Overview
ISO 7908:1991 is an international standard that specifies the quality requirements and testing methods for dried sweet cherries (Prunus avium Linnaeus) intended for human consumption. Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this standard ensures that dried sweet cherries meet consistent criteria for grading, moisture content, freedom from defects, and packaging. The document provides classifications to guarantee product safety, quality, and consumer satisfaction across global markets.
Key Topics
Grading and Classification
- Dried sweet cherries are graded based on the number of fruits per 100 g and other quality criteria including pest infestation, spoilage, and extraneous matter.
- Three grades (Extra, I, II) are defined with limits on defective fruits, foreign matter, and moisture content.
- Different coloured cherries, including natural variations in ripeness and variety (yellow, red, dark red), have specific allowable proportions in each grade.
Quality Requirements
- The cherries must be sound, clean, and whole without damage from pests, mould, fermentation, or rot.
- Odour and taste should be characteristic of the variety and free from foreign odours like rancidity or mustiness.
- The dried fruits shall be practically free of living or dead insects, insect fragments, rodent contamination, and foreign matter visible to the naked eye.
Moisture Content
- A maximum moisture content of 25% (m/m) is set to ensure product stability, prevent microbial growth, and maintain shelf life.
Testing Methods
- Visual inspection and physical separation are used to determine proportions of different coloured fruits, pest-infested, spoiled cherries, and extraneous matter.
- Moisture content is measured by oven drying at 70 °C under reduced pressure with standardized equipment and procedures for accuracy and repeatability.
- Test reports must include the methods and results, ensuring transparency and traceability.
Packaging and Marking
- Packaging material must be clean and inert to protect product quality; wooden boxes require internal lining with suitable paper.
- Consumer packages typically contain 0.5 kg to 2 kg net weights but can be customized.
- Boxes should not exceed 50 kg net mass.
- Labeling requirements include product name, manufacturer details, batch number, grade, producing country, and optionally, the year of harvest and pack date.
- Reference to the ISO 7908 standard on labeling promotes product authenticity and compliance.
Applications
ISO 7908:1991 serves multiple stakeholders in the dried fruit supply chain:
- Producers and packers can ensure consistent product quality that meets international buyers’ expectations.
- Importers and distributors gain confidence in product integrity through standardized grading and testing, facilitating trade and reducing disputes.
- Retailers and consumers benefit from clear labeling and assured product safety and quality.
- Quality control laboratories can apply the standardized test methods to verify conformity and monitor production processes.
- The standard supports compliance with food safety regulations and helps optimize shelf life and storage conditions for dried sweet cherries.
Related Standards
ISO 7908 complements other agricultural and food product standards under ISO/TC 34, such as:
- ISO standards for dried fruits and nuts specifications
- Food safety management standards (e.g., ISO 22000)
- Packaging and labeling standards relevant to food products
- Standards covering testing methods for moisture, contaminants, and microbiological safety
Implementing ISO 7908 within these frameworks promotes harmonized quality assurance and facilitates international trade of dried sweet cherries.
Keywords: ISO 7908, dried sweet cherries, Prunus avium, dried fruit standards, grading, moisture content, pest infestation, spoilage, food packaging, quality testing, international standard, food safety, agricultural products.