Overview
ISO 19610:2017 specifies general requirements for the industrial manufacturing process of red ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer). It covers the full processing chain - from fresh ginseng harvested after 4–6 years of cultivation through washing, steaming, drying and packaging - to ensure product quality and consumer safety. The standard is produced by ISO/TC 249 (Traditional Chinese medicine) and is intended for manufacturers and stakeholders in the red ginseng supply chain.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Starting material
- Fresh ginseng cultivated for four to six years is defined as the starting material.
- Control of pesticide residues and heavy metals in accordance with applicable domestic and international regulations (see ISO 18664:2015 for heavy metal guidance).
- Factory environment
- Facilities shall be designed to reduce contamination risk during processing.
- Machines and equipment
- Equipment in contact with ginseng must be appropriately designed and maintained.
- Critical equipment functions include:
- Washing machines: adequate spray pressure and full-surface cleaning without damaging roots.
- Steaming machines: generation of saturated steam, temperature control and even steam distribution.
- Drying machines: controlled temperature and humidity with uniform air flow.
- Packaging machines: hygienic packaging compatible with ISO 14159 (hygiene requirements for machinery).
- Process controls
- Washing: use drinking-quality water meeting WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality; tumblers or low-damage conveyor washers recommended; visual rewash if necessary.
- Steaming: key to starch gelatinization (note: gelatinization observed between ~61 °C and 88 °C for purified starch - higher temperatures may be needed for whole ginseng); steaming conditions should be adjusted based on root diameter (size classification).
- Drying: hot-air or sunlight drying until appropriate moisture content is achieved to improve storage stability.
- Packaging and labelling
- Appropriate packaging to protect product quality, with clear labelling including expiration date, lot number and other traceability data.
Applications and Who Uses It
ISO 19610:2017 is practical for:
- Red ginseng manufacturers implementing standardized industrial processes and good manufacturing practices (GMP).
- Quality managers and production engineers designing washing, steaming and drying lines.
- Equipment designers and suppliers specifying machinery performance (cleanability, temperature/humidity control, hygiene).
- Regulators, auditors and importers assessing compliance with hygienic processing and labelling/traceability requirements.
- Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) product developers ensuring consistent product quality from Panax ginseng.
Related Standards
- ISO 14159 - Safety of machinery: hygiene requirements for machine design (referenced for equipment).
- WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality - used for washing water quality.
- ISO 18664:2015 - referenced for heavy metal information (see notes in ISO 19610).
Keywords: ISO 19610:2017, red ginseng, Panax ginseng, industrial manufacturing, Traditional Chinese Medicine, washing, steaming, drying, packaging, quality control, ISO 14159, WHO drinking water.