots must be:
— intact,
— smooth,
— of fresh appearance,
— regular in shape,
— free from fissures,
— free from bruises and cracks,
— free from damage caused by frost.
They must have the characteristics typical of the variety. Green or violet/purple tops are not allowed.
(ii) Class I
Carrots in this class must be of good quality. The roots must:
— be intact,
— be of fresh appearance,
— possess the characteristics typical of the variety.
They may however, show the following slight defects, provided these do not impair the general appearance, quality, conservation or
presentation of the product:
— slight defects in shape,
— slight defects in colouring,
— slight healed cracks,
— slight cracks or fissures due to handling or washing.
Green or violet/purple tops up to 1,0 cm long for carrots not exceeding 8 cm in length, and up to 2,0 cm for other carrots, are allowed.
(iii) Class II
This class includes carrots which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes, but satisfy the minimum requirements specified
above.
However, they may show:
— defects in shape and in colouring,
— healed cracks not reaching the heart,
— cracks or fissures due to handling or washing.
Not more than 25 % by weight of broken carrots may be allowed. Green or violet/purple tops up to 2,0 cm long for carrots not exceeding
10 cm in length, and up to 3,0 cm for other carrots, are allowed.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
Sizing is determined by the maximum diameter or the weight of the carrot without foliage. (i) Early carrots (3) and small root varieties
Roots must not be less than 10 mm when sizing is by diameter and not less than 8 g when sizing is by weight.
Roots must not be more than 40 mm when sizing is by diameter and not more than 150 g when sizing is by weight.
(ii) Main-crop carrots and large root varieties
Roots must not be less than 20 mm when sizing is by diameter and not less than 50 g when sizing is by weight. Roots classified in
the ‘Extra’ class must not be more than 45 mm when sizing is by diameter and not more than
200 g when sizing is by weight, and the difference in diameter or in weight between the smallest and the largest root in any one package
must not be more than 20 mm or 150 g.
For roots classified in class I, the difference in diameter or weight between the smallest and the largest root in any one package
must not be more than 30 mm or 200 g.
For roots classified in class II, the roots need only satisfy the minimum sizing requirements.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
The following tolerances in respect of quality and size are allowed for produce not satisfying the requirements for the class indicated
in each package or, in the case of carrots dispatched in bulk, each consignment.
A. Quality tolerances
(i) ‘Extra’ class
— 5 % by weight of roots not satisfying the requirements for the class, but meeting those for class I or, exceptionally, coming
within the tolerances for that class,
— 5 % by weight of roots having a slight trace of green or violet/purple colouring at the top.
(ii) Class I
— 10 % by weight of roots not satisfying the requirements for the class but meeting those for class II or, exceptionally, coming
within the tolerances for that class. However, that tolerance does not cover broken carrots and/or roots that have lost their tips,
— 10 % by weight of broken carrots and/ or roots that have lost their tips.
(iii) Class II
3 Roots in which growth has not been arrested.
— 10 % by weight of roots satisfying neither the requirements for the class nor the minimum requirements with the exception of
produce affected by rotting or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.
B. Size tolerances
— 10 % by weight of carrots not conforming to the sizing requirements.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION A. Uniformity
The contents of each package or, in the case of carrots dispatched in bulk, each consignment, must be uniform and contain only carrots
of the same origin, variety, quality and size (if the produce has to be sized).
The visible part of the contents of each package or lot must be representative of the entire contents. B. Presentation
Carrots may be presented in one of the following two ways:
1. Bunched carrots
The roots must be presented with their foliage, which must be fresh, green and sound.
The roots in any given bunch must be of approximately the same size. The bunches in each package should be practically uniform in
weight and arranged evenly in one or more layers.
2. Topped carrots
The foliage must be evened off or cut off at the top of the carrot without damaging the root. The roots may be:
— put up in small packages,
— arranged in several layers or jumble packed,
— dispatched in bulk (loaded direct into a transport vehicle or compartment thereof) for class II. C. Packaging
The carrots must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly. The materials used inside the package must be new, clean
and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage to the produce. The use of materials and particularly of
paper or stamps bearing trade specifications is allowed provided that the printing or labelling has been done with a non-toxic
ink or glue. The packages or consignments, in the case of carrots dispatched in bulk, must be free from all foreign matter.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
1. For carrots presented in packages, each package must bear the following particulars in letters grouped on the same side, legibly
and indelibly marked and visible from the outside:
A. Identification
Packer and/or dispatcher
{name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark} B. Nature of produce
— ‘bunched carrots’ or ‘carrots’ {if the contents are not visible from the outside}
— ‘early carrots’ or ‘main-crop carrots’ {if the contents are not visible from the outside}
— name of the variety for the ‘Extras’ class. C. Origin of produce
Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown or national, regional or local place name.
D. Commercial specifications
— class,
— if sized, size expressed by minimum and maximum diameters or weight per carrot,
— number of bunches for carrots presented in bunches. E. Official control mark (optional)
2. For carrots transported in bulk (loaded directly into a vehicle or vehicle compartment), the above particulars must appear on a
document accompanying the goods or on a notice placed in a visible position inside the vehicle.
PART 7
QUALITY STANDARD FOR RIBBED CELERYI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to ribbed celery of varieties (cultivars) grown from Apium graveolens L. var. dulce Mill.,
to be supplied fresh to the consumer, ribbed celery for industrial processing being excluded.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of this standard is to define the quality requirements for ribbed celery, after preparation and packaging.
A. Minimum requirements
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the ribbed celery must be:
— whole, trimming of the upper part being permitted,
— fresh in appearance,
— sound, produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
— free from damage caused by frost,
— free from cavities, suckers and flowers stems,
— clean, practically free of any visible foreign matter,
— practically free from damage caused by pests,
— practically free from pests,
— free of excessive external moisture, that is to say, adequately dried, if washed,
— free of any foreign smell and/or taste.
The main root must be well cleaned and must not exceed 5 cm in length.
Ribbed celery must be normally developed, having regard to the production period. Its condition must be such as to allow it:
— to withstand transport and handling, and
— to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination. B. Classification
Ribbed celery is classified into two classes, defined below:
(i) Class I
Ribbed celery in this class must be of good quality, regular in shape and free of traces of disease on either the leaves or the leaf
stalks.
The leaf stalks must not be broken, stringy, crushed or split.
In the case of blanched ribbed celery, the leaf stalks must be white to yellowish-white or greenish-white in colour for at least half
their length.
(ii) Class II
This class includes ribbed celery which do not qualify for inclusion in Class I, but satisfy the minimum requirements specified above.
Ribbed celery in this class may show slight traces of rust. It may also show a slight deformation or slight bruises and have not more
than two leaf stalks that are broken, crushed or split.
In the case of blanched ribbed celery, the leaf stalks must be white to yellowish-white or greenish-white in colour for at least one-third
of their length.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
Sizing is determined in relation to net weight. The minimum weight of ribbed celery is 150 grams.
Ribbed celery is graded into three groups: (i) large: over 800 grams
(ii) medium: 500 to 800 grams
(iii) small: 150 to 500 grams
The difference in size in the same package may not exceed 200, 150 and 100 grams respectively. This grading and uniformity requirement
is compulsory for Class I only.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCE
Tolerances in respect of quality and size are allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements
of the class indicated.
(i) Class I
10 % by number of ribbed celery not satisfying the requirements of the class but meeting the requirements for
Class II, or exceptionally, coming within the tolerances for that class.
(ii) Class II
10 % by number of ribbed celery satisfying neither the requirements for the class nor the minimum requirements, excluding
produce attacked by rot or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.
For all classes: 10 % by number of ribbed celery not conforming to the size requirements.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION A. Uniformity
The contents of each package must be uniform and comprise only ribbed celery of the same origin, quality and colour, and size (where
required).
The visible part of the contents of each package must be representative of the entire contents. B. Presentation
The ribbed celery may be presented:
— either bundled in the package,
— or stacked in the package.
When presented in bundles, all bundles in the same package must contain the same number of pieces. C. Packaging
The ribbed celery must be packed in such a way as to protect it properly.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials and particularly of paper or stamps bearing trade specifications is allowed provided that the
printing or labelling has been done with a non-toxic ink or glue.
The packages must be free of any foreign matter.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked and visible from
the outside:
A. Identification
Packer and/or Dispatcher: Name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, in the case where a code mark is used,
the reference ‘packer and/or dispatcher (or equivalent abbreviations)’ has to be indicated in close connection with the code
mark.
B. Nature of produce
‘Ribbed celery’ followed by the indication ‘blanched celery’ or an indication of the colourtype, if the contents are not visible
from the outside.
C. Origin of produce
Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown or national, regional or local place name. D. Commercial specifications
Class;
When sized, size expressed by ‘large’, ‘medium’ or ‘small’; Number of pieces or, where appropriate, number of bundles.
E. Official control mark (optional).
PART 8
STANDARD FOR APPLES AND PEARSI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to apples and pears of varieties (cultivars) grown from Malus domestica Borkh. and Pyrus communis L., to be supplied fresh to the consumer, apples and pears for industrial processing being excluded.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of the standard is to define the quality requirements of apples and pears, after preparation and packaging.
A. Minimum requirements
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, apples and pears must be:
— intact,
— sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
— clean, practically free of any visible foreign matter,
— practically free from pests,
— practically free from damage caused by pests,
— free of abnormal external moisture,
— free of any foreign smell and/or taste.
In addition, they must have been carefully picked.
The development and condition of the apples and pears must be such as to enable them:
— to continue their maturing process and to reach the degree of maturity required in relation to the varietal characteristics (4),
— to withstand transport and handling, and
— to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination. B. Classification
Apples and pears are classified in three classes defined below.
(i) ‘Extra’ Class
Apples and pears in this class must be of superior quality. In shape, size and colouring, they must be characteristic
of the variety (5) and the stalk must be intact.
The flesh must be perfectly sound.
They must be free from defects with the exception of very slight superficial defects provided these do not affect the general appearance
of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package.
Pears must not be gritty.
(ii) Class I
Apples and pears in this class must be of good quality. In shape, size and colouring, they must be characteristic of the variety (5).
The flesh must be perfectly sound.
The following slight defects, however, may be allowed on individual fruit provided these do not affect the general appearance of the
produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package:
4 Due to varietal characteristics of the Fuji variety concerning maturity at harvest, radial watercore is permitted provided it is contained within the vascular bundles of each fruit.
5 The criteria for colouring and russetting of apples are given in the appendix of this standard, as well as a non- exhaustive list of the varieties concerned by each criteria.
— a slight defect in shape,
— a slight defect in development,
— a slight defect in colouring,
— slight skin defects which must not extend over more than:
— 2 cm in length for defects of elongated shape,
— 1 cm2 of total surface area for other defects, with the exception of scab (Venturia inaequalis), which must not extend over more than 0,25 cm2 cumulative in area,
— slight bruising not exceeding 1 cm2 of total surface area and not discoloured.
For apples, the stalk may be missing, provided the break is clean and the adjacent skin is not damaged. For pears, the stalk may be
slightly damaged.
Pears must not be gritty.
(iii) Class II
This class includes apples and pears which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes but satisfy the minimum requirements
specified above (5).
The flesh must be free from major defects.
The following defects are allowed provided the fruit retains its essential characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping quality
and presentation:
— defects in shape,
— defects in development,
— defects in colouring,
— skin defects which must not extend over more than:
— 4 cm in length for defects of elongated shape,
— 2,5 cm2 of total surface area for other defects, including slightly discoloured bruising, with the exception of scab (Venturia inaequalis), which must not extend over more than 1 cm2 cumulative in area.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
Size is determined by maximum diameter of the equatorial section or by weight. However, when sizing by weight, the minimum weight
must ensure all fruit, as appropriate, meet the minimum diameter sizes listed below.
A minimum size by diameter is required for all classes as follows:
Extra | Class I | Class II | |
Apples Large fruited varieties (6) Other varieties | 70 60 | 65 55 | 65 55 |
Pears Large fruited varieties (6) Other varieties | 60 55 | 55 50 | 55 45 |
Exceptionally, and for summer pears included in the appendix of this standard, no minimum size will be laid down for consignments dispatched between 10 June and 31 July (inclusive) of any year.
To ensure there is uniformity of size within a package, the difference in diameter between fruit in the same package shall be limited
to:
— 5 mm for extra Class fruit and for Class I and II fruit packed in rows and layers (7),
— 10 mm for Class I fruit packed in bulk in the package or in pre-packages (8).
There is no sizing uniformity limit for Class II fruit packed in bulk in the package or in pre-packages.
6 The non-exhaustive list of large fruited varieties is given in the appendix of this standard.
7 However, for apples of the varieties Bramley's Seedling (Bramley, Triomphe de Kiel) and Horneburger, the difference in diameter may amount to 10 mm.
8 However, for apples of the varieties Bramley's Seedling (Bramley, Triomphe de Kiel) and Horneburger, the difference in diameter may amount to 20 mm.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size shall be allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements of the class
indicated.
A. Quality tolerances
(i) ‘Extra’ Class
5% by number or weight of apples or pears not satisfying the requirements of the class, but meeting those of
Class I or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that class.
(ii) Class I
10 % cent by number or weight of apples or pears not satisfying the requirements of the class, but meeting those of Class II, or exceptionally,
coming within the tolerances of that class. However, pears without stalk are not included in this tolerance.
(iii) Class II
10 % by number or weight of apples or pears satisfying neither the requirements of the class nor the minimum requirements, with the
exception of produce affected by rotting or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.
Within this tolerance, a maximum of 2 % by number or weight of fruit is allowed which shows the following defects:
— serious attacks of cork (bitter pit) or water-core,
— slight damage or unhealed cracks,
— very slight traces of rot,
— presence of internal feeding pests and/or damage to the flesh caused by pests. B. Size tolerances
For all classes:
(a) for fruit which is subject to the rules of uniformity, 10 % by number or weight of fruit not corresponding to the size immediately
above or below that marked on the package, with, for fruit classified in the smallest grade allowed a maximum variation of 5 mm below
the minimum;
(b) for fruit which is not subject to the rules of uniformity, 10 % by number or weight of fruit below the minimum size laid down,
with a maximum variation of 5 mm below the minimum size.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION A. Uniformity
The contents of each package must be uniform and contain only apples or pears of the same origin, variety, quality and size (if sized)
and the same degree of ripeness.
In the case of the ‘Extra’ Class, uniformity also applies to colouring.
Uniformity of variety is not required for apples in small consumer packages of a net weight not exceeding 3 kg. If different varieties
of apples are sold in the same package, uniformity of origin is not required.
The visible part of the contents of the package must be representative of the entire contents. B. Packaging
The apples and pears must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials, particularly of paper or stamps bearing trade specifications is allowed provided the printing
or labelling has been done with non-toxic ink or glue.
Packages must be free of all foreign matter. C. Presentation
For ‘Extra’ Class fruit must be packed in layers.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars, in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked, and visible from
the outside:
A. Identification
Packer and/or dispatcher: Name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, in the case where a code mark is used,
the reference ‘packer and/or dispatcher (or equivalent abbreviations)’ has to be indicated in close connection with the code
mark.
B. Nature of produce
— ‘Apples’ or ‘Pears’, if the contents are not visible from the outside.
— Name of the variety or varieties where appropriate. C. Origin of produce
Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown, or national, regional or local place name. In the case, mentioned under the
third subparagraph of V(A), of apples of different varieties and different origins packed together in the same consumer package,
the country of origin of each of the varieties concerned shall be mentioned.
D. Commercial specifications
— Class.
— Size or, for fruit packed in layers, number of units.
If identification is by the size, this should be expressed:
(a) for produce subject to the uniformity rules, as minimum and maximum diameters;
(b) for produce not subject to the uniformity rules, the diameter of the smallest fruit in the package followed by ‘and over’
or ‘+’ or, where applicable, followed by the diameter of the largest fruit.
E. Official control mark (optional)
‘Extra’ class Class I Class II Tolerance for Class II
APPENDIX
1. COLOURING CRITERIA FOR APPLES
Apple varieties are classified in four groups according to colouring:
‘Extra’ class: at least three quarters of the surface of the fruit red coloured
Class I: at least half of the surface of the fruit red coloured
Class II: at least a quarter of the surface of the fruit red coloured.
‘Extra’ class: at least half of the surface of the fruit red coloured Class I: at least one third of the surface of the fruit red coloured Class II: at least one tenth of the surface of the fruit red coloured.
Group C — striped varieties, slightly coloured‘Extra’ class: at least one third of the surface of the fruit streaked with characteristic red colouring
Class I: at least one tenth of the surface of the fruit streaked with characteristic red colouring.
2. CRITERIA CONCERNING RUSSETING ON APPLES
Apple varieties are classified in two groups according to russeting:
For varieties other than those listed in Group R, russeting is allowed within the following limits:
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3. SIZING CRITERIA FOR APPLES AND PEARS
Apple and pear varieties are classified in three groups according to their size characteristics:
4. NON-EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF APPLE VARIETIES CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO THEIR COLOURING, RUSSETING AND SIZING CRITERIA
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PART 9
STANDARD FOR APRICOTSI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to apricots of varieties (cultivars) grown from Prunus armeniaca L. to be supplied fresh to the consumer, apricots for industrial processing being excluded.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of the standard is to define the quality requirements of apricots after preparation and packaging.
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, apricots must be:
- intact,
- sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
- clean, practically free of any visible foreign matter,
- practically free from pests,
- practically free from damage caused by pests,
- free of abnormal external moisture,
- free of any foreign smell and/or taste.
The apricots must have been carefully picked.
They must be sufficiently developed and display satisfactory ripeness.
The development and condition of the apricots must be such as to enable them:
- to withstand transport and handling, and
- to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination.
Apricots are classified in three classes defined below:
(i) "Extra" class
Apricots in this class must be of superior quality. In shape, development and colouring they must be characteristic
of the variety, allowing for the district in which the fruit is grown.
They must be free from defects with the exception of very slight superficial defects, provided these do not affect the general appearance
of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package.
(ii) Class I
Apricots in this class must be of good quality. They must be characteristic of the variety, allowing for the district in which the
fruit is grown. The flesh must be perfectly sound.
The following slight defects, however, may be allowed provided these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality,
the keeping quality and presentation in the package:
- a slight defect in shape or development,
- a slight defect in shape or development,
- a slight defect in colouring,
- slight rubbing,
- slight burning,
- slight skin defects with a limit of 1 cm in length for defects of elongated shape, and 0,5 cm2 of total surface area for other defects.
(iii) Class II
This class includes apricots which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes but satisfy the minimum requirements specified
above.
