CODEX STAN 143-1985 Standard for Dates
1. SCOPE
This standard applies to commercially prepared whole dates in pitted or un-pitted styles packed ready for direct consumption. It does not apply to other forms such as pieces or mashed dates or dates intended for industrial purposes.
2. DESCRIPTION
2.1 Product Definition
Dates are the product prepared from sound fruit of the date tree (Phoenix dactylifera L.),which fruit:
(a) is harvested at the appropriate stage of maturity;
(b) is sorted and cleaned to remove defective fruit and extraneous material;
(c) may be pitted and capped;
(d) may be dried or hydrated to adjust moisture content;
(e) may be washed and/or pasteurized; and
(f) is packaged in suitable containers to assure preservation and protection of the
product.
2.2 Varietal Types
Varietal types are classified as:
(a) Cane sugar varieties (containing mainly sucrose) such as Daglat Nuur (Deglet
Noor) and Daglat Beidha (Deglet Beidha).
(b) Invert Sugar varieties (containing mainly invert sugar - glucose, and fructose)
such as Barhi (Barhee), Saiidi (Saidy), Khadhraawi (Khadrawy), Hallaawi (Halawy),
Zahdi (Zahidi), and Sayir (Sayer).
2.3 Styles
Styles may be classified as:
(a) unpitted; and
(b) pitted.
2.4 Sub-styles
Sub-styles are as follows:
(a) Pressed - dates which are compressed into layers using mechanical force.
(b) Unpressed or Loose - dates which are free-flowing or packaged without
mechanical force or compression.
(c) Clusters - dates with the main bunch stem attached.
