Cherries - marketing standard |
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I. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE This standard applies to cherries, of varieties (cultivars) derived from Prunus avium L., Prunus cerasus L., or hybrids thereof, to be supplied fresh to the consumer, cherries for industrial processing being excluded.
The purpose of this standard is to define the quality requirements for cherries, after preparation and packaging.
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the cherries must be:
The cherries must be carefully picked. They must be sufficiently developed and display satisfactory ripeness. The development and the condition must be such as to enable them:
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 typical colouring of the variety. They must be free from defects with the exception of very slight superficial skin 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 Cherries 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:
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 satisfy the minimum requirements specified above. The following defects may be allowed provided the cherries retain their essential characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping quality and presentation:
III. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING Size is determined by the maximum diameter of the equatorial section. Cherries must have the following minimum sizes:
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 of that class, with the exception of overripe 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 of that class. Within this tolerance, not more than 4 % may consist of split and/or worm-eaten fruit. In addition to this, 10 % of cherries without stem are allowed provided that the skin is not damaged and there is no severe leakage of juice. (iii) Class II 10 % by number or weight of cherries 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, 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 overripe fruit. In addition to this, 20 % of cherries without stem are allowed provided that the skin is not damaged and there is no severe leakage of juice. B. Size tolerances For all classes: 10 % by number or weight of cherries not conforming to the minimum size specified, provided, however, that the diameter is not less than:
A. Uniformity The contents of each package must be uniform and contain only 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 the package must be representative of the entire contents. Notwithstanding the preceding provisions in this point, products covered by this Regulation may be mixed, in sales packages of a net weight of three kilograms or less, with different types of fresh fruit and vegetables on the conditions laid down by Commission Regulation (EC) No 48/2003(2). B. Packaging The cherries 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 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
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) (1) Missing stems are allowed provided the skin is not damaged and there is no severe leakage of juice in the case of sour cherries and cherries of the type "Picota" or equivalent denominations, which naturally lose the stem at harvest. (2) OJ L 7, 11.1.2003, p. 65.
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