Quality requirements for fresh melons in Vietnam according to TCVN 12356:2018

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1. Quality requirements for fresh melons in Vietnam according to TCVN 12356:2018

Section 2 of TCVN 12356:2018 stipulates quality requirements for fresh melons as follows:

(1) Minimum requirements:

In all classes, depending on the specific requirements for each class and the allowable tolerances, fresh fruit and melons must:

- Intact;

- Sure;

- In good condition, not crushed or damaged to the point of being unfit for use;

- Clean, with almost no foreign impurities visible to the naked eye;

- Virtually free from mechanical and/or physiological damage;

- Almost free of harmful organisms and damage that affects the product's appearance;

- Not having any strange smell and/or taste;

- Fresh, with the color and smell characteristic of the variety.

The fruit stem should not exceed 5 cm in length, if at all.

(1.1) Fresh melons must be harvested when they reach appropriate maturity, in accordance with the criteria of the variety and growing region.

Ripeness and condition of fresh melons must be:

- Withstands transportation and loading; and

- Arrive at the destination in good condition.

(1.2) Maturity requirements

Total dissolved solids content is not less than 8%.

(2) Classification

Fresh melons are classified into three classes, as follows:

(2.1) “Special” class

Fresh melons falling in this class must be of the highest quality, characteristic of the variety and/or commercial grade, and in good shape, practically free from defects; as long as it does not affect the appearance, quality, maintenance, or presentation of the product in the packaging.

(2.2) Class I

Fresh melons in this class must be of good quality, specific to the variety, and/or commercial grade. However, the following defects are allowed as long as they do not affect the appearance, quality, maintenance of quality, or presentation of the product in the packaging:

+ Slight defects in shape and color;

+ Minor defects such as scratches. The total affected area does not exceed 10% of the total surface area;

In any case, defects should not affect the flesh.

(2.2) Class II

Fresh melons in this class do not meet the requirements in higher classes, but must meet the minimum requirements specified in 2.1. The following defects in fresh melons may be allowed as long as the basic characteristics of quality, keeping quality and presentation of the product are maintained:

+ Defects in shape and color;

+ Disabilities such as scratches. The total affected area does not exceed 15% of the total surface area. In any case, defects should not affect the flesh.

2. Requirements for the presentation of fresh fruit and melon products in Vietnam

Section 5 of TCVN 12356:2018 requires the presentation of fresh fruit and melon products as follows:

- Levelness

The amount of fresh melons contained in each package (or batch of loose products) must be uniform and include only fruits of the same variety, origin, quality, and size. The visible portion of the product in the package (or batch of product in bulk) must be representative of the entire package.

- Packaging

Fresh melons must be packaged to properly protect the product. The materials used inside the packaging must be clean and of good quality to avoid any risk of internal or external damage to the product. The use of paper or stamp materials related to commercial requirements is permitted, provided that the printing or labeling uses non-toxic inks or adhesives.

Fresh melons and fruits should be packaged in each container in accordance with TCVN 9770 (CAC/RCP 44) Code of practice for packaging and transporting fresh fruits and vegetables.

- Regulations on the package

Packaging must ensure quality, hygiene, ventilation, and durability and be suitable for loading, unloading, transporting, and preserving fresh fruits and melons. The packaging (or batch of loose products) must be free of impurities and strange odors.

Best regards!

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