Skin defects may be allowed provided that the fruit retain their essential characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping quality
and presentation, subject to the following limits:
- 2 cm in length for defects of elongated shape,
- 1 cm2 of total surface area for all other defects.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
Size is determined by maximum diameter of the equatorial section. Sizing is compulsory for classes "Extra" and
I.
Class | Minimum diameter (mm) | Maximum permissible difference for fruit in the same package (mm) |
Extra | 35 | 5 |
I and II (sized) | 30 | 10 |
II (not sized) | 30 | - |
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size shall be allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements of the class
indicated.
(i) "Extra" Class
5 % by number or weight of apricots not satisfying the requirements of the class, but meeting those of Class I
or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that class.
(ii) Class I
10 % by number or weight of apricots not satisfying the requirements of the class, but meeting those of Class II
or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that class.
(iii) Class II
10 % by number of weight of apricots satisfying neither the requirements of the class nor the minimum requirements, with the exception of produce affected by rotting, marked bruising or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.
B. Size tolerancesFor all classes: 10 % by number or weight of apricots deviating from the minimum size or the size stated on the package, the deviation
not exceeding 3 mm above or below.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION
The contents of each package must be uniform and contain only apricots of the same origin, variety, quality, and size (if sized) and,
for "Extra" class, uniform in colour.
The visible part of the contents of the package must be representative of the entire contents.
The apricots must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials, particularly of paper or stamps bearing trade specifications is allowed provided the printing
or labelling has been done with non-toxic ink or glue.
Packages must be free of all foreign matter.
The apricots may be presented:
- in small packages,
- arranged in one or more layers separated from each other,
- in bulk in the package, except for the "Extra" class.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars, in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked, and visible from
the outside:
Packer and/or dispatcher: Name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, where a code (symbol) is used, the words "packer and/or dispatcher" (or an equivalent abbreviation) must appear close to this code (symbol).
B. Nature of produce- "Apricots", if the contents are not visible from the outside,
- Name of the variety for classes "Extra" and I.
- Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown, or national, regional or local place name.
D. Commercial specifications- Class,
- Size (if sized), expressed in minimum and maximum diameter.
PART 10
STANDARD FOR ASPARAGUSI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to shoots of the varieties (cultivars) grown from Asparagus officinalis L., to be supplied fresh to the consumer, asparagus for industrial processing being excluded.
Asparagus shoots are classified into four groups according to colour:
1. white asparagus;
2. violet asparagus, having tips of a colour between pink and violet or purple and a part of the shoot white;
3. violet/green asparagus, part of which is of violet and green colouring;
4. green asparagus having tips and most of the shoot green.
This standard does not apply to green and violet/green asparagus of less than 3 mm diameter and white and violet asparagus of less
than 8 mm diameter, packed in uniform bundles or unit packages.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of this standard is to define the quality requirements for asparagus after preparation and packaging.
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the shoots must be:
- intact,
- sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
- free from damage caused by unsuitable washing (the shoots may have been washed but not soaked),
- clean, practically free of any visible foreign matter,
- fresh in appearance and fresh-smelling,
- practically free from pests,
- practically free from damage caused by pests,
- practically unbruised,
- free of abnormal external moisture, i.e. adequately "dried" if they have been washed or cooled with cold water,
- free of any foreign smell and/or taste.
The cut at the base of the shoots must be as clean as possible.
In addition, shoots must be neither hollow, split, peeled nor broken. Small cracks which have appeared after harvesting are, however,
allowed, so long as they do not exceed the limits laid down in IV A. "Quality tolerances".
The condition of the asparagus must be such as to enable them:
- to withstand transport and handling, and
- to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination.
Asparagus is graded into three classes defined below:
(i) "Extra" class
Shoots in this class must be of superior quality, very well formed and practically straight. Having regard to the normal characteristics
of the group to which they belong, their tips must be very compact.
Only a few very slight traces of rust on the shoot, removable by normal peeling by the consumer, are allowed. For the "white"
asparagus group, the tips and shoots must be white; only a faint pink tint is allowed on the shoots.
Green asparagus must be totally green.
No traces of woodiness are allowed for the shoots in this class.
The cut at the base of the shoots must be as square as possible. However, to improve presentation when the asparagus is packed in
bundles, those on the outside may be slightly bevelled, so long as the bevelling does not exceed 1 cm.
(ii) Class I
Shoots in this class must be of good quality and well formed. They may be slightly curved. Having regard to the normal characteristics
of the group to which they belong, their tips must be compact.
Slight traces of rust removable by normal peeling by the consumer are allowed.
For the "white" asparagus group, a faint pink tint may appear on the tips and the shoots. Green asparagus must at least
be green for 80 % of the length.
In the "white" asparagus group, no woody shoots are allowed. For the other groups, a trace of woodiness on the lower part
is permissible, provided this woodiness disappears by normal peeling by the consumer.
The cut at the base of the shoots must be as square as possible.
(iii) Class II
This class includes shoots which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes but satisfy the minimum requirements specified
above.
Compared with class I, shoots may be less well formed, more curved and having regard to the normal characteristics
of the group to which they belong, their tips may be slightly open.
Traces of rust, removable by normal peeling by the consumer are allowed. The tips of "white" asparagus may have a coloration
including a green tint. The tips of "violet" asparagus may have a slight green tint.
Green asparagus must at least be green for 60 % of the length. Shoots may be slightly woody.
The cut at the base of the shoots may be slightly oblique. III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
Size is determined by the length and diameter of the shoot.
The length of the shoots must be:
- above 17 cm for long asparagus,
- 12 to 17 cm for short asparagus,
- above 12 cm for class II asparagus arranged, but not bundled in the packages,
- under 12 cm for asparagus tips.
The maximum length allowed for white and violet asparagus is 22 cm, and for green and violet/green asparagus
27 cm.
The maximum difference in length of shoots packed in firmly bound bundles must not exceed 5 cm.
The diameter of shoots shall be measured at the mid-point of their length. The minimum diameter and sizing shall be:
White and violet asparagus
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Violet/green and green asparagus
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IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
The following tolerances in respect of quality and size are allowed for produce not satisfying the requirements of the class indicated
in each package.
(i) "Extra" class
5 % by number or weight of shoots not satisfying the requirements for the class, but conforming to those of class I, or exceptionally, coming within the tolerances for that class, or having slight unscarred cracks appearing after harvesting.
(ii) Class I
10 % by number or weight of shoots not satisfying the requirements for the class, but conforming to those of class II, or exceptionally, coming within the tolerances for that class, or having slight unscarred cracks appearing after harvesting.
(iii) Class II
10 % by number or weight of shoots satisfying neither the requirements for the class, nor the minimum requirements, but excluding
shoots affected by rotting, or any other deterioration rendering them unfit for consumption. In addition to the above 10 %, an additional
tolerance of 10 % by number or weight can be allowed for hollow shoots or shoots showing very slight cracks due to washing.
In no case can there be more than 15 % hollow shoots in each package or bundle.
For all classes: 10 % by number or weight of shoots not corresponding to the size indicated and deviating from the specified limits
of length with a maximum deviation of 1 cm in length and 2 mm in diameter.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION
The contents of each package, each unit package or each bundle in the same package should be uniform, and comprise only asparagus
of the same origin, quality, colour group and size (where sizing is compulsory). Nevertheless, with respect to colour, shoots of
a different colour group may be allowed within the following limits:
- white asparagus: 10 % by number of weight of violet asparagus in class "Extra" and "I" and 15 % in class II,
- violet, green and violet/green asparagus: 10 % by number or weight of another colour group.
In the case of class II, a mixture of white and violet asparagus is allowed provided it is appropriately marked. The visible part
of the contents of each package, unit package or bundle must be representative of the entire contents.
The asparagus may be presented in the following ways:
(i) in bundles firmly bound
Shoots on the outside of each bundle must correspond in appearance and diameter with the average of the whole bundle.
In "Extra" Class, asparagus shoots packed in bundles must be of the same length.
Bundles must be arranged evenly in the package; each bundle may be protected by paper. In any one package, bundles must be of the
same weight and length;
(ii) in unit packages, or arranged but not bundled in the package
C. PackagingThe asparagus must be packed in such a way as to ensure adequate protection for the produce.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials and particularly of paper or stamps bearing trade specifications is allowed provided that the
printing or labelling has been done with a non-toxic ink or glue.
The package must be free from any foreign matter.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked and visible from
the outside.
Packer and/or dispatcher: Name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, in the case where a code mark is used, the reference "packer and/or dispatcher (or equivalent abbreviations)" has to be indicated in close connection with the code mark.
B. Nature of produce"Asparagus" followed by the indication "white", "green", "violet", or "violet/green" if the contents of the package are not visible from the outside and, where appropriate, the indication "short", "tips" or "mixture white and violet".
C. Origin of produceCountry of origin and, optionally, district where grown, or national, regional or local place name.
D. Commercial specifications- Class,
- Size expressed:
(a) for asparagus subject to the uniformity rules, as minimum and maximum diameters;
(b) for asparagus not subject to the uniformity rules, as minimum diameter followed by maximum diameter or the words "and over",
- For asparagus packed in bundles or unit packages, the number of bundles or the number of unit packages.
PART 11
STANDARDS FOR AVOCADOSI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to avocados of varieties (cultivars) grown from Persea americana Mill. to be supplied fresh to the consumer, parthenocarpic fruit and avocados for industrial processing being excluded.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of the standard is to define the quality requirements of avocados after preparation and packaging. A. Minimum requirements
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the avocados must be:
— intact,
— sound, produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
— clean, practically free of any visible foreign matter,
— practically free from damage caused by pests,
— free of damage caused by low temperature,
— having a stalk not more than 10 mm in length which must be cut off cleanly. However, its absence is not considered a defect on
condition that the place of the stalk attachment is dry and intact,
— free of abnormal external moisture,
— free of any foreign smell and/or taste.
Avocados must be firm at the point of dispatch, and carefully picked. Their development should have reached a physiological stage
which will ensure a continuation of the ripening process to completion. The ripe fruit should be free from bitterness.
The development and condition of the avocados must be such as to enable them:
— to withstand transport and handling, and
— to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination. B. Classification
Avocados are classified in three classes defined below:
(i) ‘Extra' Class
Avocados in this class must be of superior quality. In shape and colouring they must be characteristic of the variety.
They must be free from defects, with the exception of very slight superficial defects of the skin provided these do not affect the
general appearance of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package. If present, the stalk must be
intact.
(ii) Class I
Avocados in this class must be of good quality and show the typical colour and shape of the variety.
The following slight defects, however, may be allowed provided these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality,
the keeping quality and presentation in the package:
— slight defects of shape and colour,
— slight skin defects (corkiness, healed lenticels) and sunburn; the maximum total area should not exceed 4 cm2.
In no case may the defects affect the fruit flesh. The stalk, if present, may be slightly damaged.
(iii) Class II
This class includes avocados which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes but satisfy the minimum requirements specified
above.
The following defects may be allowed provided the avocados retain their essential characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping
quality and presentation:
— defects in shape and colouring,
— skin defects (corkiness, healed lenticels) and sunburn: the maximum total area should not exceed 6 cm2. In no case may the defects affect the fruit flesh.
The stalk, if present, may be damaged.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
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IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size shall be allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements for the class
indicated.
A. Quality tolerances
(i) ‘Extra' Class
5 per cent by number or weight of avocados not satisfying the requirements of avocados but meeting those of class I or, exceptionally,
coming within the tolerances of that class.
(ii) Class I
10 per cent by number or weight of avocados not satisfying the requirements of the class but meeting those of
Class II or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerance of that class.
(iii) Class II
10 per cent by number or weight of avocados satisfying neither the requirements of the class nor the minimum requirements, with
the exception of fruit affected by rotting, marked bruising or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.
B. Size tolerances
For all classes: 10 % by number or weight of avocados conforming to the size range immediately below and/or above that mentioned in
the marking.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION A. Uniformity
The contents of each package must be uniform and contain only avocados of the same origin, variety, quality, coloration (9) and size.
The visible part of the contents of the package must be representative of the entire contents. B. Packaging
The avocados must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the fruit. The use of materials, particularly of paper or stamps bearing trade specifications is allowed provided the printing
or labelling has been done with non-toxic ink or glue.
Packages must be free of all foreign matter.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars, in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked, and visible from
the outside:
A. Identification
Packer and/or dispatcher: name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, in the case where a code mark is used,
the reference ‘packer and/or dispatcher' (or equivalent abbreviations) has to be indicated in close connection with the code
mark.
B. Nature of produce
— ‘Avocados', if the contents are not visible from the outside,
— name of the variety. C. Origin of produce
— Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown, or national, regional or local place name. D. Commercial specifications
— Class,
— size expressed in minimum and maximum weight,
— code number of the size scale and number of fruits when it is different from code number or, optionally, code number of the size
scale and the net weight of the package.
E. Official control mark (optional)
9 A change in the colour of the dark-skinned varieties is not considered as a defect, but the colouring of the fruit in each package must be uniform at the point of dispatch.
PART 12
QUALITY STANDARDS FOR BANANASI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to bananas of the varieties (cultivars) of Musa (AAA) spp., Cavendish and Gros Michel subgroups, referred to
in Annex I, for supply fresh to the consumer after preparation and packaging. Plantains, bananas intended for industrial processing
and fig bananas are not covered.
II. QUALITY
This standard defines the quality requirements to be met by unripened green bananas after preparation and packaging.
A. Minimum requirements
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the bananas must be:
— green and unripened,
— intact,
— firm,
— sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
— clean, practically free from visible foreign matter,
— practically free from pests,
— practically free from damage caused by pests,
— with the stalk intact, without bending, fungal damage or desiccation,
— with pistils removed,
— free from malformation or abnormal curvature of the fingers,
— practically free from bruises,
— practically free from damage due to low temperatures,
— free from abnormal external moisture,
— free from any foreign smell and/or taste.
In addition, hands and clusters (parts of hands) must include:
— a sufficient portion of crown of normal colouring, sound and free from fungal contamination,
— a cleanly cut crown, not bevelled or torn, with no stalk fragments.
The physical development and ripeness of the bananas must be such as to enable them to:
— withstand transport and handling, and
— arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination in order to attain an appropriate degree of maturity after ripening.
B. Classification
Bananas are classified into the three classes defined below: (i) ‘Extra' class
Bananas in this class must be of superior quality. They must have the characteristics typical of the variety and/or commercial type.
The fingers must be free from defects, apart from slight superficial blemishes not covering a total of more than
1 cm2 of the surface of the finger, which must not impair the general appearance of the hand or cluster, its quality, its keeping quality
or the presentation of the package.
(ii) Class I
Bananas in this class must be of good quality. They must display the characteristics typical of the variety and/or commercial type.
However, the following slight defects of the fingers are allowed, provided they do not impair the general appearance of each hand
or cluster, its quality, its keeping quality or the presentation of the package:
— slight defects in shape,
— slight skin defects due to rubbing and other slight superficial blemishes not covering a total of more than 2 cm2 of the surface of the finger.
Under no circumstances may such slight defects affect the flesh of the fruit.
(iii) Class II
This class covers bananas which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes but satisfy the minimum requirements specified
above.
The following defects of the fingers are allowed, provided the bananas retain their essential characteristics as regards quality,
keeping quality and presentation:
— defects of shape,
— skin defects due to scraping, rubbing or other causes, provided
that the total area affected does not cover more than 4 cm2 of the surface of the finger. Under no circumstances may the defects affect the flesh of the fruit.
III. SIZING
Sizing is determined by:
— the length of the fruit expressed in centimetres and measured along the convex face, from the blossom end to the point where the
peduncle joins the crown,
— the grade, i.e. the measurement, in millimetres, of the thickness of a transverse section of the fruit between the lateral faces
and the middle, perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis.
The reference fruit for measurement of the length and grade is:
— the median finger on the outer row of the hand,
— the finger next to the cut sectioning the hand, on the outer row of the cluster.
The minimum length permitted is 14 cm and the minimum grade permitted is 27 mm.
As an exception to the last paragraph, bananas produced in Madeira, the Azores, the Algarve, Crete and
Lakonia which are less than 14 cm in length may be marketed but must be classified in Class II.
IV. TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size shall be allowed within each package in respect of produce not satisfying the requirements
of the class indicated.
A. Quality tolerances
(i) ‘Extra' class
5 % by number or weight of bananas not satisfying the requirements for the ‘extra' class but meeting those for
Class I, or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances for that class.
(ii) Class I
10 % by number or weight of bananas not satisfying the requirements of Class I but meeting those for Class II, or, exceptionally,
coming within the tolerances for that class.
(iii) Class II
10 % by number or weight of bananas satisfying neither the requirements for Class II nor the minimum requirements, with the exception
of produce affected by rotting or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.
B. Size tolerances
For all classes, 10 % by number of bananas not satisfying the sizing characteristics, up to a limit of 1 cm for the minimum length
of 14 cm.
V. PRESENTATION A. Uniformity
The contents of each package must be uniform and consist exclusively of bananas of the same origin, variety and/or commercial type,
and quality.
The visible part of the contents of each package must be representative of the entire contents.
B. Packaging
The bananas must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a nature such as to avoid causing any external or internal deterioration
of the produce. The use of materials such as, in particular, wrapping papers or adhesive labels bearing commercial indications is
allowed provided that the printing and labelling is done with a non- toxic ink or glue.
Packages must be free from any foreign matter.
C. Presentation
The bananas must be presented in hands or clusters (parts of hands) of at least four fingers.
Clusters with not more than two missing fingers are allowed, provided that the stalk is not torn but cleanly cut, without damage to
the neighbouring fingers.
Not more than one cluster of three fingers with the same characteristics as the other fruit in the package may be present per row.
VI. MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars in writing, all on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked and visible from the
outside:
A. Identification
Packer and/or dispatcher {Name and address or officially issued or recognized conventional mark}. B. Nature of produce
— the word ‘Bananas' where the contents are not visible from the outside,
— the name of the variety or commercial type. C. Origin of the product
Country of origin and, in the case of Community produce:
— production area, and
— (optionally) national, regional or local name. D. Commercial specifications
— Class,
— net weight,
— size, expressed as minimum length and, optionally, as maximum length. E. Official control mark (optional).
ANNEX I
List of the main groups, sub-groups and cultivars of dessert bananas
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PART 13
STANDARD FOR BEANSI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to beans of varieties (cultivars) grown from Phaseolus vulgaris L. and Phaseolus coccineus L. to be supplied fresh to the consumer, beans for shelling or industrial processing being excluded.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of the standard is to define the quality requirements for beans after preparation and packaging.
