(At Step 5)
1. DEFINITION OF PRODUCE
This standard applies to all commercial varieties of guava grown from Psidium guajava L. of the Myrtaceae family, to be supplied fresh to the consumer, after preparation and packaging. Guavas for industrial processing are excluded.1
2. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY
2.1 Minimum Requirements
In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and tolerance allowed, guavas must be:
The development and condition of the guava must be such as to enable them to ensure a continuation of the ripening process until they reach the appropriate degree of ripeness; to withstand transport and handling, and to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination.
2.2 Classification
Guavas are classified into three classes defined below:
2.2.1 Extra Class
Guavas of this class must be of superior quality and must be representative of the variety and/or commercial type.
Guavas must be free from 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
Guavas 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:
2.2.3 Class II
This class includes guavas which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher class, but satisfy the minimum requirements specified in section 2.1 above.
The following defects may be allowed provided that the guavas retain their essential characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping quality and presentation:
3. PROVISIONS CONCERNING SIZING
Size is determined by the diameter of the fruit's middle part, in accordance with the following table:
| Reference letter | Diameter in mm |
| A | >54 |
| B | 43–53 |
| C | 30–42 |
| D | <29 |
4. PROVISIONS CONCERNING TOLERANCES
Tolerances in respect to quality and size shall be allowed for products not satisfying the requirements of the class indicated.
4.1 Quality Tolerances
4.1.1 Extra Class
Five percent by number or weight of guavas 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 guavas not satisfying the requirements of the class, but meeting those of Class II, or exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that class.
4.1.3 Class II
Ten percent by number or weight of guavas satisfying neither the requirements of the class nor the minimum requirements, with the exception of fruit affected by rotting, major imperfections, or any other deterioration rendering them unfit for consumption.
4.2 Size Tolerances
For all classes, ten percent by number or weight of guavas not satisfying the requirements as regards sizing, but falling within the size immediately below or above those indicated in Section 3.
5. PROVISIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION
5.1 Uniformity
The contents of the package must be uniform and contain only guavas of the same origin, variety, quality and size. The visible part of the contents of the package must be representative of the entire contents.
5.2 Packaging
Guavas must be packed in such a way as to protect the produce properly.
The material used inside the packages must be new, clean, and of a quality such as to avoid causing any external or internal damage to the produce. The use of materials, particularly of paper or stamps bearing trade specifications, is allowed, provided the printing or labelling has been done with a non-toxic ink or glue.
Guavas shall be packed in each container in compliance with the Code of Practice for the Packaging and Transport of Tropical Fresh Fruits 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 guava. Packages must be free of all foreign matter and 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 Pre-Packaged 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
Guavas shall be free from heavy metals in amounts which may represent a hazard to human health.
7.2 Pesticide Residues
Guavas 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 prepared 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:
