ISO 931:1980

Overview

ISO 931:1980, titled "Green Bananas - Guide to Storage and Transport," is an international standard developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 34 on Agricultural Food Products. This standard provides detailed guidance on the optimal methods for storing and transporting green bananas (Musa sp.) in the preclimacteric phase-before the ripening process begins. The document covers critical factors including harvesting, storage conditions, artificial cooling, humidity control, air circulation, and packaging to ensure the bananas maintain quality during transit from production areas to consumption markets.

Key Topics

• Preclimacteric Phase Definition: The standard emphasizes that bananas should be kept green, i.e., before natural ripening starts, to maintain freshness throughout storage and transport.

• Harvesting Guidelines:

  • Bananas must be harvested at the correct degree of ripeness based on firmness, flesh color (measured with a color scale), and fullness.
  • The timing of harvest depends on factors like transport duration and climatic conditions.
  • The bananas should be free from wounds, fungal infections, and physical damages.

• Storage Preparation:

  • Prompt transfer (ideally within 24 hours) to refrigerated or ventilated storage is essential.
  • Anti-fungal treatments and careful handling reduce deterioration.
  • Methods include storing in hands or portions in perforated polyethylene bags, protective mattresses, or cartons while allowing air and moisture exchange.

• Cooling Process:

  • Rapid cooling from ambient temperature to storage temperature significantly extends shelf life.
  • Cooling depends on refrigeration capacity, air circulation ratio, packaging type, and storage method.
  • Recommended air circulation ensures uniform cooling and humidity control.

• Storage Conditions:

  • Ideal storage temperatures vary by cultivar (e.g., 12°C for Gros Michel, 14°C for Lacatan).
  • Relative humidity should be maintained at 85-90% to prevent drying.
  • Air circulation rates of about one air change per hour help prevent ripening and remove excess ethylene and carbon dioxide.

• Avoiding Premature Ripening:

  • Maintaining optimal temperature, humidity, and ventilation prevents ethylene buildup and fruit ripening during transport.
  • Causes of premature ripening include improper temperature control, advanced ripeness at harvest, ventilation defects, and refrigeration failures.

Applications

ISO 931:1980 is essential for exporters, importers, and logistics companies involved in the agricultural supply chain for bananas, particularly those dealing with maritime transport from tropical and subtropical regions. Practical applications include:

• Designing refrigerated shipping vessels and storage facilities that comply with recommended air circulation and humidity controls.
• Training for harvesting workers to assess banana maturity accurately to optimize shelf life.
• Developing packaging systems that facilitate cooling while protecting the fruit from mechanical damage.
• Standardizing transport conditions to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure consistent fruit quality on arrival.
• Assisting regulatory agencies and quality inspectors to verify handling procedures aligned with international best practices.

Related Standards

• ISO 364 - for temperature measurement methods in refrigerated transport.
• ISO 856 - guidelines for the packaging of fruits to maintain post-harvest quality.
• Codex Alimentarius standards on fruit quality and phytosanitary measures.
• Local or regional standards on cold chain management and food safety compliance.

Keywords: ISO 931:1980, green bananas storage, banana transport guidelines, preclimacteric banana handling, refrigerated banana cargo, banana harvesting standards, banana humidity control, banana ripening prevention, agricultural product standards, Musa sp. storage.