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the beans must be:
- intact (10),
- sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
- clean, practically free of any visible foreign matter,
- fresh in appearance,
- free from parchment (hard endoderm),
- practically free from pests,
- practically free from damage caused by pests,
- free of abnormal external moisture,
- free of any foreign smell and/or taste.
The development and condition of beans must be such as to enable them:
- to withstand transport and handling, and
- to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination.
Beans are classified in three classes defined below.
(i) "Extra" class
Beans in this class must be of superior quality. In shape, development and colouring, they must be characteristic of the variety and/or
commercial type.
They must be:
- turgid, easily snapped,
- very tender,
- practically straight,
- stringless.
Seeds, if present must be small and soft. However, needle beans must be seedless.
They must be free from defects with the exception of very slight superficial defects provided these do not affect the general appearance
of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package.
(ii) Class I
Beans in this class must be of good quality. In shape, development and colouring, they must be characteristic of the variety and/or
commercial type.
They must be:
- turgid,
- young and tender,
- practically stringless except in the case of beans for slicing. Seeds, if present, must be small and soft.
10 Due to harvesting of beans (excluding needle beans) a degree of damage is permitted at the stalk end only according to the tolerances laid down.
The following slight defects, however, may be allowed provided these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality,
the keeping quality and presentation in the package:
- slight defect in shape,
- slight defect in colouring,
- slight skin defect.
(iii) Class II
This class includes beans which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes but satisfy the minimum requirements specified
above.
They must be:
- reasonable tender,
- free from rust spots in the case of needle beans.
Seeds, if present, should not be too large and must be reasonably soft.
The following defects may be allowed provided the beans retain their essential characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping
quality and presentation:
- defects in shape,
- defects in colouring,
- skin defects,
- strings,
- slight rust spots except in the case of needle beans.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
Size is determined by the maximum width of the pod measured at right angles to the seam. Sizing is compulsory for needle beans only,
in accordance with the following classification:
— very fine: width of the pod not exceeding 6 mm,
— fine: width of the pod not exceeding 9 mm,
— medium: width of the pod not exceeding 12 mm.
Medium needle beans may not be placed in the "Extra" class.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size (if sized) shall be allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements
of the class indicated.
(i) Extra class
5 % by number or weight of beans not satisfying the requirements of the class, but meeting those of Class I or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that class.
(ii) Class I
10 % by number or weight of beans not satisfying the requirements of the class, but meeting those of Class II or, exceptionally, coming
within the tolerances of that class. Within this tolerance, a maximum of 5 % by number or weight may have strings in the case of
a variety and/or commercial type which should be stringless.
In addition not more than a maximum of 15 % by number or weight of beans (excluding needle beans) may have the stalk and a small section
of the narrow part of the neck missing, provided these pods remain closed, dry and not discoloured.
(iii) Class II
10 % by number or weight of beans satisfying neither the requirements of the class nor the minimum requirements, with the exception
of produce affected by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (bean spot disease), rotting or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.
In addition not more than a maximum of 30 % by number or weight of beans (excluding needle beans) may have the stalk and a small section
of the narrow part of the neck missing, provided these pods remain closed, dry and not discoloured.
For all classes (if sized): 10 % by number or weight of beans not satisfying the requirements as regards sizing.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION
The contents of each package must be uniform and contain only beans of the same origin, variety or commercial type, quality and size
(if sized).
The visible part of the contents of the package must be representative of the entire contents.
Beans must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials, particularly of paper or stamps bearing trade specifications is allowed provided the printing
or labelling has been done with non-toxic ink or glue.
Packages must be free of all foreign matter.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars, in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked, and visible from
the outside:
Packer and/or dispatcher: name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, where a code mark is used, the reference "packer and/or dispatcher" (or equivalent abbreviations) has to be indicated in close proximity to the code mark.
B. Nature of produce- "Beans" and/or commercial type if the contents are not visible from the outside.
- Name of the variety (optional).
- Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown, or national, regional or local place name.
D. Commercial specifications- Class.
- Size:
- for needle beans indicated by the words "very fine", "fine" or "medium";
- for other beans (if sized) indicated by the minimum and maximum width of the pod.
PART 14
STANDARD FOR CAULIFLOWERSI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to cauliflowers of varieties (cultivars) grown from Brassica oleracea L. convar. botrytis (L.) Alef. var. botrytis to be supplied fresh to the consumer, cauliflowers for industrial processing being excluded.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of the standard is to define the quality requirements of cauliflowers after preparation and packaging.
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the heads must be:
- intact,
- sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
- clean, practically free from any visible foreign matter,
- fresh in appearance,
- practically free from pests,
- practically free from damage caused by pests,
- free from abnormal external moisture,
- free from any foreign smell and/or taste.
The development and condition of the cauliflowers must be such as to enable them:
- to withstand transport and handling, and
- to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination.
The cauliflowers are classified in three classes defined below:
(i) 'Extra` Class
Cauliflowers in this class must be of superior quality. They must be characteristic of the shape, development and colouring of the
variety.
The heads must be:
- well formed, firm, compact,
- of very close texture,
- uniformly white or slightly creamy in colour. (11) However, the marketing of cauliflower of another colour is allowed provided they are characteristic of the chosen class and their
colour is characteristic of the variety.
- free from defects with the exception of very slight superficial defects, provided these do not affect the general appearance of
the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package.
In addition, if the cauliflowers are put on sale 'with leaves or 'trimmed` the leaves must have a fresh appearance.
(ii) Class I
Cauliflowers in this class must be of good quality. They must be characteristic of the variety. The heads must be:
- firm,
- of close texture,
- white or ivory or creamy in colour (12),
11 However, the marketing of cauliflower of another colour is allowed provided they are characteristic of the chosen class and their colour is characteristic of the variety.
- free from defects, such as blemishes, protruding leaves in the head, traces of frost, bruising.
Heads may have the following slight defects, provided that these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality,
the keeping quality and presentation in the package:
- a slight defect in shape or development,
- a slight defect in colouring,
- and a very slight woolliness.
In addition, if the cauliflowers are put on sale 'with leaves` or 'trimmed`, the leaves must have a fresh
appearance.
(iii) Class II
This class includes cauliflowers which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes, but satisfy the minimum requirements
specified above.
The heads may be:
- slightly deformed,
- slightly loose in texture,
- yellowish in colour. They may have:
- slight traces of sun scorching,
- not more than five pale green leaves,
- a slight woolliness (but not wet or greasy to the touch).
They may also have two for the following defects provided the heads retain their essential characteristics as regards the quality,
the keeping quality and presentation:
- slight traces of damage by pests or disease,
- slight superficial damage due to frost,
- slight bruising.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
Size is determined by the maximum diameter of the equatorial section. The minimum diameter is fixed at 11 cm; the difference in size
between the smallest and the largest head in each package may not exceed 4 cm.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size shall be allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements of the class
indicated.
(i) 'Extra` class
Five per cent by number of cauliflowers not satisfying the requirements of the class but meeting those of Class I
or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that class.
(ii) Class I
Ten per cent by number of cauliflowers not satisfying the requirements of the class but meeting those of Class II
or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that class.
(iii) Class II
Ten per cent by number of cauliflowers satisfying neither the requirements of the class nor the minimum requirements, with the exception of produce affected by rotting or any other deterioration rending it unfit for consumption.
B. Size tolerances12 However, the marketing of cauliflowers with a definite violet/purple or green colour is allowed provided they are characteristic of the chosen class.
For all classes: 10 % by number of cauliflowers not satisfying the requirements as regards sizing and the size indicated but conforming
to the size immediately below and/or that stated on the package, the minimum diameter for heads in the smallest size grade being
10 cm.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION
The contents of each package must be uniform and contain only cauliflowers of the same origin, commercial type, quality and size.
In addition, each package of 'Extra` Class cauliflowers must also be uniformly made up as to colour.
The visible part of the contents of the package must be representative of the entire contents.
Cauliflowers must be packed in such a way so as to protect the produce properly.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials, particularly of paper or stamps, bearing trade specifications is allowed provided the printing
or labelling has been done with non-toxic ink or glue.
Packages must be free of all foreign matter.
Cauliflowers may be presented:
(i) with leaves: cauliflowers covered with healthy green leaves, sufficient in number and long enough to cover and protect the head
entirely. The stalk must be cut off slightly below the protecting leaves;
(ii) without leaves: cauliflowers with all the leaves and the non-edible portion of the stalk removed. At most, there may be five
small and tender pale green leaves, untrimmed, close to the head;
(iii) trimmed: cauliflowers with a sufficient number of leaves left on to protect the head. These leaves must be healthy and green
and trimmed to not more than 3 cm from the top of the head. The stem must be cut off slightly below the protecting leaves.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars, in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked, and visible from
the outside:
Packer and/or Dispatcher: Name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, in the case where a code mark is used, the reference 'packer and/or dispatcher (or equivalent abbreviations)` has to be indicated in close connection with the code mark.
B. Nature of produce- 'Cauliflowers`, if the contents are not visible from the outside
-- Name of the commercial type or variety for cauliflower of another colour mentioned by footnote (11) in title
II, part B
- Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown, or national, regional or local place name.
D. Commercial specifications- Class
- Size expressed in minimum and maximum diameters or number of units
PART 15
STANDARD FOR CITRUS FRUITI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to the following fruit, classified as ‘citrus fruit’, to be supplied fresh to the consumer, citrus fruit
for industrial processing being excluded:
— lemons of varieties (cultivars) grown from the species Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f.,
— mandarins of varieties (cultivars) grown from the species Citrus reticulata Blanco, including satsumas (Citrus unshiu Marcow.), clementines (Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tan.), common mandarins (Citrus deliciosa Ten.) and tangerines (Citrus tangerina Hort. ex Tan.) grown from these species and its hybrids, hereinafter called ‘mandarins’,
— oranges of varieties (cultivars) grown from the species Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of the standard is to define the quality requirements of the citrus fruit after preparation and packaging.
A. Minimum requirements
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the citrus fruit must be:
— intact,
— free of bruising and/or extensive healed over cuts,
— sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
— clean practically free of any visible foreign matter,
— practically free from pests,
— practically free from damage caused by pests,
— free of signs of internal shrivelling,
— free of damage caused by low temperature or frost,
— free of all abnormal external moisture,
— free of any foreign smell and/or taste.
The citrus fruit must have been carefully picked and have reached an appropriate degree of development and ripeness account being
taken of criteria proper to the variety, the time of picking and the growing area.
The development and state of ripeness of the citrus fruit must be such as to enable them:
— to withstand transport and handling, and
— to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination.
Citrus fruit meeting this ripeness requirement may be ‘degreened’. This treatment is permitted only if the other natural organoleptic
characteristics are not modified. It shall be carried out in the manner prescribed by the administrative authorities in each Member
State and under their supervision.
B. Maturity requirements
Maturity of citrus fruit is defined by the following parameters specified for each species below:
1. Minimum juice content
2. Colouring
The degree of colouring shall be such that, following normal development the citrus fruit reach the colour typical of the variety
at their destination point.
(i) Lemons
— Minimum juice content:
— Verdelli and Primofiore lemons: 20 %
— Other lemons: 25 %
— Colouring: must be typical of the variety. However fruits with a green (but not dark green) colour are allowed provided they satisfy
the minimum requirements as to juice content.
(ii) Mandarins
— Minimum juice content:
— Mandarins, excluding Clementines: 33 %
— Clementines: 40 %
— Colouring: must be typical of the variety on at least one third of the surface of the fruit.
(iii) Oranges
— Minimum juice content:
— Thomson Navel and Tarocco: 30 %
— Washington Navel: 33 %
— Other varieties: 35 %
— Colouring: must be typical of the variety. However, fruits with light green colour are allowed, provided it does not exceed one
fifth of the total surface of the fruit.
C. Classification
Citrus fruit are classified in three classes defined below: (i) ‘Extra’ Class
Citrus fruit in this class must be of superior quality. In shape, external appearance, development and colouring they must be characteristic
of the variety and/or commercial type.
They must be free from defects with the exception of very slight superficial defects, provided these do not affect the general appearance
of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package.
(ii) Class I
Citrus fruit in this class must be of good quality. They must be characteristic of the variety and/or commercial type.
The following slight defects, however, may be allowed provided these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality,
the keeping quality and presentation in the package:
— slight defect in shape,
— slight defect in colouring,
— slight skin defects occurring during the formation of the fruit, such as silver scurfs, russets, etc.,
— slight healed defects due to a mechanical cause such as hail damage, rubbing, damage from handling, etc.
(iii) Class II
This class includes citrus fruit which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes but satisfy the minimum requirements specified
above.
The following defects may be allowed, provided the citrus fruit retain their essential characteristics as regards the quality, the
keeping quality and presentation:
— defect in shape,
— defect in colouring,
— rough skin,
— skin defects occurring during the formation of the fruit, such as silver scurfs, russets, etc.,
— healed defects due to a mechanical cause such as hail damage, rubbing, damage from handling, etc.,
— superficial healed skin alterations,
— slight and partial detachment of the pericarp for oranges (which is allowed for mandarins).
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
Size is determined by the maximum diameter of the equatorial section of the fruit. A. Minimum size
Fruits of less than the following minimum sizes are excluded: Lemons: 45 mm
Mandarins, excluding clementines: 45 mm
Clementines: 35 mm
Oranges: 53 mm
B. Size scales
<.. image removed ..>
C. Uniformity
Uniformity in size is achieved by the abovementioned size scales, unless otherwise stated as follows:
(i) For fruit arranged in regular layers in the package the maximum difference between the smallest and the largest fruit must not
exceed the following maxima:
<.. image removed ..>
(ii) For fruit not arranged in regular layers in packages and fruit in individual packages for direct sale to the consumer made up
by number of fruit, the difference between the smallest and the largest fruit in the same package must not exceed the range of the
appropriate size grade in the size scale.
(iii) For fruit in bulk bins and fruit in individual packages for direct sale to the consumer made up by weight, the maximum size
difference between the smallest and the largest fruit in the same lot or package must not exceed the range obtained by grouping three
consecutive sizes in the size scale.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size shall be allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements of the class
indicated.
A. Quality tolerances
(i) ‘Extra’ Class
5 % by number or weight of citrus fruit not satisfying the requirements of the class, but meeting those of Class I
or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that class.
(ii) Class I
10 % by number or weight of citrus fruit not satisfying the requirements of the class, but meeting those of Class
II, or exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that class.
(iii) Class II
10 % by number or weight of citrus fruit satisfying neither the requirements of the class, nor the minimum requirements, with the
exception of produce affected by rotting or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption. Within this tolerance, a
maximum of 5 % is allowed of fruit showing slight superficial unhealed damage, dry cuts or soft and shrivelled fruit.
B. Size tolerances
For all classes and types of presentation: 10 % by number or weight of citrus fruit corresponding to the size immediately below and/or
above that (or those, in the case of the combination of three sizes) mentioned on the packages is allowed.
In any case, the tolerance of 10 % applies only to fruit not smaller than the following minima: Lemons: 43 mm
Mandarins, excluding clementines: 43 mm
Clementines: 34 mm
Oranges: 50 mm
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION A. Uniformity
The contents of each package must be uniform and contain only citrus fruit of the same origin, variety or commercial type, quality,
and size, and appreciably of the same degree of ripeness and development.
In addition, for the ‘Extra’ Class, uniformity in colouring is required.
The visible part of the contents of the package must be representative of the entire contents. B. Packaging
The citrus fruit must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials, particularly of paper or stamps bearing trade specifications is allowed provided the printing
or labelling has been done with non-toxic ink or glue.
If the fruit are wrapped, thin, dry, new and odourless (13) paper must be used.
The use of any substance tending to modify the natural characteristics of the citrus fruit, especially its taste or smell (13), is prohibited.
Packages must be free of all foreign matter. However, a presentation where a short (not wooden) twig with some green leaves adheres
to the fruit is allowed.
C. Presentation
The citrus fruit may be presented:
(a) arranged in regular layers in packages;
(b) not arranged in regular layers in packages or in bulk bins. This presentation is only allowed for Classes I and
II;
(c) in individual packages for direct sale to the consumer of a weight less than 5 kg either
— made up by number of fruit, or
— made up by net weight of the package.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars, in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked, and visible from
the outside.
A. Identification
Packer and/or dispatcher: name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, in the case where a code mark is used,
the reference ‘Packer and/or dispatcher (or equivalent abbreviations)’ has to be indicated in close connection with the code
mark.
B. Nature of produce
13 The use of preserving agents or any other chemical substance liable to leave a foreign smell on the skin of the fruit is permitted where it is compatible with the regulations of the importing country.
— Name of the species if the produce is not visible from the outside, except for mandarins for which the name of the specie or variety
(where applicable) is compulsory,
— Name of the variety, for oranges,
— Name of the type:
— for lemons: the indication ‘Verdelli’ and ‘Primofiore’ where appropriate,
— for clementines: the indication ‘Clementines, pipless’, ‘Clementines’ (1 to 10 pips), ‘Clementines with pips’ (more
than 10 pips) where appropriate.
C. Origin of produce
— Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown, or national, regional or local place name. D. Commercial specifications
— Class.
— Size code for fruit presented in accordance with the size scale or the upper and the lower limiting size code in the case of three
consecutive sizes of the size scale.
— Size code and number of fruit, in the case of fruit arranged in layers in the package.
— Where appropriate, mention of the preserving agents or other chemical substance used. E. Official control mark (optional)
PART 16
QUALITY STANDARDS FOR CUCUMBERSI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to cucumbers grown from varieties (cultivars) of Cucumis sativus L. to be supplied fresh to the consumer, cucumbers for processing and gherkins being excluded.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of the standard is to define the quality requirements for cucumbers after preparation and packaging.
A. Minimum requirements
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, cucumbers must be:
— intact,
— sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
— fresh in appearance,
— firm,
— clean, practically free of any visible foreign matter,
— practically free from pests,
— practically free from damage caused by pests,
— free of bitter taste (subject to the special provisions for class II under the heading ‘Tolerances'),
— free of abnormal external moisture,
— free of foreign smell and/or taste.
Cucumbers must be sufficiently developed but their seeds must be soft. The condition of the produce must be such as to enable it:
— to withstand transport and handling, and
— to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination. B. Classification
Cucumbers are classed into the three classes defined below:
(i) ‘Extra' class
Cucumbers in this class must be of superior quality. They must have all the characteristics of the variety. They must:
— be well developed
— be well shaped and practically straight (maximum height of the arc: 10 mm per 10 cm of length of the cucumber)
— have a typical colouring for the variety
— be free of defects, including all deformations and particularly those caused by seed formation.
