(At Step 5)
1. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to commercial varieties of chayote grown from Sechium edule Jacques et Schwartz of the Cucurbitaceae family, to be supplied fresh to the consumer, after preparation and packaging. Chayote for industrial processing is excluded1.
2. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
2.1 Minimum Requirements
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, chayotes must be:
The development and condition of the chayote must be such as to enable it to withstand transport and handling and to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination.
2.2 Classification
Chayotes are classified into two classes defined below:
2.2.1 Extra Class
Chayotes in this class must be of superior quality and must be representative of the variety and/or commercial type.
Chayotes must be free of defects, with the exception of very slight superficial defects, provided that these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package.
2.2.2 Class I
Chayotes in this class must be of good quality and have the characteristics of the variety and/or commercial type.
The following slight defects however may be allowed, provided that these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package:
In no case may the defects affect the flesh of the fruit.
3. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
Size is determined by weight, with a minimum weight of 200 grammes, in accordance with the following table:
| Reference LETTER | Weight (in grammes) |
|---|---|
| A | 200–300 |
| B | 301–400 |
| C | 401–500 |
| D | > 500 |
Differences between individual fruits under reference letter D cannot exceed 150 grammes.
4. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect to quality and size shall be allowed for produce not satisfying the requirements of the class indicated.
4.1 Quality Tolerances
4.1.1 Extra Class
Five percent by number or weight of chayotes not satisfying the requirements of the class but meeting those of Class I or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that class.
4.1.2 Class I
Ten percent by number or weight of chayotes not satisfying the requirements of this class but meeting the minimum requirements.
4.2 Size tolerances
For all classes, ten percent by number or weight of chayotes not satisfying the requirements as regards sizing, but falling within the size immediately below or above the size indicated on the package. However, the deviation should not exceed 10% of the specified size range.
5. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION
5.1 Uniformity
The contents of each package must be uniform and contain only chayotes of the same origin, variety or commercial type, quality, size and practically at the same stage of development. The visible part of the contents of the package must be representative of the entire contents.
5.2 Packaging
Chayotes must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly.
The materials used inside the packages must be new, clean and of a quality such as to avoid causing external or internal damage to the produce. The use of materials, particularly of paper or stamps bearing trade specifications, is allowed, provided that the printing or labelling has been done with a non-toxic ink or glue.
Chayotes shall be packed in each container in compliance with the Code of Practice for the Packaging and Transport of Tropical Fresh and Vegetables.
5.2.1 Description of Containers
The containers shall meet the quality, hygiene, ventilation and resistance characteristics to ensure suitable handling, shipping and preserving of the Chayote. Packages must be free of all foreign matter or smell.
6. MARKING OR LABELLING
6.1 Containers Destined for the Final Consumer
In addition to the requirements of the Codex General Standard for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods (CODEX STAN 1-1985), the following specific provisions apply.
6.1.1 Nature of the Produce
If the produce is not visible, each package shall be labelled as to the name of the product and, optionally, that of the variety.
6.2 Non-retail Containers
Each package must bear the following particulars, in letters grouped on the same side, legibly and indelibly marked and visible from the outside or in the accompanying documents.2
For products transported in bulk, these particulars must appear on a document accompanying the goods.
6.2.1 Identification
Exporter, packer and/or dispatcher.
6.2.2 Nature of the Produce
Name of the produce if the contents are not visible from the outside; name of variety or commercial type (if applicable).
6.2.3 Origin of Produce
Country of origin and optionally, district where grown or national, regional or local place name.
6.2.4 Commercial Description
6.2.5 Official Inspection Mark (Optional)
7. CONTAMINANTS
7.1 Heavy Metals
Chayotes shall be free from heavy metals in amounts which may represent a hazard to human health.
7.2 Pesticide Residues
Chayotes shall comply with those maximum residue limits established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission for this commodity.
8. HYGIENE
8.1 It is recommended that the produce covered by the provisions of this standard be packed and handled in accordance with the appropriate sections of the Recommended International Code of Practice - General Principles of Food Hygiene (CAC/RCP 1-1969, Revision 2-1985) and other Codes of Practice recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission which are relevant to this produce.
8.2 To the extent possible in good packaging and handling practice, the produce shall be free from objectionable matter.
8.3 When tested by appropriate methods of sampling and examination, the produce:
