Overview
ISO 6538:1997 specifies quality and specification requirements for cassia (Chinese, Indonesian and Vietnamese types) - the bark of Cinnamomum species used as a spice (often sold as cassia or cinnamon). The standard covers forms (whole quills, scraped/unscraped bark, pieces and ground powder), classification by commercial grades, organoleptic and chemical criteria, sampling, test methods, packaging, marking and recommended storage/transport conditions.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Definitions & forms: whole quills, scraped bark, unscraped bark, pieces and ground cassia (no additives).
- Types & grades:
- Chinese type (Kwantung, Kwangsi, broken pieces)
- Indonesian type (AA, A, B, C; e.g., Korintje/Java cassia)
- Vietnamese type (thin, medium, thick, broken)
- Organoleptic requirements: fresh, characteristic cassia odor and flavour; ground cassia colour yellowish to reddish-brown.
- Contamination & extraneous matter:
- Free from live insects; practically free from mould, dead insects and rodent contamination (visible inspection; microscope magnification noted if >×10).
- Extraneous matter (leaves, stems, dust, sand) ≤ 1% (m/m) - test per ISO 927.
- Chemical limits (typical values from the standard):
- Moisture content: maximum ~15% (whole cassia values indicated in the standard; test ISO 939).
- Total ash (dry basis) max: Chinese ~4.0%, Indonesian ~5.0%, Vietnamese ~4.5% (ISO 928).
- Acid‑insoluble ash max: Chinese 0.8%, Indonesian 1.0%, Vietnamese 2.0% (ISO 930).
- Volatile oil (ml/100 g dry basis) minimum: Chinese 1.5, Indonesian 1.0, Vietnamese 3.0 (ISO 6571); whole‑cassia values also specified.
- Sampling & test methods: sampling per ISO 948; sample preparation ISO 2825; filth detection ISO 1208; analytical methods referenced in the standard.
- Packaging & marking: clean, dry containers that protect flavor and volatile oil; required markings include product name, brand, manufacturer, batch, net mass, grade, producing country and reference to ISO 6538.
- Storage & transport (Annex A informative): dry, ventilated, odour‑free storage; protection from sun, rain, heat and cross‑infestation; fumigation facilities recommended.
Applications and users
ISO 6538 is practical for:
- Spice producers, peelers and packers preparing cassia quills or ground cassia for export or retail.
- Exporters/importers and buyers specifying quality and grade of cassia for trade.
- Food manufacturers, bakeries and spice blenders requiring consistent raw‑material specifications.
- Quality control and analytical laboratories performing moisture, ash and volatile oil tests.
- Regulatory bodies and certification schemes harmonizing spice quality criteria.
Using ISO 6538 helps ensure traceability, consistent grading (Chinese/Indonesian/Vietnamese cassia), reduced contamination risk, and conformity to international trade expectations for cinnamon/cassia products.
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