(ii) Class I
Cucumbers in this class must be of good quality. They must:
— be reasonably developed
— be reasonably well shaped and practically straight (maximum height of the arc: 10 mm per 10 cm of the length of cucumber).
The following defects are allowed:
— a slight deformation, but excluding that caused by seed formation
— a slight defect in colouring, especially the light coloured part of the cucumber where it touched the ground during growth
— slight skin blemishes due to rubbing and handling or low temperatures, provided that such blemishes have healed and do not affect
the keeping quality.
(iii) Class II:
This class includes cucumbers which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes but satisfy the minimum requirements specified
above. However, they may have the following defects:
— deformations other than serious seed development,
— defects in colouring up to one-third of the surface; in the case of cucumbers grown under protection, considerable defects in
colouring in the affected part are not allowed,
— healed cracks,
— slight damage caused by rubbing and handling which does not seriously affect the keeping quality and appearance.
All the defects listed above are allowed for straight and slightly crooked cucumbers.
On the other hand, crooked cucumbers are allowed only if they have no more than slight defects in colouring and have no defects or
deformation other than crookedness.
Slightly crooked cucumbers may have a maximum height of the arc of 20 mm per 10 cm of length of the cucumber.
Crooked cucumbers may have a greater arc and must be packed separately.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
Sizing is determined by the weight of the cucumber.
(i) Cucumbers grown in the open must weigh 180 g or more. Cucumbers grown under protection must weigh
250 g or more.
(ii) Moreover, ‘Extra' Class and Class I cucumbers grown under protection weighing:
— 500 g or more must be not less than 30 cm long,
— between 250 and 500 g must be not less than 25 cm long.
(iii) Sizing is compulsory for classes ‘Extra' and I.
The difference in weight between the heaviest and lightest cucumbers in the same package must not exceed:
— 100 grams where the lightest piece weighs between 180 and 400 grams,
— 150 grams where the lightest piece weighs 400 grams or more.
(iv) The provisions concerning sizing are not applicable to ‘short cucumbers'.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size are allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements
for the class indicated.
A. Quality tolerances:
(i) ‘Extra' Class:
5 % by number of cucumbers not satisfying the requirements for the class but meeting the requirements for
Class I, or exceptionally coming within the tolerances for that class.
(ii) Class I:
10 % by number of cucumbers not satisfying the requirements for the class but meeting the requirements for
Class II, or exceptionally coming within the tolerances for that class.
(iii) Class II:
10 % by number of cucumbers satisfying neither the requirements for the class nor the minimum requirements, to the exclusion of produce
affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption. Within this tolerance a maximum of 2 % by number of
cucumbers may have tips with a bitter taste.
B. Size tolerances:
For all classes: 10 % by number of cucumbers not satisfying the size requirements. However, this tolerance is applicable to produce
which differs by not more than 10 % from the size and weight limits specified.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION A. Uniformity:
The contents of each package must be uniform and contain only cucumbers of the same origin, variety or type, quality and size (where
required).
The visible part of each package must be representative of the entire contents. B. Packaging:
The cucumbers must be packed in such a way as to protect them properly.
The cucumbers must be packed sufficiently tightly as to avoid damage during transport.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce.
The use of materials and particularly of paper or stamps bearing trade specifications is allowed provided that the printing or labelling
has been done with a non-toxic ink or glue.
The packages must be free of any foreign matter.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked and visible from
the outside:
A. Identification:
Packer and/or Dispatcher: Name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, in the case where a code mark is used,
the reference ‘packer and/or dispatcher (or equivalent abbreviations)' has to
be indicated in close connection with the code mark.
B. Nature of produce:
— ‘Cucumbers' if the contents are not visible from the outside,
— ‘under protection', where appropriate, or an equivalent expression,
— ‘short cucumbers' or ‘mini-cucumbers', as appropriate. C. Origin of produce:
Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown, or national, regional or local trade name.
D. Commercial specifications:
— Class and, as appropriate, for Class II ‘crooked cucumbers',
— Size (if the produce is sized) expressed in minimum and maximum weight of the cucumbers,
— Number of units (optional).
E. Official crate marking (optional)
PART 17
STANDARD FOR GARLICI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to garlic of varieties (cultivars) grown from Allium sativum L. to be supplied fresh (14), semi-dry (15) or dry (16) to the consumer, green garlic with full leaves and undeveloped cloves and garlic for industrial processing being excluded.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of the standard is to define the quality requirements of garlic after preparation and packaging.
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the bulbs must be:
- sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
- practically free from pests,
- practically free from damage caused by pests,
- clean, practically free of any visible foreign matter,
- firm,
- free from damage caused by frost or sun,
- free of externally visible sprouts,
- free of abnormal external moisture,
- free of any foreign smell and/or taste (17).
The development and condition of the garlic must be such as to enable it to:
- withstand transport and handling, and
- arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination.
Garlic is classified in three classes defined below:
(i) Extra Class
Garlic in this class must be of superior quality. It must be characteristic of the variety and/or commercial type. The bulbs must
be:
- intact,
- regular in shape,
- properly cleaned.
They must be free of defects, with the exception of very slight superficial blemishes, provided these do not affect the general appearance
of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package. The cloves must be compact.
The roots of dry garlic must be cut off flush with the bulb.
(ii) Class I
Garlic in this class must be of good quality. It must be characteristic of the variety and/or commercial type.
14 'Fresh garlic` means produce with a 'green` stem and with the outer skin of the bulb still fresh.
15 'Semi-dry garlic` means produce with the stem and the outer skin of the bulb not completely dry.
16 'Dry garlic` means produce in which the stem, the outer skin of the bulb and the skin surrounding each clove are completely dry.
17 This provision does not preclude a specific smell and/or taste caused by smoking.
The bulbs must be:
- intact,
- of fairly regular shape.
The following slight defects, however, may be allowed, provided these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality,
the keeping quality and presentation in the package:
- slight tears in the outer skin of the bulb. Cloves must be reasonably compact.
(iii) Class II
This class includes garlic which does not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes, but satisfies the minimum requirements specified
above.
The following defects may be allowed, provided the garlic retains its essential characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping
quality and presentation:
- tears in the outer skin or missing parts of the outer skin of the bulb,
- healed injuries,
- slight bruises,
- irregular shape,
- up to three cloves missing.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
Size is determined by the maximum diameter of the equatorial section.
(i) The minimum diameter is fixed at 45 mm for garlic classified in the 'Extra` Class and 30 mm for garlic classified in Classes
I and II.
(ii) For garlic presented loose - with cut stems - or in bunches, the difference in diameter between the smallest and the largest
bulb in the same package may not exceed:
- 15 mm where the diameter of the smallest bulb is less than 40 mm,
- 20 mm where the diameter of the smallest bulb is 40 mm or more.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size are allowed in each package, or each lot where the garlic is presented loose, for produce
not satisfying the requirements of the class indicated.
(i) Extra Class
5 % by weight of garlic not satisfying the requirements of the class but meeting those of Class I or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that class.
(ii) Class I
10 % by weight of garlic not satisfying the requirements of the class but meeting those of Class II or, exceptionally, coming
within the tolerances of that class.
Within this tolerance, not more than 1 % by weight of bulbs may have cloves with externally visible sprouts.
(iii) Class II
10 % by weight of garlic satisfying neither the requirements of the class nor the minimum requirements, with the exception of produce
affected by rotting or damaged by frost or sun, or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.
In addition to this tolerance, a maximum of 5 % by weight of bulbs may have cloves with externally visible sprouts.
For all classes: 10 % by weight of bulbs not satisfying the requirements as regards sizing and the size indicated but conforming to
the size immediately above and/or below that specified. Within this tolerance, not more than
3 % of bulbs may have a diameter smaller than the specified minimum but not less than 25 mm.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION
The contents of each package, or lot for produce presented in bulk, must be uniform and contain only garlic of the same origin, variety
or commercial type, quality and size (if sized).
The visible part of the contents of the package, or lot for produce presented loose, must be representative of the entire contents.
With the exception of dry garlic presented in strings, which may be transported in bulk (loaded directly into a transport vehicle),
garlic must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials, particularly paper or stamps, bearing trade specifications is allowed, provided
the printing or labelling has been done with non-toxic ink or glue.
Packages, or lots for produce presented in bulk, must be free of all foreign matter.
Garlic must be presented as follows:
(i) loose in the package, with cut stems, the length of the stem not to exceed:
- 10 cm in the case of fresh and semi-dry garlic,
- 3 cm in the case of dry garlic;
(ii) in bunches by:
- number of bulbs,
- net weight.
The stems must be evened off;
(iii) in the case of dry and semi-dry garlic only, in strings by:
- number of bulbs, there being at least six bulbs per string,
- net weight.
In the case of presentation in bunches or strings, each package must have uniform characteristics (number of bulbs or net weight).
Irrespective of the type of presentation, the stems must be cut cleanly, as must roots in the case of dry garlic classified in the
'Extra` class.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars, in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked, and visible from
the outside.
For garlic in strings transported in bulk (loaded directly into a vehicle), the particulars must appear on a document accompanying
the goods, and attached in a visible position inside the transport vehicle.
Packer and/or dispatcher: Name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, in the case where a code mark is used, the reference 'packer and/or dispatcher (or equivalent abbreviations)` has to be indicated in close connection with the code mark.
B. Nature of produce- 'Fresh garlic`, 'semi-dry garlic` or 'dry garlic` if the contents are not visible from the outside.
- Name of the variety or commercial type ('white garlic`, 'pink garlic`, etc.).
- 'Smoked`, where appropriate.
Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown, or national, regional or local place name.
D. Commercial specifications- Class
- Size (if sized) expressed as minimum and maximum diameters of the bulbs.
PART 18
STANDARD FOR TABLE GRAPESI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to table grapes of varieties (cultivars) grown from Vitis vinifera L. to be supplied fresh to the consumer, table grapes for industrial processing being excluded.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of the standard is to define the quality requirements for table grapes after preparation and packaging.
A. Minimum requirements
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, bunches and berries must be:
— sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
— clean, practically free of any visible foreign matter,
— practically free from pests,
— practically free from damage caused by pests,
— free of abnormal external moisture,
— free of any foreign smell and/or taste. In addition, berries must be:
— intact,
— well formed,
— normally developed.
Pigmentation due to sun is not a defect. Bunches must have been carefully picked.
The table grapes must be sufficiently developed and display satisfactory ripeness. The development and condition of the
table grapes must be such as to enable them:
— to withstand transport and handling, and
— to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination. B. Classification
The table grapes are classified into three classes defined below:
i) ‘Extra’ class
Table grapes in this class must be of superior quality. In shape, development and colouring the bunches must be typical of the variety,
allowing for the district in which they are grown, and have no defects. Berries must be firm, firmly attached, evenly spaced along
the stalk and have their bloom virtually intact.
ii) Class I
Table grapes in this class must be of good quality. In shape, development and colouring the bunches must be typical of the variety,
allowing for the district in which they are grown.
Berries must be firm, firmly attached and, as far as possible, have their bloom intact. They may, however, be less evenly spaced along
the stalk than in the ‘Extra’ class.
The following slight defects, however; may be allowed, provided these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality,
the keeping quality, and presentation in the package:
— slight defects in shape,
— slight defects in colouring,
— very slight sun-scorch affecting the skin only. iii) Class II
This class includes table grapes which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes, but satisfy the minimum requirements specified
above.
The bunches may show slight defects in shape, development and colouring, provided these do not impair the essential characteristics
of the variety, allowing for the district in which they are grown.
The berries must be sufficiently firm and sufficiently attached, and, where possible, still have their bloom. They may be less evenly
spaced along the stalk than in Class I.
The following defects are allowed provided the table grapes retain their essential characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping
quality and presentation:
— defects in shape,
— defects in colouring,
— slight sun-scorch affecting the skin only,
— slight bruising,
— slight skin defects.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNIG SIZING
Size is determined by the weight of the bunch.
The following minimum size requirements per bunch are defined for table grapes grown under glass and for open-grown table grapes,
large-berry or small-berry varieties respectively.
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A list of varieties grown under glass and open-grown large-berry and small-berry varieties appears in the
Appendix to this standard.
For all classes: in each consumer package, not exceeding 1 kg net weight, one bunch below the required minimum weight is allowed to
adjust the weight indicated, provided the bunch meets all other requirements for the specified class.
Where the name of the variety on the marking does not appear on the list in the Appendix hereto the minimum weight for large-berry
varieties is required.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size shall be allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements of the class
indicated.
A. Quality tolerances
i) ‘Extra’ class
5 % by weight of bunches not satisfying the requirements of the class, but meeting those for Class I or, exceptionally, coming within
the tolerances of that class.
ii) Class I
10 % by weight of bunches not satisfying the requirements of the class, but meeting those of Class II or, exceptionally, coming within
the tolerances for that class.
iii) Class II
10 % by weight of bunches satisfying neither the requirements of the class nor the minimum requirements, with the exception of produce
affected by rotting or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.
B. Size tolerances
i) ‘Extra’ Class and Class I
10 % by weight of bunches not satisfying the size requirements of the class, but meeting those of the class immediately below.
ii) Class II
10 % by weight of bunches not satisfying the size requirements of the class but weighing not less than 75 g.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION A. Uniformity
The contents of each package must be uniform and contain only bunches of the same origin, variety, quality and degree of ripeness.
In the case of grapes packed in small consumer packages of a net weight not exceeding 1 kg, uniformity of variety and origin is not
required.
In the case of the ‘Extra’ Class, the bunches must be of more or less identical size and colouring.
The inclusion in each package of bunches of different colours for decorative purposes shall be allowed in the case of the variety
Chasselas.
The visible part of the contents of the package must be representative of the entire contents. B. Packaging
The table grapes must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly. In the case of the ‘Extra’ Class, the bunches
must be packed in a single layer.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials, particularly paper or stamps, bearing trade specifications is allowed provided
the printing or labelling has been done with non-toxic ink or glue.
Packages must be free of all foreign matter, although a fragment of vine shoot no more than 5 cm in length may be left on the stem
of the bunch has a form of special presentation.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked, and visible from
the outside:
A. Identification
— Packer and/or dispatcher: Name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, where a code (symbol) is used,
the words ‘packer and/or dispatcher’ (or an equivalent abbreviation) must appear close to this code (symbol).
B. Nature of produce
— ‘Table Grapes’, if the contents are not visible from the outside,
— name of the variety or, where applicable, varieties,
— ‘under glass’, where applicable.
C. Origin of produce
— Country (or, where applicable, countries) of origin and, optionally, district where grown, or national, regional or local
place name.
D. Commercial specifications
— Class.
E. Official control mark (optional)
NON-EXHAUSTIVE LISTS OF VARIETIES(18)
The names given in brackets are synonyms that may equally be used on the package.
1. Table grapes grown under glass
Alphonse Lavallée (Garnacha roya — Ribier)
Black Alicante (Granacke — Granaxa — Grandaxa) Cardinal
Canon Hall (Canon Hall Muscat)
Colman (Gros Colman) (see 2(a) — Gros Colman) Frankenthal (see 2(a) — Schiava Grossa)
Golden Champion (see 2(a) — Baresana) Gradisca (Gradiska)
Gros Maroc
Léopold III
Muscat d’Alexandrie (see 2(a))
Muscat d’Hambourg (see 2(b) Moscato d’Amburgo) Prof. Aberson
Royal
2. Open grown table grapes (a) Large berry varieties Aledo (New Cross — Real) Alphonse Lavallée (see 1) Amasya Siyahi
Angela (Angiola)
Baresana (Duraca — Golden Champion — Lattuario bianco — Latuario bianco — Littuario bianco — Turchesa
Turchesca — Uva di Bisceglie — Uva rosa — Uva Turca — Varesana)
Barlinka
18 Some of the names included in these lists of varieties may indicate registered and patented trade marks in some countries.
