Commission Regulation (EC) No 1580/2007 (repealed)Show full title

[F1 II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY U.K.

The purpose of the standard is to define the quality requirements for table grapes after preparation and packaging.

A. Minimum requirements U.K.

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 juice of the berries shall have a refractometric index of at least:

• 12° Brix for the Alphonse Lavallée, Cardinal and Victoria varieties,

• 13° Brix for all other seeded varieties,

• 14° Brix for all seedless varieties.

In addition, all varieties must have satisfactory sugar/acidity ratio levels.

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 U.K.

The table grapes are classified into three classes defined below:

i) ‘Extra’ class U.K.

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 U.K.

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 U.K.

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.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Substituted by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1221/2008 of 5 December 2008 amending Regulation (EC) No 1580/2007 laying down implementing rules of Council Regulations (EC) No 2200/96, (EC) No 2201/96 and (EC) No 1182/2007 in the fruit and vegetable sector as regards marketing standards.