ISO 23393:2006

Overview

ISO 23393:2006 - "Pomegranate fruit - Specification and test methods" is an international standard that defines quality requirements and laboratory test methods for pomegranate fruit (Punica granatum L.) destined for human consumption. It covers product description, classification, sampling, test procedures and marking/packing rules, plus normative annexes for specific analyses such as pest/spoilage assessment and total phenolics determination (Folin–Ciocalteu).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and definitions: Terms such as pest-infested, spoiled, immature and fermented pomegranates are defined to standardize inspection and reporting.
• Quality and sensory criteria: Fruits must be sound, clean and have the characteristic odour and taste of the variety; free from foreign odours, mites, visible mould and obvious rodent contamination.
• Classification (three classes):
  • Extra class (superior quality): e.g., max 1 pest-infested /100 fruits; max 2 spoiled/100; extraneous matter ≤ 0.5%; fruit mass > 480 g; colour: light.
  • Class I (good quality): e.g., max 2 pest-infested/100; max 3 spoiled/100; extraneous matter ≤ 1.0%; fruit mass 380–480 g; colour: reddish.
  • Class II (standard quality): e.g., max 3 pest-infested/100; max 4 spoiled/100; extraneous matter ≤ 1.5%; fruit mass < 380 g; colour: brown.
• Sampling and test methods: Annex A specifies visual separation and gravimetric calculation of pest‑infested, spoiled, immature fruits and extraneous matter. Annex B provides the Folin–Ciocalteu method for measuring total phenolic compounds (spectrophotometric assay at 725 nm). Annex C gives representative compositional data (soluble solids, acidity, sugars, vitamins, minerals, phenolics).
• Contaminants and hygienic limits: The standard references compliance with Codex/regulatory limits and lists heavy‑metal guidance values (example maxima in the standard: iron 15.0 mg/kg; copper 5.0 mg/kg; arsenic 0.2 mg/kg; lead 0.2 mg/kg; zinc 5.0 mg/kg). Section 9 also specifies microbiological requirements and recommends adherence to Codex food hygiene codes.
• Packing and marking: Requirements for clean, inert packing materials, consumer package sizes, labelling elements (product name/variety, packer, net mass, class, country, batch, expiry, etc.).

Applications and users

ISO 23393:2006 is directly useful for:

• Pomegranate growers, packers and exporters establishing product specifications for markets
• Importers, retailers and quality assurance teams assessing incoming lots
• Food control laboratories conducting the described test methods (sampling, gravimetric defect analysis, Folin–Ciocalteu phenolics)
• Regulatory bodies and auditors referencing harmonized classification, contaminant guidance and hygienic requirements

Related standards

• Codex Alimentarius food hygiene and commodity standards (referenced for contaminants and hygiene)
• National/regional food safety and maximum residue limits (for pesticides/heavy metals) that are applied alongside ISO 23393:2006

Keywords: ISO 23393:2006, pomegranate fruit specification, pomegranate test methods, Punica granatum standard, Folin–Ciocalteu, pomegranate quality, contaminants, packing and marking.