Bicane (Napoléon— Perle Impériale — Weisser Damaszaner — Zanta) Bien Donné
Blanc d’Edessa (Edessis — Amasya) Bonheur
Calmeria Cardinal Coarna noir
Dabouki (Barbaroui — Khalili — Salti) Danam
Dan Ben-Hannah (Black Emperor) Danlas
Danuta Datal Dauphine
Diagalves (Dependura — Formosa — Pendura — Villanueva) Dimiat (Damiat — Zoumiatico)
Dominga (Gloria — Murciana blanca — Uva verde de Alhama) Dona Maria (D. Maria)
Emperor (Emperador — Genova — Red Emperador — Red Emperor) Erenköy Beyazi
Erlihane
Ferral
Flame Tokay
Gemre (Pembe Gemre) Golden Hill
Gros Colman (Colman Frueher Waelscher — Gros Colmar — Triomphle) Hönüsü
Ignea (I. Pirovano 185)
Imperial Napoleon (Doña Mariana — Mariana) Isa
Italia (Dona Sofia — Idéal — Italian muscat — I. Pirovano 65 — Moscatel Italiano) Kozak Beyazi
La Rochelle Lival Matilde
Michele Palieri
Muscat d’Alexandrie (Moscatellone — Moscatel Romano — Muscat Gordo bianco — Muscat de Grano Gordo
— Muscat d’Espagne — Muscat Romano — Muscat blanc d’Alexandrië — Muskaat van Alexandrië — Salamanna — Seramanna
— White Hanepoot — Witte Muskaat — Zibibbo)
Muscat Madame Mathiasz (Madame Jean Mathiaz) Muscat Supreme
Ohanes (Almería—Blanca Legitima—Ohanez—Uva de Almeiria— Uva di Almeria — Uva de Embarque — Uva del Barco)
Olivette blanche (Bridal — Olivette de Montpellier — Olivette de Vendemian)
Olivette noire (Olivetta nera — Olivetta Vibonese — Cornichon — Preta — Purple Cornichon) Ora
Pannonia (Pannonia Gold) Peck
Perlona (I. Pirovano 54)
Phraoula (Fraoula — Phraoula Kokkini — Phraoula radini) Planta Nova (Coma — Tardana — Tortazon)
Prima
Prune de Cazouls
Ragol (Ahmeur bou Ahmeur — Angelina — Argelina — Imperial roja — Uva de Ragol) Razaki
Red Globe
Regina (Afouz Ali — Afis Ali — Afuz Ali — Aleppo — Bolgar — Dattier de Beyrouth — Dattero di Negroponte Galleta — Hafis
Ali — Inzolia imperiale — Karaboumou — Kararubun — Mennavacca bianca — Parchitana — Pergolona — Regina di Puglia —
Reine — Rasaki — Rosaki blanc — Rosetti — Uva Real — Waltham Cross)
Regina nera (Mennavacca nera — Lattuario nero — Olivettona — Regina negra — Rosaki noir) Ribol
Ronelle (Black Gem) Salba
Schiava grossa (Black Hambourg—Frankenthal—Gross Vernatsch— Imperator — Lamper — Schiavone
Trollinger) Sonita
Sugrafive (Early superior seedless) Sugraone (Superior seedless) Sunred Seedless
Tchaouch (Chaouch — Parc de Versailles — Tsaoussi) Verico
Victoria
(b) Small berry varieties
Admirable de Courtiller (Admirable — Csiri Csuri)
Albillo (Acerba — Albuela — Blanco Ribera — Cagalon) Angelo Pirovano (I. Pirovano 2)
Annamaria (I. Ubizzoni 4) Baltali
Beba (Beba de los Santos — Eva)
Catalanesca (Catalanesa — Catalana — Uva Catalana)
Chasselas blanc (Chasselas doré — Fendant — Franceset — Franceseta — Gutedel — Krachgutedel — White van der Laan)
Chasselas rouge
Chelva (Chelva de Cebreros — Guareña — Mantuo — Villanueva) Ciminnita (Cipro bianco)
Clairette (Blanquette — Malvoisie — Uva de Jijona) Colombana bianca (Verdea — Colombana de Peccioli) Dehlro
Delizia di Vaprio (I. Pirovano 46 A) Exalta
Flame Seedless (Red Flame)
Gros Vert (Abbondanza — St Jeannet — Trionfo dell’Esposizione — Verdal — Trionfo di Gerusalemme)
Jaoumet (Madeleine de St Jacques — Saint Jacques)
Madeleine (Angevine — Angevine Oberlin — Madeleine Angevine Oberlin — Republicain) Mireille
Molinera (Besgano — Castiza — Molinera gorda) Moscato d’Adda (Muscat d’Adda)
Moscato d’Amburgo (Black Muscat — Hambro — Hamburg — Hamburski Misket — Muscat d’Hambourg — Moscato Preto)
Moscato di Terracina (Moscato di Maccarese)
Œillade (Black Malvoisie — Cinsaut — Cinsault — Ottavianello — Sinso) Panse precoce (Bianco di Foster — Foster’s white
— Sicilien)
Perla di Csaba (Càbski Biser—Julski muskat—Muscat Julius—Perle de Csaba) Perlaut
Perlette
Pizzutello bianco (Aetonychi aspro — Coretto — Cornichon blanc — Rish Baba — Sperone di gallo — Teta di vacca)
Precoce de Malingre
Primus (I. Pirovano 7)
Prunesta (Bermestia nera — Pergola rossa — Pergolese di Tivoli)
Regina dei Vigneti (Königin der Weingrten — Muskat Szölöskertek Kizalyneja — Szölöskertek Kizalyneh — Rasaki ourgarias
— Regina Villoz —Reina de las Viñas—Reine des Vignes—I. Mathiasz 140— Queen of the Vineyards)
Servant (Servan — Servant di Spagna) Sideritis (Sidiritis)
Sultanines (Bidaneh — Kishmich — Kis Mis — Sultan — Sultana — Sultani — Cekirdesksiz — Sultanina bianca — Sultaniye
— Thompson Seedless and mutations)
Valenci blanc (Valensi — Valency — Panse blanche)
Valenci noir (Planta Mula — Rucial de Mula — Valenci negro) Yapincak
PART 19
QUALITY STANDARD FOR KIWIFRUITI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to kiwifruit (also known as ‘actinidia' or ‘kiwis') of varieties (cultivars) derived from Actinidia chinensis (Planch.) or Actinidia deliciosa (A. Chev., C. F., Liang and A. R. Ferguson), to be supplied fresh to the consumer, kiwifruit for industrial processing being excluded.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of this standard is to define the quality requirements for kiwifruit, after preparation and packaging. A. Minimum requirements
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the kiwifruit must be:
— intact (but free of peduncle),
— sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
— clean, practically free of any visible foreign matter,
— adequately firm: not soft, or shrivelled or water-soaked,
— well-formed; double or multiple fruits are excluded,
— practically free of pests,
— practically free from damage caused by pests,
— free from abnormal external moisture,
— free of any foreign smell and/or taste.
The kiwifruit must be sufficiently developed and display satisfactory ripeness (19). The development and the condition must be such as to enable them:
— to withstand transport and handling, and
— to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination. B. Classification
Kiwifruit are classified into three classes, as defined below:
(i) ‘Extra' class
Kiwifruit in this class must be of superior quality. They must be well developed and have all the characteristics and the colouring
typical of the variety.
They must be free from defects with the exception of very slight superficial deterioration, on condition that this does not affect
the quality, the keeping quality and general appearance of the produce or its presentation in the package.
(ii) Class I
Kiwifruit in this class must be of good quality.
They must be firm and the flesh must be perfectly sound.
They must present the characteristics of the variety. The following slight defects, however, may be allowed provided that these do
not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation of the package:
— a slight defect in shape (but free of swelling or malformations);
— a slight defect in colouring;
— superficial skin defects, provided that the total area affected does not exceed 1 cm2;
— small ‘Hayward mark' like longitudinal lines and without protuberance.
(iii) Class II
19 In order to satisfy this requirement, the fruit when harvested must have attained a degree of ripeness of at least 6,2 %, assessed by the Brix test.
This class includes kiwifruit which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes, but which satisfy the minimum requirements
specified above.
The fruit must be reasonably firm and the flesh should not show any serious defects.
The following defects, however, may be allowed provided that the kiwifruit retain their essential characteristics as regards the quality,
the keeping quality and presentation:
— defects of shape,
— defects in colouring,
— skin defects, such as small healed cuts or scarred/grazed tissue, provided that the total area affected does not exceed 2 cm2,
— several more pronounced ‘Hayward marks' with slight protuberance,
— slight bruising.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
The size is determined by the weight of the fruit.
The minimum weight for ‘extra' class is 90 grams, for class I is 70 grams and that for class II is 65 grams. The difference
in weight between the largest and the smallest fruit in any one package must not exceed:
— 15 grams for fruit weighing less than 85 grams,
— 20 grams for fruit weighing between 85 grams and 120 grams,
— 30 grams for fruit weighing 120 grams or more.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size shall be allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements of the class
indicated.
A. Quality tolerances
(i) ‘Extra' class
5 % by number or weight of kiwifruit not satisfying the requirements of the class but meeting those of class I, or, exceptionally,
coming within the tolerances for that class.
(ii) Class I
10 % by number or weight of kiwifruit not satisfying the requirements of the class but meeting those of class II, or, exceptionally,
coming within the tolerances for that class.
(iii) Class II
10 % by number or weight of kiwifruit satisfying neither the requirements for the class nor the minimum requirements, with the exception
of produce affected by rotting or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.
B. Size tolerances
For all classes:
10 % by number or weight of kiwifruit not satisfying the requirements as regards the minimum weight and/or the size range specified.
However, the fruit must be of a size immediately below or above the size indicated or, in the case of the smallest size, they must
not weigh less than 85 grams in ‘extra' class, 67 grams in class I and 62 grams in class II.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION A. Uniformity
The contents of each package must be uniform and contain only kiwi fruit of the same origin, variety, quality and size.
The visible part of the contents of each package must be representative of the entire contents. B. Packaging
The kiwifruit must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials and particularly of paper or stamps bearing trade specifications is allowed provided that the
printing or labelling has been done with a non-toxic ink or glue.
The packages must be free from all foreign matter.
In ‘extra' class the fruit must be presented separately from one another, and be regularly arranged on one layer.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked and visible from
the outside:
A. Identification
Packer and/or Dispatcher: Name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, in the case where a code mark is used,
the reference ‘packer and/or dispatcher (or equivalent abbreviations)' has to be indicated in close connection with the code
mark.
B. Nature of produce
— ‘kiwifruit' and/or ‘Actinidia', where the contents are not visible from the outside,
— Name of the variety (optional). C. Origin of produce
Country of origin and optionally, district where grown or national, regional or local place name. D. Commercial specifications
— Class,
— Size expressed by minimum and maximum weight of the fruit, if not packed in rows,
— Number of fruits, if packed in rows. E. Official control mark
(optional).
PART 20
QUALITY STANDARDS FOR LEEKSI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to leeks of the varieties (cultivars) grown from Allium porrum L., to be supplied fresh to the consumer, leeks for industrial processing being excluded.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of this standard is to define the quality requirements for leeks after preparation and packaging. A. Minimum requirements
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the leeks must be:
— whole (this requirement does not apply, however, to roots and ends of leaves, which may be cut),
— sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
— clean, practically free of visible foreign matter; however, the roots may have soil adhering to them,
— fresh in appearance, with wilted or withered leaves removed,
— not running to seed,
— free of abnormal external moisture, i.e. adequately ‘dried' if they have been washed,
— free of foreign smell and/or taste.
If leaves are cut, they must be cut neatly.
The development and condition of the leeks must be such as to enable them:
— to withstand transport and handling, and
— to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination. B. Classification
Leeks are classified in two classes defined below: (i) Class I
Leeks in this class must be of good quality. However, they may have slight superficial defects, provided that these do not affect
the general appearance of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package. Slight traces of soil within
the shaft are permitted. The white part must represent at least one third of the total or half the sheathed part.
At least one-third of the total length or half the sheathed part must be white to greenish white.
However, in early leeks (20) the white to greenish white part must represent at least one-quarter of the total length or one-third of the sheathed part.
(ii) Class II
This class includes leeks which do not qualify for inclusion in Class I but satisfy the minimum requirements specified above.
The white to greenish white part of the leek must represent at least one-quarter of the total length or one-third of the sheathed
part.
However, they may show:
— a tender flowering stem, provided that it is enclosed within the sheathed part,
— slight bruising and traces of rust on the leaves, but not elsewhere,
— slight defects in colouring,
— traces of soil within the shaft.
20 Direct-drilled, non-transplanted leeks, harvested from late winter to early summer.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
(i) Sizing is determined by the diameter measured at right angles to the axis above the swelling of the neck. The minimum diameter
is fixed at 8 mm for early leeks and 10 mm for other leeks.
(ii) For Class I, the diameter of the largest leek in the same bundle or package must not be more than twice the diameter of the smallest.
IV. PROVISIONS CONERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size are allowed in each package, or in each bundle where the leeks are presented unpackaged,
for produce not satisfying the requirements of the class indicated.
A. Quality tolerances
(i) Class I
10 % by number or weight of leeks not satisfying the requirements of the class, but meeting those for Class II
or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances for that class.
(ii) Class II
10 % by number or weight of leeks satisfying neither the requirements for the class nor the minimum requirements, with the exception
of produce affected by rotting, marked bruising or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.
B. Size tolerances
For all classes, 10 % by number or weight of leeks not conforming to the minimum diameter requirement or, in the case of leeks in
Class I, the uniformity requirement.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION A. Uniformity
The contents of each package, or each bundle in the same package, must be uniform and contain only leeks of the same origin, quality
and size (where, for this criterion, uniformity is prescribed), and appreciably the same development and colouring.
The visible part of the contents of each package or bundle must be representative of the entire contents. B. Packaging
The leeks must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials, and particularly of paper or stamps bearing trade specifications, is allowed provided that
the printing or Labelling has been done with a non-toxic ink or glue.
C. Presentation
The leeks may be presented as follows:
— in an orderly arrangement in the package,
— or in bundles, whether or not in a package.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package, or each bundle delivered in bulk, must bear the following particulars legibly and indelibly marked and visible from
the outside.
Where the leeks are put up in packages, these particulars are to be grouped on the same side.
A. Identification
Packer and/or Dispatcher: Name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, in the case where a code mark is used,
the reference ‘packer and/or dispatcher (or equivalent abbreviations)' has to be indicated in close connection with the code
mark.
B. Nature of produce
‘Leeks', if the contents are not visible from the outside or ‘Early leeks' in all cases for that type of leeks. C. Origin of produce
Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown or national, regional or local place name.
— class,
— number of bundles (for leeks packed in bundles and boxed). E. Official control mark (optional)
PART 21
STANDARD FOR LETTUCES, CURLED-LEAVED ENDIVES AND BROAD- LEAVED (BATAVIAN) ENDIVESI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE This standard applies to:
— lettuces of varieties (cultivars) grown from:
— Lactuca sativa L. var. capitata L. (head (cabbage) lettuces including crisphead and ‘Iceberg’ type lettuces).
— Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia Lam. (Cos or Romaine lettuces),
— Lactuca sativa L. var. crispa L. (leaf lettuces) and
— crosses of these varieties,
— curled-leaved endives of varieties (cultivars) grown from Cichorium endivia L. var. crispum Lam.,
— broad-leaved (Batavian) endives (escaroles) of varieties (cultivars) grown from Cichorium endivia L. var.
latifolium Lam., to be supplied fresh to the consumer.
This standard does not apply to produce for industrial processing, produce presented as individual leaves or lettuces in pots.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of the standard is to define the quality requirements for products after preparation and packaging. A. Minimum requirements
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the produce must be:
— intact,
— sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
— clean and trimmed, i.e. practically free from all earth or other growing medium and practically free of any visible foreign matter,
— fresh in appearance,
— turgescent,
— practically free from pests,
— practically free from damage caused by pests,
— not running to seed,
— free of abnormal external moisture,
— free of any foreign smell and/or taste.
In the case of lettuce, a reddish discolouration, caused by low temperature during growth, is allowed, unless it seriously affects
the appearance of the produce.
The roots must be cut close to the base of the outer leaves and the cut must be neat. The produce must be of normal development.
The development and condition of the procedure must be such as to enable it:
— to withstand transport and handling, and
— to arrive in a satisfactory condition at the place of destination. B. Classification
Products are classified in two classes defined below: (i) Class I
Produce in this class must be of good quality. It must be characteristic of the variety or commercial type, especially the colour.
The produce must also be:
— well formed,
— firm, taking into account the cultivation methods and the type of produce,
— free from damage or deterioration impairing edibility,
— free from frost damage.
Head lettuces must have a single well-formed heart. However, in the case of head lettuces grown under protection, the heart may be
small.
Cos lettuces must have a heart, which may be small.
The centre of curled-leaved endives and broad-leaved (Batavian) endives must be yellow in colour.
(ii) Class II
This class includes produce which does not qualify for inclusion in Class I, but satisfies the minimum requirements
specified above.
The produce must be:
— reasonably well formed,
— free from damage and deterioration which may seriously impair edibility.
The following defects may be allowed provided the produce retain their essential characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping
quality and presentation:
— slight defects in colouring,
— slight damage caused by pests.
Head lettuces must have a heart, which may be small. However, in the case of head lettuces grown under protection, absence of heart
is permissible.
Cos lettuces may show no heart.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING Size is determined by the weight of one unit. A. Minimum weight
The minimum weight for Classes I and II is:
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B. Uniformity
(a) Lettuces
In all classes, the difference between the lightest and heaviest units in each package must not exceed:
— 40 g when the lightest units weighs less than 150 g per unit,
— 100 g when the lightest unit weighs between 150 g and 300 g per unit,
— 150 g when the lightest unit weighs between 300 g and 450 g per unit,
— 300 g when the lightest unit weighs more than 450 g per unit.
(b) Curled-leaved and broad-leaved (Batavian) endives
In all classes, the difference between the lightest and heaviest units in each package must not exceed 300 g.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size shall be allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements of the class
indicated.
A. Quality tolerances
(i) Class I
10 % by number of units not satisfying the requirements of the class but meeting those of Class II or, exceptionally, coming
within the tolerances of that class.
(ii) Class II
10 % by number of units satisfying neither the requirements of the class nor the minimum requirements, with the exception of produce
affected by rotting or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.
B. Size tolerances
In all classes, 10 % by number of units not satisfying the requirements as regards sizing, but weighing no more than 10 % over or
under the size in question.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION A. Uniformity
The contents of each package must be uniform and contain only produce of the same origin, variety or commercial type, quality and
size.
However, a mixture of the various types of produce described in this standard may be packed together, provided they are uniform in
quality and, for each type concerned, in size. In addition, the types should be clearly distinguishable from one another and the
proportion of each type in the package should be visible without damaging the package.
The visible part of the contents of the package must be representative of the entire contents. B. Packaging
The produce must be packaged in such a way as to protect it properly.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials, particularly paper or stamps bearing trade specifications is allowed provided
the printing or labelling has been done with non-toxic ink or glue.
Packages must be free of all foreign matter. C. Presentation
Produce presented in more than one layer may be packed base-to-heart provided the layers or heads are suitably protected or separated.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked and visible from
the outside.
A. Identification
Packer and/or dispatcher: name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, where a code mark is used, the reference
‘packer and/or dispatcher’ (or equivalent abbreviations ) must be indicated in close connection with the code mark.
B. Nature of produce
— ‘Lettuces’, ‘Butterhead lettuces’, ‘Batavia’, ‘Crisphead lettuces (Iceberg)’, ‘Cos lettuces’, ‘Leaf lettuce’
(or, for example and if appropriate, ‘Oak leaf’, ‘Lollo bionda’, ‘Lollo rossa’, ‘Curled-leaved endives’ or ‘Broad-
leaved (Batavian) endives’ or other synonyms if the contents are not visible from the outside
— ‘Little gem’ where appropriate or other synonyms
— An indication ‘grown under protection’, or other appropriate indication, where appropriate
— Name of the variety (optional)
— Where different types of produce are mixed together:
— the indication ‘Mixed salads’, or,
— the indication of each type of produce, and, where the contents are not visible from the outside, the indication of the number
of pieces of each type.
C. Origin of produce
— Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown, or national, regional or local place name. D. Commercial specifications
— Class
— Size, expressed by the minimum weight per unit or the number of units
— Net weight (optional),
E. Official control mark (optional)
PART 22
STANDARD FOR MELONSI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to melons of varieties (cultivars) grown from Cucumis melo L. to be supplied fresh to the consumer, melons for industrial processing being excluded.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of the standard is to define the quality requirements for melons, after preparation and packaging. A. Minimum requirements
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the melons must be:
— intact (21),
— sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
— clean, practically free from any visible foreign matter,
— fresh in appearance,
— practically free from pests,
— practically free from damage caused by pests,
— firm,
— free of abnormal external moisture,
— free of any foreign smell and/or taste.
The melons must be sufficiently developed and display satisfactory ripeness (22). The development and condition of the melons must be such as to enable them:
— to withstand transport and handling, and
— to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination. B. Classification
Melons are classified in two classes defined below:
(i) Class I
Melons in this class must be of good quality. They must be characteristic of the variety or commercial type.
