CODEX STAN 205-1997 Standard for Bananas
1. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This Standard applies to commercial varieties of bananas grown from Musa spp. (AAA), of the Musaceae family, in the green state, to be supplied fresh to the consumer, after preparation and packaging. Bananas intended for cooking only (plantains) or for industrial processing are excluded. Varieties covered by this Standard are included in the Annex.
2. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
2.1 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the bananas must be:
- whole (taking the finger as the reference);
- 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 of pests affecting the general appearance of the produce;
- practically free of damage caused by pests;
- free of abnormal external moisture, excluding condensation following removal from cold storage, and bananas packed under modified atmosphere conditions;
- free of any foreign smell and/or taste;
- firm;
- free of damage caused by low temperatures;
- practically free of bruises;
- free of malformation or abnormal curvature of the fingers;
- with pistils removed;
- with the stalk intact, without bending, fungal damage or dessication