The following slight defects, however, may be allowed provided these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality,
the keeping quality and presentation in the package:
— a slight defect in shape,
— a slight defect in colouring (a pale colouring of the rind at the point where the fruit touched the ground while growing is not
regarded as a defect),
— slight skin blemishes due to rubbing or handling,
— slight healed cracks around the peduncle of less than 2 cm in length that do not reach the pulp. Fruits harvested with their peduncle
attached shall present a length of peduncle of less than 2 cm.
(ii) Class II
This class includes melons which do not qualify for inclusion in Class I, but satisfy the minimum requirements specified above.
The following defects may be allowed provided the melons retain their essential characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping
quality and presentation:
— defects in shape,
21 However, a small healed scar caused by automatic measurement of the refractometric index is not regarded as a defect.
22 The refractometric index of the pulp measured at the middle point of the fruit flesh at the equatorial section must be greater than or equal to 10° Brix for Charentais melons and 8° Brix for other melons.
— defects in colouring (a pale colouring of the rind at the point where the fruit touched the ground while growing is not regarded
as a defect),
— slight bruising,
— slight cracks or deep scratches that do not affect the pulp of the fruit and are dry,
— skin blemishes due to rubbing or handling.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
Size is determined by the weight of one unit or by the diameter of the equatorial section. The minimum sizes are as follows:
— Charentais, Ogen and Galia type melons: 250 g
— Other melons: 300 g
— Charentais, Ogen and Galia type melons: 7,5 cm
— Other melons: 8,0 cm
When the size is expressed by weight, the largest melon may not weigh over 50 % (30 % for the Charentais type melons) more than the
smallest.
When the size is expressed by diameter, the diameter of the largest melon may not be over 20 % (10 % more for the Charentais type
melons) more than the diameter of the smallest.
Sizing is compulsory for both classes.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCE
Tolerances in respect of quality and size shall be allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements of the class
indicated.
A. Quality tolerances
(i) Class I
10 % by number or weight of melons not satisfying the requirements of the class, but meeting those of Class II
or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that class.
(ii) Class II
10 % by number or weight of melons satisfying neither the requirements of the class, nor the minimum requirements, with the exception
of produce affected by rotting or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.
B. Size tolerances
For all classes: 10 % by number or weight of melons whose size is greater or less than that specified.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION A. Uniformity
The contents of each package must be uniform and contain only melons of the same origin, variety or commercial type,
quality and size, and which have reached appreciably the same degree of development and ripeness and are of appreciably the same
colour.
The visible part of the contents of the package must be representative of the entire contents. B. Packaging
Melons must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials, particularly paper or stamps, bearing trade specifications is allowed provided
the printing or labelling has been done with non-toxic ink or glue.
Packages must be free from all foreign matter.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked, and visible from
the outside.
A. Identification
Packer and/or dispatcher: name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, in the case where a code mark is used,
the reference ‘Packer and/or dispatcher (or equivalent abbreviations)’ must be indicated in close proximity to the code mark.
B. Nature of produce
— ‘Melons’ if the contents are not visible from the outside.
— Name of the variety or commercial type (e.g. Charentais). C. Origin of produce
Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown or national, regional or local place name. D. Commercial specifications
— Class.
— Size expressed in minimum and maximum weight or minimum and maximum diameter.
— Number of units (optional).
— Minimum sugar content, measured by refractometer and expressed in degrees Brix (optional). E. Official control mark (optional)
PART 23
STANDARD FOR ONIONSI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to onions of varieties (cultivars) grown from Allium cepa L. to be supplied to the consumer in the natural state, green onions with full leaves and onions for industrial processing being excluded.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of the standard is to define the quality requirements for onions, after preparation and packaging. A. Minimum requirements
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the onions must be:
— intact,
— sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
— clean, practically free from any visible foreign matter,
— free from damage caused by frost,
— sufficiently dry for the intended use (in the case of onions for storing, at least the two first outer skins and the stem must
be fully dried),
— without hollow or tough stems,
— practically free from pests,
— practically free from damage caused by pests,
— free of abnormal external moisture,
— free of any foreign smell and/or taste.
In addition, the stems must be twisted or clean cut and must not exceed 6 cm in length (except for stringed onions).
The development and condition of the onions must be such as to enable them:
— to withstand transport and handling, and
— to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination. B. Classification
The onions are classified in two classes defined below:
(i) Class I
Onions in this class must be of good quality. They must be characteristic of the variety. The bulbs must be:
— firm and compact,
— unsprouted (free from externally visible shoots),
— free from swelling caused by abnormal development,
— practically free of root tufts; however, for onions harvested before complete maturity, root tufts are allowed. The following
defects, however, may be allowed provided these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality
and presentation in the package:
— a slight defect in shape,
— a slight defect in colouring,
— light staining which does not affect the last dried skin protecting the flesh, provided it does not cover more than one- fifth
of the bulb's surface,
— superficial cracks in, and absence of part of the outer skins, provided the flesh is protected.
(ii) Class II
This class includes onions which do not qualify for inclusion in Class I, but satisfy the minimum requirements specified above. They
must be reasonably firm.
The following defects may be allowed provided the onions retain their essential characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping
quality and presentation:
— defects in shape,
— defects in colouring,
— early signs of shoot growth visible from the outside (not more than 10 % by number or weight per unit of presentation),
— traces of rubbing,
— slight marking caused by parasites or disease,
— small healed cracks,
— slight bruising, healed, unlikely to impair keeping qualities,
— root tufts,
— stains which do not affect the last dried skin protecting the flesh, provided they do not cover more than half the bulb's
surface,
— cracks in the outer skins and the absence of a part of the outer skins from not more than one third of bulb's surface, provided
the flesh is not damaged.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
Size is determined by the maximum diameter of the equatorial section. The difference between the diameters of the smallest and largest
onions in the same package must not exceed:
— 5 mm where the diameter of the smallest onion is 10 mm and over but under 20 mm. However, where the diameter of the onion is 15
mm and over but under 25 mm, the difference may be 10 mm,
— 15 mm where the diameter of the smallest onion is 20 mm and over but under 40 mm,
— 20 mm where the diameter of the smallest onion is 40 mm and over but under 70 mm,
— 30 mm where the diameter of the smallest onion is 70 mm and over. The minimum diameter is 10 mm.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size shall be allowed in each package (or each lot, for products presented in bulk) for produce
not satisfying the requirements of the class indicated.
A. Quality tolerances
(i) Class I
10 % by number or weight of onions not satisfying the requirements of the class, but meeting those of Class II
or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that class.
(ii) Class II
10 % by number or weight of onions satisfying neither the requirements of the class, nor the minimum requirements, with the exception
of produce affected by rotting or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.
B. Size tolerances
For all classes: 10 % by number or weight of onions not satisfying the size identified, but with a diameter of no more than 20 % below
or above it.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION A. Uniformity
The contents of each package (or each lot, for products presented in bulk) must be uniform and contain only onions of the same origin,
variety, quality and size.
The visible part of the contents of the package (or each lot, for products presented in bulk) must be representative
of the entire contents.
B. Packaging
Onions must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials, particularly paper or stamps, bearing trade specifications is allowed provided
the printing or labelling has been done with non-toxic ink or glue.
Packages must be free from all foreign matter. C. Presentation
Onions may be presented:
— arranged in layers,
— loose in the package (including in bulk bins),
— transported in bulk in the means of transport,
— in strings:
either of a certain number of bulbs, in which case the strings must contain at least six onions (with fully dried stems), or of a
certain net weight.
For stringed onions, the characteristics of the strings in any one package (number of bulbs or net weight) must be uniform.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars in letters grouped on the same side, only for produce presented in a
package, legibly and indelibly marked, and visible from the outside.
For onions transported in bulk (direct loading into a transport vehicle), these particulars must appear on a document accompanying
the goods, and be attached in a visible position inside the transport vehicle.
A. Identification
Packer and/or dispatcher: name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, in the case where a code mark is used,
the reference Packer and/or dispatcher (or equivalent abbreviations) must be indicated in close proximity to the code mark.
B. Nature or produce
Onions if the contents are not visible from the outside. C. Origin of produce
Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown or national, regional or local place name. D. Commercial specifications
— Class.
— Size expressed by minimum and maximum diameters.
— Net weight.
E. Official control mark (optional)
PART 24
STANDARD FOR PEASI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to peas of varieties (cultivars) grown from Pisum sativum L. to be supplied fresh to the consumer, peas for industrial processing being excluded.
According to the type of consumption, peas are classified in two groups:
— shelling peas (round peas, wrinkled peas) intended for consumption without the pod,
— mangetout peas and sugar snap peas intended for consumption with the pod.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of the standard is to define the quality requirements for peas after reparation and packaging. A. Minimum requirements
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed:
(i) the pods must be:
— intact; however mangetout and sugar snap peas that have had their ends removed are allowed,
— sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
— clean, practically free of any visible foreign matter (including parts of the flowers),
— free from hard filaments or films in mangetout peas and sugar snap peas,
— practically free from pests,
— practically free from damage caused by pests,
— free of abnormal external moisture,
— free of any foreign smell and/or taste,
(ii) the seeds must be:
— fresh,
— sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
— practically free from pests,
— practically free from damage caused by pests,
— free of any foreign smell and/or taste,
— normally developed in shelling peas.
The development and condition of peas must be such as to enable them:
— to withstand transport and handling, and
— to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination. B. Classification
Peas are classified in two classes defined below: (i) Class I
Peas in this class must be of good quality. They must be characteristic of the variety and/or the commercial type.
The pods must be:
— fresh and turgid,
— free from damage caused by hail,
— free from damage caused by heating. For shelling peas:
— the pods must be:
— with peduncles attached,
— well filled, containing at least five seeds;
— the seeds must be:
— well formed,
— tender,
— succulent and sufficiently firm, i.e., when squeezed between two fingers they should become flat without disintegrating,
— at least half the full-grown size but not full grown,
— non-farinaceous,
— undamaged, without cracks in the skin of the seeds;
— the following slight defects of the pod, however, may be allowed, provided these do not affect the general appearance of the produce,
the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package:
— slight skin defects, injuries and bruises,
— slight defects in shape.
— slight defects in colouring.
For mangetout peas and sugar snap peas:
— the seeds if present must be small and underdeveloped,
— the following very slight defects of the pod, however, may be allowed, provided these do not affect the general appearance of
the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package:
— very slight skin defects, injuries and bruises,
— very slight defects in shape,
— very slight defects in colouring. (ii) Class II
This class includes peas which do not qualify for inclusion in class I but satisfy the minimum requirements specified above.
For shelling peas:
— the pods must contain at least three seeds,
— they may be riper than those in class I, but over-mature peas are excluded,
— the following defects may be allowed provided the peas retain their essential characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping
quality and presentation:
— defects of the pods:
— skin defects, injuries and bruises provided they are not progressive and there is no risk of the seeds being affected,
— defects in shape,
— defects in colouring,
— some loss of freshness, excluding wilted pods;
— defects of the seeds:
— a slight defect in shape,
— a slight defect in colouring,
— be slightly harder,
— be slightly damaged.
For mangetout peas and sugar snap peas:
— the seeds if present can be slightly more developed than in class I,
— the following defects of the pods may be allowed provided the peas retain their essential characteristics as regards the quality,
the keeping quality and presentation:
— slight skin defects, injuries and bruises,
— slight defects in shape, including those due to the seed formation,
— slight defects in colouring,
— some loss of freshness, excluding wilted and uncoloured pods.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING Sizing is not compulsory for peas.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality shall be allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements of the class indicated.
(i) Class I
10 % by weight of peas not satisfying the requirements of the class, but meeting those of class II or, exceptionally,
coming within the tolerances of that class.
(ii) Class II
10 % by weight of peas satisfying neither the requirements of the class nor the minimum requirements, with the exception of produce
affected by rotting, progressive diseases or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION A. Uniformity
The contents of each package must be uniform and contain only peas of the same origin, variety or commercial type, and quality.
The visible part of the contents of the package must be representative of the entire contents.
B. Packaging
Peas must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials, particularly of paper or stamps bearing trade specifications is allowed provided the printing
or labelling has been done with non-toxic ink or glue.
Packages must be free of all foreign matter.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars, in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked, and visible from
the outside:
(A) Identification
Packer and/or dispatcher: name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, where a code mark is used, the reference
‘packer and/or dispatcher (or equivalent abbreviations)’ has to be indicated in close proximity to the code mark.
(B) Nature of produce
— ‘shelling peas’, ‘mangetout peas’, ‘sugar snap peas’, or equivalent denominations if the contents are not visible
from the outside,
— ‘trimmed’, ‘topped and tailed’ or other indications, for mangetout or sugar snap peas that have their peduncle and/or
blossom end removed, where appropriate.
(C) Origin of produce
— Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown, or national, regional or local place name.
(D) Commercial specifications
— Class.
(E) Official control mark (optional)
PART 25
STANDARD FOR PLUMSI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to plums of varieties (cultivars) grown from:
— Prunus domestica L. ssp. domestica,
— Prunus domestica L. ssp. insititia (L.) Schneid.,
— Prunus domestica L. ssp. italica (Borkh.) Gams,
— Prunus domestica L. ssp. syriaca (Borkh.) Janchen, and
— Prunus salicina Lindl.
to be supplied fresh to the consumer, plums for industrial processing being excluded.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of the standard is to define the quality requirements for plums after preparation and packaging.
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the plums must be:
— intact,
— sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
— clean, practically free of any visible foreign matter,
— practically free from pests,
— practically free from damage caused by pests,
— free of abnormal external moisture,
— free of any foreign smell and/or taste.
The plums must have been carefully picked. They must be sufficiently developed and display satisfactory ripeness.
The development and condition of the plums must be such as to enable them to:
— withstand transport and handling, and
— arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination.
Plums are classified into the three classes defined below:
(i) ‘Extra’ class
Plums in this class must be of superior quality. In shape, development and colouring they must be characteristic of the variety. They
must be:
— practically covered by their bloom, according to variety,
— of firm flesh.
They must be free from defects, with the exception of very slight superficial defects, provided these do not affect the general appearance
of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package.
(ii) Class I
Plums in this class must be of good quality. They must be characteristic of the variety.
The following slight defects, however, may be allowed, provided these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality,
the keeping quality and presentation in the package:
— a slight defect in shape,
— a slight defect in development,
— slight defects in colouring,
— skin defects of elongated shape must not exceed in length one third of the maximum diameter of the fruit. In particular, healed
cracks may be allowed for ‘Golden gage’ varieties (23),
23 Definition: gages (green apricots, dauphines, greengages) having a green skin with a yellowish sheen.
— other skin defects of which the total area affected must not exceed one sixteenth of the whole surface.
(iii) Class II
This class includes plums which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes, but satisfy the minimum requirements specified
above.
The following defects may be allowed, provided the plums retain their essential characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping
quality and presentation:
— defects in shape,
— defects in development,
— defects in colouring,
— skin defects of which the total area affected must not exceed one quarter of the whole surface.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
Size is determined by the maximum diameter of the equatorial section. Minimum sizes are fixed as follows:
For the ‘Extra’ class, the maximum difference in diameter between fruit in any one package is fixed at 10 mm. IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING
TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size shall be allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements for the class
indicated.
(i) ‘Extra’ class:
5 % by number or weight of plums not satisfying the requirements of the class but meeting those of Class I or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances for that class.
(ii) Class I
10 % by number or weight of plums not satisfying the requirements of the class but meeting those of Class II or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances for that class. Within this tolerance, not more than 2 % in total may consist of split and/ or worm-eaten fruit.
(iii) Class II
10 % by number or weight of plums satisfying neither the requirements of the class nor the minimum requirements, with the exception of produce affected by rotting, market bruising or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption. Within this tolerance, not more than 4 % in total may consist of split and/or worm-eaten fruit.
B. Size tolerancesFor all classes, 10 % by number or weight of plums deviating from the minimum size or the size stated on the package, the deviation
not exceeding 3 mm above or below.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION
The contents of each package must be uniform and contain only plums of the same origin, variety, quality and size), and for the ‘Extra’
class, the contents must also be uniform in colour.
The visible part of the contents of each package must be representative of the entire contents.
Plums must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials, particularly of paper or stamps bearing trade specifications is allowed provided
that the printing or labelling has been done with non-toxic ink or glue. Packages must be free from all foreign matter.
The plums may be presented:
— in small packages,
— arranged in one or more layers separated from each other,
— in bulk in the package, except for the ‘Extra’ class.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked and visible from
the outside:
Packer and/or dispatcher: name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, in the case where a code mark is used, the reference ‘packer and/or dispatcher (or equivalent abbreviations)’ has to be indicated in close connection with the code mark.
B. Nature of produce— ‘Plums’, if the contents are not visible from the outside
— name of the variety.
Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown or national, regional or local place name.
D. Commercial specifications— class,
— size (if sized) expressed in minimum and maximum diameter.
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PART 26
STANDARD FOR SWEET PEPPERSI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to sweet peppers of varieties (cultivars) grown from Capsicum annuum L. var. annuum, to be supplied fresh to the consumer, sweet peppers for industrial processing being excluded.
According to their shape a distinction is made for four commercial types:
- elongated sweet peppers (pointed),
- square sweet peppers (blunt),
- square tapering sweet peppers (peg top),
- flat sweet peppers (tomato peppers).
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of the standard is to define the quality requirements for sweet peppers after preparation and packaging.
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the sweet peppers must be:
- intact,
- sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
- clean, practically free of any visible foreign matter,
- fresh in appearance,
- practically free from pests,
- practically free from damage caused by pests,
- well-developed,
- free of damage caused by frost,
- free of unhealed injuries,
- free of sunburn [except for the specifications in Chapter B: Classification, point (ii)],
- with peduncles attached,
- free of abnormal external moisture,
- free of any foreign smell and/or taste.
The development and condition of the sweet peppers must be such as to enable them to:
- withstand transport and handling, and
- arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination.
Sweet peppers are classified in two classes, defined below:
(i) Class I
Sweet peppers in this class must be of good quality. They must be characteristic of the variety and/or commercial
type as regards development, shape and colour with due regard to the degree of ripeness.
They must be:
- firm,
- practically free of blemishes.
The peduncle may be slightly damaged or cut with the calyx intact.
(ii) Class II
This class includes sweet peppers which do not qualify for inclusion in Class I but satisfy the minimum requirements specified above.
The following defects may be allowed provided the peppers retain their essential characteristics as regards the quality, keeping quality
and presentation:
- defects in shape and development,
- sunburn or slight healed injuries, with a limit of 2 cm in length for defects of elongated shape, and 1 cm2 of the total area for other defects,
- slight dry superficial cracks not exceeding an overall cumulative length of 3 cm. They may be less firm without being withered.
The peduncle may be damaged or cut.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
Size is determined by the shoulder diameter (width) of the sweet peppers. In the case of flat sweet peppers
(tomato peppers) the term "width" means the maximum equatorial diameter.
For sized sweet peppers, the difference in diameter between the largest and smallest sweet pepper in the same package may not exceed
20 mm.
The width of sweet peppers may not be less than:
- elongated sweet peppers (pointed): 20 mm.
- square sweet peppers (blunt) and square tapering sweet peppers (peg-top): 40 mm
- flat sweet peppers (tomato peppers): 55 mm
Sizing is not compulsory for Class II, subject to the minimum sizes. The size requirements shall not apply to miniature produce (24).
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size shall be allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements of the class
indicated.
(i) Class I
10 % by number or weight of sweet peppers not satisfying the requirements of the class, but meeting those of
Class II or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that class.
(ii) Class II
10 % by number or weight of sweet peppers satisfying neither the requirements of the class nor the minimum requirements, with the exception of produce affected by rotting or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.
B. Size tolerances(i) Class I
10 % by number or weight of sweet peppers not conforming to the sizes identified within a margin of +- 5 mm including no more than 5 % of sweet peppers below the minimum size laid down.
(ii) Class II
- Sized sweet peppers
10 % by number or weight of sweet peppers not conforming to the sizes identified within a margin of +- 5 mm including no more than
5 % of sweet peppers below the minimum size laid down.
- Unsized sweet peppers
5 % by number or weight of sweet peppers up to 5 mm smaller than the minimum size laid down.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION
24 Miniature product means a variety or cultivar of sweet pepper, obtained by plant breeding and/or special cultivation techniques, excluding sweet peppers of non-miniature varieties which have not fully developed or are of inadequate size. All other requirements of the standard must be met.
A. UniformityThe contents of each package must be uniform and contain only sweet peppers of the same origin, variety or commercial type, quality,
size (if sized) and, in the case of Class I, of appreciably the same degree of ripeness and colouring.
However, a mixture of sweet peppers of different colours is allowed as long as origin, commercial type, quality and size (if sized)
are uniform and there is the same number of sweet peppers of each colour.
For packages of sweet peppers with a maximum weight of 1 kg, uniformity is only required with respect to origin and quality. Where
sweet peppers of different colours are marketed, uniformity of origin is not required. In the case of sized produce, elongated sweet
peppers should be sufficiently uniform in length.
Miniature sweet peppers must be reasonably uniform in size. They may be mixed with other miniature products of a different type and
origin.
The visible part of the contents of the package must be representative of the entire contents.
The sweet peppers must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials, particularly paper or stamps bearing trade specifications is allowed, provided
the printing or labelling has been done with non-toxic ink or glue.
packages must be free of all foreign matter.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars, in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked, and visible from
the outside:
Packer and/or dispatcher: Name and address or officially issued or accepted symbol. However, where a code (symbol) is used, the mention "packer and/or dispatcher" (or an equivalent abbreviation) must be placed close to this code (symbol).
B. Nature of produce- "Sweet peppers" and the colour or colours if the contents are not visible from the outside.
- Commercial type ("elongated", "square blunt", "square tapering", "flat") or name of the
variety if the contents are not visible from the outside.
- Country or, where appropriate, countries of origin and, optionally, district where grown or national, regional or local place name.
D. Commercial specifications- Class
- Size (if sized) expressed as minimum and maximum diameters or the mark "unsized" where appropriate
- Mini peppers, baby peppers, or other appropriate term for miniature produce.
Where several types of miniature produce are mixed in the same package, all products and their respective origins must be mentioned.
- Net weight or number of units (optional).
PART 27
STANDARD FOR TOMATOESI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to tomatoes of the varieties (cultivars) grown from Lycopersicon lycopersicum (L.) Karsten ex Farw./Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. to be supplied fresh to the consumer, tomatoes for industrial processing being excluded.
Tomatoes may be classified in four commercial types:
— ‘round’,
— ‘ribbed’,
— ‘oblong’ or ‘elongated’,
— ‘cherry’ tomatoes (including ‘cocktail’ tomatoes).
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of the standard is to define the quality requirements of tomatoes after preparation and packaging. A. Minimum requirements
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, tomatoes must be:
— intact,
— sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
— clean, practically free of any visible foreign matter,
— fresh in appearance,
— practically free from pests,
— practically free from damage caused by pests,
— free of abnormal external moisture,
— free of any foreign smell and/or taste.
In the case of trusses of tomatoes, the stalks must be fresh, healthy, clean, and free from all leaves and any visible foreign matter.
The development and condition of the tomatoes must be such as to enable them:
— to withstand transport and handling, and
— to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination. B. Classification
Tomatoes are classified in three classes as defined below:
(i) ‘Extra’ Class
Tomatoes in this class must be of superior quality. They must have firm flesh and must be characteristic of the variety as regards
shape, appearance and development.
Their colouring, according to their state of ripeness, must be such as to satisfy the requirements set out in the last subparagraph
of paragraph A above.
They must be free from greenbacks and other defects, with the exception of very slight superficial defects, provided these do not
affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package.
(ii) Class I
Tomatoes in this class must be of good quality. They must be reasonably firm and characteristic of the variety. They must be free
of cracks and visible greenbacks. The following slight defects, however, may be allowed, provided these do not affect the general
appearance of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package:
— a slight defect in shape and development,
— a slight defect in colouring,
— slight skin defects,
— very slight bruises.
Furthermore, ‘ribbed’ tomatoes may show:
— healed cracks not more than 1 cm long,
— no excessive protuberances,
— a small umbilicus, but no suberisation,
— suberisation of the stigma up to 1 cm2,
— fine blossom scar in elongated form (like a seam), but not longer than two thirds of the greatest diameter of the fruit.
(iii) Class II
This class includes tomatoes which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes, but satisfy the minimum requirements specified
above.
They must be reasonably firm (but may be slightly less firm than in Class I) and must not show unhealed cracks. The following defects
may be allowed, provided the tomatoes retain their essential characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping quality and presentation:
— defects in shape, development and colouring,
— skin defects or bruises, provided the fruit is not seriously affected,
— healed cracks not more than 3 cm in length for round, ribbed or oblong tomatoes. Furthermore, ‘ribbed’ tomatoes may show:
— more pronounced protuberances than allowed in Class I, but without being misshapen,
— an umbilicus,
— suberisation of the stigma up to 2 cm2,
— fine blossom scar in elongated form (like a seam).
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
Size is determined by the maximum diameter of the equatorial section. The following provisions shall not apply to ‘cherry’ tomatoes.
A. Minimum size
For tomatoes classified in the ‘Extra’ Class and Classes I and II, the minimum size is set at:
— 35 mm for ‘round’ and ‘ribbed’ tomatoes,
— 30 mm for ‘oblong’ tomatoes. B. Sizing scale
The tomatoes are graded according to the following sizing scale:
— 30 mm and over but under 35 mm(25),
— 35 mm and over but under 40 mm,
— 40 mm and over but under 47 mm,
— 47 mm and over but under 57 mm,
— 57 mm and over but under 67 mm,
— 67 mm and over but under 82 mm,
— 82 mm and over but under 102 mm,
— 102 mm and over.
Observance of the sizing scale is compulsory for ‘Extra’ Class and Class I tomatoes. The sizing scale does not apply to trusses
of tomatoes.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size shall be allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements of the class
indicated.
A. Quality tolerances
25 Only for ‘oblong’ tomatoes.
(i) ‘Extra’ Class
— 5 % by number or weight of tomatoes not satisfying the requirements of the class but meeting those of Class
I or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that class.
(ii) Class I
— 10 % by number or weight of tomatoes not satisfying the requirements of the class but meeting those of
Class II or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that class.
— In the class of trusses of tomatoes, 5 % by number or weight of tomatoes detached from the stalk.
(iii) Class II
— 10 % by number or weight of tomatoes satisfying neither the requirements of the class nor the minimum requirements, with the exception
of produce affected by rotting, marked bruising or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.
— In the case of trusses of tomatoes, 10 % by number or weight of tomatoes detached from the stalk. B. Size tolerances
For all classes: 10 % by number or weight of tomatoes conforming to the size immediately above or below that specified, with a minimum
of 33 mm for ‘round’ and ‘ribbed’ tomatoes and 28 mm for ‘oblong’ tomatoes.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION A. Uniformity
The contents of each package must be uniform and contain only tomatoes of the same origin, variety or commercial type, quality and
size (if sized).
The ripeness and colouring of tomatoes in the ‘Extra’ Class and Class I must be practically uniform. In addition, the length of
‘oblong’ tomatoes must be sufficiently uniform.
The visible part of the contents of the package must be representative of the entire contents. B. Packaging
The tomatoes must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials, particularly paper or stamps, bearing trade specifications is allowed, provided
the printing or labelling has been done with non-toxic ink or glue.
Packages must be free of all foreign matter. C. Presentation
Tomatoes may be presented as follows:
(i) as individual fruits, with or without calyx and short stalk;
(ii) as trusses of tomatoes, i.e. the tomatoes are presented as whole inflorescence or part thereof, each inflorescence
or part thereof comprising at least the following number of fruits:
— three fruits (two fruits in pre-packaging), or
— in the case of trusses of ‘cherry’ tomatoes, six fruits (four fruits in pre-packaging).
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked and visible from
the outside:
A. Identification
Packer and/or dispatcher: Name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, where a code mark is used, the
words ‘packer and/or dispatcher (or an equivalent abbreviation)’ must be indicated in proximity to the code mark.
B. Nature of produce
— ‘tomatoes’ or ‘trusses of tomatoes’ and the commercial type if the contents are not visible from the outside. These details
must always be provided for ‘cherry’ (or ‘cocktail’) tomatoes, whether or not in trusses,
— name of the variety (optional).
C. Origin of produce
— country of origin and, optionally, district where grown, or national, regional or local place name.
D. Commercial specifications
— class
— size expressed as minimum and maximum diameters (if sized) or the word ‘unsized’ where appropriate.
— minimum sugar content, measured by refractometer and expressed in Brix degrees (optional). E. Official control mark (optional)
PART 28
STANDARDS FOR WATERMELONSI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to watermelons of varieties (cultivars) grown from Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. et
Nakai to be supplied fresh to the consumer, watermelons for industrial processing being excluded.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of the standard is to define the quality requirements of watermelons after preparation and packaging.
A. Minimum requirements
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the watermelons must be:
— intact,
— sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
— clean, practically free from any visible foreign matter,
— practically free from pests,
— practically free from damage caused by pests,
— firm and sufficiently ripe; the colour and taste of the flesh should conform to a sufficient state of ripeness,
— not split,
— free from abnormal external moisture,
— free from any foreign smell and/or taste.
The development and condition of the watermelons must be such as to enable them:
— to withstand transport and handling, and
— to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination. B. Classification
The watermelons are classified in two classes defined below:
(i) Class I
Watermelons in this class must be of good quality. They must be:
— well-formed, allowing for the characteristics of the variety,
— free of cracks and bruises; slight superficial cracks are not considered as defects.
A slight defect in colouring is allowed for the paler part of the melon which has been in contact with the ground during the period
of growth.
The stem of the watermelon must not exceed 5 cm in length.
(ii) Class II
This class includes watermelons which do not qualify for inclusion in Class I, but satisfy the minimum requirements specified
above.
The following defects may be allowed provided the watermelons retain their essential characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping
quality, and presentation:
— slight defect in shape,
— slight defect in colouring of the rind,
— slight bruising or superficial defects due in particular to mechanical impact or to damage by parasites or diseases.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
Size is determined by the weight per unit. The minimum weight is fixed at 1,5 kg.
When watermelons are presented in packages, the difference in weight between the lightest and the heaviest unit in the same package
should not exceed 2 kg, or 3,5 kg if the lightest unit exceeds 6 kg.
This relative uniformity of weight is not compulsory for watermelons presented in bulk.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size shall be allowed in each package, or in each lot for produce presented in bulk, for produce
not satisfying the requirements of the class indicated.
A. Quality tolerances
(i) Class I
10 % by number or weight of watermelons not satisfying the requirements of the class, but meeting those of
Class II or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that class.
(ii) Class II
10 % by number or weight of watermelons satisfying neither the requirements of the class nor the minimum requirements, with the exception
of produce affected by rotting, or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.
B. Size tolerances
For all classes: 10 % by number or weight of watermelons not conforming to the size indicated, but no more than 1 kg above or below
the size range specified.
The tolerance may in no case extend to fruit weighing less than 1 kg.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION A. Uniformity
The contents of each package, or lot for produce presented in bulk, must be uniform and contain only watermelons
of the same origin, variety and quality.
The visible part of the contents of the package, or lot for produce presented in bulk, must be representative of the entire contents.
In addition, in Class I, the shape and colour of the rind of the watermelons must be uniform. B. Packaging
The watermelons must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly.
The materials used inside the package, must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials particularly paper or stamps, bearing trade specifications is allowed provided
the printing or labelling has been done with non-toxic ink or glue.
Packages, or lots for produce presented in bulk, must be free from all foreign matter.
Watermelons transported in bulk must be separated from the floor and walls of the vehicles by a suitable protective material, which
must be new and clean and not liable to transfer any abnormal taste or smell to the fruit.
C. Presentation
The watermelons may be presented:
— in packages,
— in bulk.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked, and visible from
the outside.
For watermelons transported in bulk (direct loading into a transport vehicle) these particulars must appear on a document accompanying
the goods, and attached in a visible position inside the transport vehicle.
For this type of presentation the indication of the size, the net weight or the number of units is not compulsory. A. Identification
Packer and/or dispatcher: name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, in the case where a code mark is used,
the reference ‘Packer' and/or ‘Dispatcher' (or equivalent abbreviations) have to be indicated in close connection with
the code mark.
B. Nature of produce
— ‘Watermelons', if the contents are not visible from the outside. C. Origin of produce
— Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown or national, regional or local place name. D. Commercial specifications
— class,
— size (if sized) expressed in minimum and maximum weight,
— net weight or number of units.
E. Official control mark (optional)
PART 29
PEACHES AND NECTARINESI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to peaches and nectarines(26) grown from varieties (cultivars) of Prunus persica Sieb. and
Zucc., to be supplied fresh to the consumer, peaches and nectarines for industrial processing being excluded. II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of the standard is to define the quality requirements for peaches and nectarines after preparation and packaging.
A. Minimum requirementsIn all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, peaches and nectarines must be:
- intact,
- sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
- clean, practically free of any visible foreign matter,
- practically free from pests,
- practically free from damage caused by pests,
- free of abnormal external moisture,
- free of any foreign smell and/or taste.
Peaches and nectarines must have been carefully picked.
The development and state of ripeness of peaches and nectarines must be such as to enable them:
- to withstand transport and handling, and
- to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination.
Peaches and nectarines are classified into three classes as defined below:
(i) "Extra" class
Peaches and nectarines in this class must be of a superior quality. In shape, development and colouring they must be typical of the variety allowing for the district in which they are grown. They must be free from defects with the exception of very slight superficial defects, provided that these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, its quality, keeping quality and presentation in the package.
(ii) Class I
Peaches and nectarines in this class must be of good quality. They must be characteristic of the variety, allowing for the district
in which they are grown. However, a slight defect in shape, development or colouring may be allowed.
The flesh must be perfectly sound.
Peaches and nectarines split where the stem is joined to the fruit are excluded.
Slight skin defects, however, may be allowed provided these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality, the
keeping quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package and do not exceed:
- 1 cm in length for defects of elongated shape,
- 0.5 cm2 in total area for other defects.
26 This text applies to all varieties grown from Prunus persica Sieb. and Zucc., being peaches or nectarines or similar with attached (clingstones) or unattached stone and smooth or rough skin.
(iii) Class II
This class includes peaches and nectarines which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes, but which satisfy the minimum
requirements specified above.
The flesh should not show any serious defects. Fruits split where the stem is joined to the fruit are allowed only in connection with
quality tolerances.
The following skin defects may be allowed provided the peaches and nectarines retain their essential characteristics
as regards the quality, the keeping quality and presentation and do not exceed:
- 2 cm in length for defects of elongated shape,
- 1.5 cm2 in total area for other defects.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING Size is determined by:
- circumference, or
- maximum diameter of the equatorial section.
Peaches and nectarines must be graded according to the following scale:
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The minimum size allowed for the "Extra" class is 17,5 cm (circumference) or 56 mm (diameter). Size D (51
mm and over but under 56 mm in diameter or 16 cm and over but under 17,5 cm in circumference) is not allowed in the period from 1
July to 31 October.
Sizing is compulsory for all classes.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size shall be allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements for the class
indicated.
(i) "Extra" class
5 % by number or weight of peaches or nectarines not satisfying the requirements of the class, but meeting those of class I or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that class.
(ii) Class I
10 % by number or weight of peaches or nectarines not satisfying the requirements of the class, but meeting those of class II or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances for that class.
(iii) Class II
10 % by number or weight of peaches or nectarines satisfying neither the requirements of the class nor the minimum requirements, with the exception of fruit affected by rotting, marked bruising or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.
B. Size tolerancesFor all classes, 10 % by number or weight of peaches or nectarines up to 1 cm more or less than the size stated on the package in
the case of sizing by circumference and up to 3 mm more or less in the case of sizing by diameter. However, for fruit in the smallest
size, this tolerance shall apply only to peaches or nectarines of a size smaller by not more than 6 mm (circumference) or 2 mm (diameter)
than the specified minimum size.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION
The contents of each package must be uniform and contain only peaches or nectarines of the same origin, variety, quality, degree of
ripeness and size, and for the "Extra" class, the contents must also be uniform in colour.
The visible part of the contents of each package must be representative of the entire contents.
The peaches or nectarines must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials, particularly of paper or stamps bearing trade specifications is allowed provided the printing
or labelling has been done with non-toxic ink or glue.
Packages must be free of all foreign matter.
The peaches and nectarines may be presented:
- in small unit packages,
- in a single layer, in the case of "Extra" class; each individual fruit in this class must be separated from its neighbours.
In classes I and II:
- in one or two layers, or
- in no more than four layers when the fruit is placed in rigid pockets so arranged that they do not rest on the fruit in the layer
immediately below.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked and visible from
the outside:
"Packer and/or dispatcher": name and address or officially issued or accepted code. However, in the case where a code mark is used, the reference "packer and/or dispatcher" (or equivalent abbreviations) has to be indicated in close connection with the code mark.
B. Nature of produce- "peaches" or "nectarines", if the contents are not visible from the outside,
- name of the variety for classes "Extra" and I.
Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown, or national, regional or local place name.
D. Commercial specifications- class,
- size expressed in minimum and maximum diameters or minimum and maximum circumference or according to the coding set out in Section
III "Provisions concerning sizing",
- number of units (optional),
- minimum sugar content, measured by refractometer and expressed in Brix degrees (optional),
- maximum firmness, measured by penetrometer and expressed in kg/0,5 cm2 (optional),
PART 30
QUALITY STANDARD FOR AUBERGINESI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to aubergines, fruit of the varieties (cultivars) grown from Solanum melongena L. var. esculentum, insanum and ovigerum, to be supplied fresh to the consumer, aubergines for industrial processing being excluded.
According to their shape, a distinction is made between:
— elongated aubergines,
— globus aubergines.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of the standard is to define the quality requirements of aubergines after preparation and packaging. A. Minimum requirements
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the aubergines must be:
— whole,
— fresh in appearance,
— firm,
— sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
— clean, practically free of any visible foreign matter,
— provided with calyx and peduncle which may be slightly damaged,
— sufficiently developed, without their flesh being fibrous or woody and without over development of seeds,
— free of abnormal external moisture,
— free of any foreign smell and/or taste.
The development and condition of the aubergines must be such as to enable them:
— to withstand transport and handling, and
— to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination. B. Classification
Aubergines are classified into two classes defined below:
(i) Class I
Aubergines in this class must be of good quality and must possess the characteristics of the variety. They must also be practically
free from sunburn. They may, however, show the following slight defects provided that these do not impair the general appearance,
quality, conservation or presentation of the produce:
— slight defect of shape,
— slight discolouration at the base,
— slight bruising and/or slight healed cracks provided that they do not cover more than 3 cm2.
(ii) Class II
This class comprises aubergines which do not qualify for inclusion in Class I, but satisfy the minimum requirements specified above.
Provided they retain their essential characteristics of quality and presentation, they may show the following defects:
— defects of shape,
— defects of colouring,
— slight sun-scorched provided it does not cover more than 4 cm2,
— slight dry superficial defects provided that they do not cover more than 4 cm2.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING The sizing of aubergines is determined:
— either by the maximum diameter of the equatorial section on the longitudinal axis,
— or by eight.
A. For sizing by diameter, the minimum diameter is fixed at 40 mm for elongated aubergines and 70 mm for globus aubergines.
The difference between the smallest and largest aubergines in the same package must not exceed:
— 20 mm for elongated aubergines,
— 25 mm for globus aubergines.
B. For sizing by weight, the minimum weight is fixed at 100 grams. The following scale must be complied with:
— 100 to 300 grams with a maximum difference of 75 grams between the smallest and largest aubergines in the same package,
— 300 to 500 grams with a maximum difference of 100 grams between the smallest and largest aubergines in the same package,
— above 500 grams with a maximum difference of 250 grams between the smallest and largest aubergines in the same package.
Compliance with the sizing scale is compulsory for Class I. In addition, elongated aubergines must have a minimum length, excluding
peduncle, of 80 mm.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size are allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements
of the class indicated.
A. Quality tolerances
(i) Class I
10 % by number or weight of aubergines not satisfying the requirements for the class, but meeting those for
Class II or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances for that class.
(ii) Class II
10 % by number or weight of aubergines satisfying neither the requirements for the class nor the minimum requirements, with the exception
of produce affected by rotting, marked bruising, unhealed cracks or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.
B. Size tolerances
(i) Class I
10 % by number or weight of aubergines conforming to the size immediately below or above that specified on the package.
(ii) Class II
10 % by number or weight of aubergines not conforming to the minimum size.
In any case, the tolerance is not applicable to aubergines the diameter of which is more than 5 mm below the minimum diameter or,
in the case of sizing weight, to aubergines weighing less than 90 grams.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION A. Uniformity
The contents of each package should be uniform and contain only aubergines of the same origin, commercial type, quality and size (where
sizing is compulsory) and appreciably the same degree of development and colouring.
Elongated aubergines packed in the same package must be sufficiently uniform as regards length. The visible part of the contents of
each package must be representative of the entire contents.
B. Packaging
The aubergines must be packed in such a way as to ensure proper protection of the produce.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials, and particularly of paper or stamps, bearing trade specifications is allowed, provided that
the printing or labelling has been done with a non-toxic ink or glue. The packages must be free from all foreign matter.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars, in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked and visible from
the outside:
A. Identification
Packer and/or Dispatcher: Name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, in the case where a code mark is used,
the reference ‘packer and/or dispatcher (or equivalent abbreviations)’ has to be indicated in close connection with the code
mark.
B. Nature of produce
— ‘aubergines’, if the contents are not visible from the outside,
— name of variety (optional). C. Origin of produce
— country of origin and, optionally, district where grown or national, regional or local place name. D. Commercial specifications
— class,
— size (where applicable) expressed:
— either by maximum and minimum diameters, when sizing is by diameter,
— or by maximum and minimum weights, when sizing is by weight. E. Official control mark (optional)
PART 31
QUALITY STANDARD FOR COURGETTESI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to courgettes, harvested young and tender, before their seeds have become firm, of varieties (cultivars) grown
from Cucurbita pepo L. (27), to be supplied fresh to the consumer, courgettes for industrial processing being excluded.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of this standard is to define the quality requirements for courgettes after preparation and packaging.
A. Minimum requirements:
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the courgettes must be:
— intact, including a stalk which may be slightly damaged,
— of fresh appearance,
— firm,
— sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
— free from damage caused by insects or other parasites,
— free of cavities,
— free of splits,
— clean, practically free of any visible foreign matter,
— sufficiently developed without over-development of seeds,
— free of abnormal external moisture,
— free of any foreign smell and/or taste.
The development and condition of the courgettes must be such as to enable them:
— to withstand transport and handling, and
— to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination. B. Classification
Courgettes are classified into two classes defined below:
(i) Class I
Courgettes in this class must be of good quality and must possess the characteristics of the variety. They may, however, show the
following defects provided that these do not impair the appearance, quality, conservation and presentation of the produce:
— slight defects of shape,
— slight defects of colouring,
— slight healed cracks of the skin.
The courgettes must include a stalk of a maximum length of 3 cm.
(ii) Class II
This class comprises courgettes which do not qualify for inclusion in Class I but satisfy the minimum requirements
specified above.
Provided that they retain their essential characteristics of quality and presentation, they may show the following defects:
— defects of shape,
— defects of colouring,
— slight sun-scorched,
27 Courgettes having markedly developed seeds, also called ‘marrows’, are not covered by this standard.
— healed cracks of the skin, provided that these do not impair conservation.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING The sizing of courgettes is determined:
— either by length,
— or by weight.
(a) For sizing by length, this is measured between the junction of the stalk and the end of the fruit, according to the following
scale:
— 7 cm to 14 cm inclusive,
— 14 cm (exclusive) to 21 cm (inclusive),
— 21 cm (exclusive) to 30 cm.
(b) For sizing by weight, the following scale must be respected:
— 50 g to 100 g (inclusive),
— 100 g (exclusive) to 225 g (inclusive),
— 225 g (exclusive) to 450 g.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size are allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements
of the class indicated.
A. Quality tolerances
(i) Class I
10 % by number or weight of courgettes not satisfying the requirements of the class but meeting the requirements
for Class II, or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances for that class.
(ii) Class II
10 % by number or weight of courgettes satisfying neither the requirements for the class nor the minimum requirements, with the exception
of produce affected by rotting, marked bruising, unhealed cracks or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.
B. Size tolerances
(i) Classes I and II
10 % by number or weight of courgettes conforming to the size immediately below or above that specified on the package. However, this
tolerance is applicable only to produce which differs by not more than 10 % from the size or weight limits specified.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION A. Uniformity
The contents of each package must be uniform and contain only courgettes of the same origin, quality and size
(where sizing is compulsory) and appreciably the same degree of development and colouring. The visible part of the contents of each
package must be representative of the entire contents.
B. Packaging
The courgettes must be packed in such a way as to ensure proper protection of the produce.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials and particularly of paper or stamps bearing trade specifications is allowed provided that the
printing or labelling has been done with a non-toxic ink or glue.
The package must be free of all foreign matter.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked and visible from
the outside :
A. Identification
Packer and/or Dispatcher: Name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. However, in the case where a code mark is used,
the reference ‘packer and/or dispatcher (or equivalent abbreviations)’ has to be indicated in close connection with the code
mark.
B. Nature of produce
— ‘courgettes’ if the contents are not visible from the outside. C. Origin of produce
Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown, or national, regional or local place name. D. Commercial specifications
— class,
— size (where applicable) expressed:
— either by maximum and minimum measurements, where sizing is by length
— or by maximum and minimum weights, when sizing is by weight. E. Official control mark (optional).
PART 32
QUALITY STANDARDS FOR WITLOOF CHICORYI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to chicory, i.e. chicory sprouts forced from the roots of varieties (cultivars) of ‘witloof chicory’ derived
from Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum HEGI, intended for supply fresh to the consumer, witloof chicory for industrial processing being excluded.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of this standard is to define the quality requirements for witloof chicory after preparation and packaging.
A. Minimum requirements
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the chicory must be:
— intact,
— sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
— free from reddish discoloration, frost-nip or traces of bruising,
— free from damage caused by rodents or disease,
— free from damage caused by insects or other parasites,
— free from incipient flower spike more than three quarters of their length,
— clean, in particular having no earth-soiled leaves and practically free of any visible foreign matter,
— pale, i.e. white to yellowish — white in colour,
— cut or broken off cleanly at the neck,
— fresh in appearance,
— free of abnormal external moisture,
— free of any foreign smell and/or taste.
The development and condition of the chicory must be such as to enable them:
— to withstand transport and handling, and
— to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination. B. Classification
The chicory is classified into four classes defined below:
(i) ‘Extra’ class:
Chicory in this class must be of superior quality. It must, in particular:
— be well-formed,
— be firm,
— have close heads, i.e. heads with a sharp, well-closed tip,
— have outer leaves of at least three quarters of the length of the chicory,
— not be greenish or glassy-looking.
(ii) Class I:
Chicory in this class must be of good quality. It must, in particular:
— be reasonably firm,
— have outer leaves of at least half the length of the chicory,
— not be greenish or glassy-looking.
It may be less regular in shape, and the tips, without the diameter of the opening exceeding the chicory’s maximum diameter by more
than one-fifth, may be less tight and close than for the ’Extra’ class.
(iii) Class II:
This class includes chicory which does not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes, but satisfies the minimum requirements specified
above.
It may, however, have the following defects:
— be of a slightly irregular shape,
— greenish at the tips of the leaves,
— be slightly open at the tip (the diameter of the opening may not exceed the chicory’s maximum diameter by more than one-third.
In addition this class may include chicory of irregular form provided it is presented separately in homogeneous packages and fulfils
all the other requirements laid down for the class.
(iv) Class III:
This class includes chicory which does not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes, but satisfies the requirements
defined for class II.
It may, however, have the following defects:
— be of an irregular shape,
— be greenish at the tips of the leaves,
— show slight traces of reddish discoloration on outer leaves.
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
Sizing is determined firstly by the diameter of the widest section at right angles to the longitudinal axis, and secondly by length.
For each class, the sizes are fixed as follows:
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Within any one package:
(i) the maximum permissible difference in length between the chicory sprouts is 5 cm for the ‘Extra’ class, 8 cm for class I and
10 cm for classes II and III;
(ii) the maximum permissible difference in diameter between the chicory sprouts is 2,5 cm for the ‘Extra’ class,
4 cm for class I and 5 cm for class II. No limit is fixed for chicory in class III.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size are allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements
for its class.
A. Quality tolerances
(i) ‘Extra’ class:
5 % by number or weight of chicory sprouts not satisfying the requirements of this class but meeting the requirements of class I or,
exceptionally, coming within the tolerances for that class.
(ii) Class I:
10 % by number or weight of chicory sprouts not satisfying the requirements of this class but meeting the requirements of class II,
or exceptionally coming within the tolerances for that class.
(iii) Class II:
10 % by number or weight of chicory sprouts satisfying neither the requirements of this class nor the minimum requirements, with the
exception of produce affected by rotting or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.
(iv) Class III:
15 % by number or weight of chicory sprouts satisfying neither the requirements of this class nor the minimum requirements, with the
exception of produce affected by rotting or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.
B. Size tolerances
For all classes: 10 % by number or weight of chicory sprouts whose length and diameter are no more than 1 cm above or below the measurements
for size-grades given in section III. No tolerances are allowed, however, in respect of the minimum diameter.
V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION A. Uniformity
The contents of each package must be uniform and comprise only chicory of the same origin, variety, quality and size.
Uniformity may be limited to origin and size for chicory in class III.
The visible part of the contents of each package must be representative of the entire contents. B. Presentation
Chicory graded as ‘Extra’ and as classes I and II must be put up:
— either evenly in layers,
— or in small packages.
Chicory in class II of irregular shape and chicory in class III must be put in packages weighing 7 kilogrammes or more.
C. Packaging
The chicory must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly.
If it is presented in wooden cases, it must be separated from all the sides of the case by protective material.
The materials used inside the package must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage
to the produce. The use of materials and particularly of paper or stamps bearing trade specifications is allowed, provided that the
printing or labelling has been done with a non-toxic ink or glue. Packages must be free from any foreign matter.
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked, and visible from
the outside:
A. Identification
Packer and/or Dispatcher
.
.
.
Name and address or officially issued or accepted code mark. B. Nature of produce
Witloof or ‘witloof chicory’ if the contents are not visible from the outside. C. Origin of produce
Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown, or national, regional or local place name. D. Commercial specifications
— class and, in the case of class II, the words ‘’irregular shape’, where applicable, and optionally an equivalent national
description.
— maximum and minimum length for chicory in classes II and III ranging between 6 and 12 cm in length only. E. Official control mark (optional)
PART 33
QUALITY STANDARDS FOR ARTICHOKESI. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to artichoke heads of varieties (cultivars) grown from Cynara scolymus L. to be supplied fresh to the consumer, artichokes for industrial processing being excluded.
II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
The purpose of the standard is to define the quality requirements of artichokes after preparation and packaging.
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the artichokes must be:
- intact,
- sound; produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption is excluded,
- clean, practically free of any visible foreign matter,
- fresh in appearance, and in particular showing no sign of withering,
- practically free from pests,
- practically free from damage caused by pests,
- free of abnormal external moisture,
- free of any foreign smell and/or taste.
The stems must be cut off cleanly and must not be longer than 10 cm. (This latter provision is not applicable to artichokes packed
in bunches, that is made up of a certain number of heads fastened together around the stems, or to artichokes of the variety 'Spinoso`).
The development and condition of the artichokes must be such as to enable them:
- to withstand transport and handling, and
- to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination.
Artichokes are classified in three classes defined below:
(i) 'Extra` Class
Artichokes in this class must be of superior quality. They must be characteristic of the variety and/or commercial
type. The central bracts must be well closed, in accordance with the variety.
They must be free from defects with the exception of very slight superficial defects of the skin of the bracts provided these do not
affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package.
The ducts in the base must show no incipient woodiness.
(ii) Class I
Artichokes in this class must be of good quality. They must be characteristic of the variety and/or commercial type. The central bracts
must be well closed, in accordance with the variety.
The following slight defects, however, may be allowed provided these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality,
the keeping quality and presentation in the package:
- slight defect in shape,
- slight deterioration due to frost (cracks),
- very slight bruising.
The ducts in the base must show no incipient woodiness.
(iii) Class II
This class includes artichokes which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes but satisfy the minimum requirements specified
above. They may be slightly open.
The following defects may be allowed provided the artichokes retain their essential characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping
quality and presentation:
- defects in shape,
- deterioration due to frost ('nipped` artichokes),
- slight bruising,
- slight staining on the outer bracts,
- incipient woodiness of the ducts in the base. III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
Size is determined by the maximum diameter of the equatorial section of the head. The minimum diameter is fixed at 6 cm.
The scale given below is compulsory for the 'Extra` Class and Class I and optional for Class II:
- diameter of 13 cm and over,
- diameter from 11 cm up to but excluding 13 cm,
- diameter from 9 cm up to but excluding 11 cm,
- diameter from 7,5 cm up to but excluding 9 cm,
- diameter from 6 cm up to but excluding 7,5 cm.
In addition, a diameter from 3,5 cm up to but excluding 6 cm is allowed for artichokes of the 'Poivrade` type and the 'Bouquet`
type.
IV. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect of quality and size shall be allowed in each package for produce not satisfying the requirements of the class
indicated.
(i) 'Extra` Class
Five per cent by number of artichokes not satisfying the requirements of the class, but meeting those of Class I
or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that class.
(ii) Class I
Ten per cent by number of artichokes not satisfying the requirements of the class, but meeting those of Class II
or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that class.
(iii) Class II
Ten per cent by number of artichokes satisfying neither the requirements of the class nor the minimum requirements, with the exception of produce affected by rotting or any other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.
B. Size tolerancesFor all classes: 10 % by number of artichokes not satisfying the requirements as regards sizing and the size indicated, but conforming
to the size immediately above and/or below that specified, with a minimum of 5 cm in diameter for artichokes classified in the smallest
size (6 to 7,5 cm).
No size tolerance is allowed for artichokes of the 'Poivrade` type or 'Bouquet` type. V. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION
The contents of each package must be uniform and contain only artichokes of the same origin, variety or commercial type, quality and
size (if sized).
The visible part of the contents of the package must be representative of the entire contents.
The artichokes must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly. The materials used inside the package must be new,
clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage to the produce. The use of materials, particularly
of paper or stamps bearing trade specifications is allowed provided the printing or labelling has been done with non-toxic ink or
glue.
Packages must be free of all foreign matter.
]
VI. PROVISIONS CONCERNING MARKING
Each package must bear the following particulars, in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked, and visible from
the outside:
Packer and/or Dispatcher: Name and address of officially issued or accepted code mark. However, in the case where a code mark is used, the reference 'packer and/or dispatcher (or equivalent abbreviations)` has to be indicated in close connection with the code mark.
B. Nature of produce- 'Artichokes`, if the contents are not visible from the outside
- Name of the variety for the 'Extra` Class
- 'Poivrade` or 'Bouquet`, where appropriate
- 'Spinoso`, where appropriate
Country of origin and, optionally, district where grown, or national, regional or local place name.
D. Commercial specifications- Class
- Number of heads
- Size (if sized) expressed in minimum and maximum diameters of the heads
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