Overview
ISO 7703:1995 - "Dried peaches - Specification and test methods" is an international standard that specifies quality requirements, classification and laboratory test methods for dried peaches (Prunus persica). This second edition replaces the 1986 edition and defines product descriptions, allowed defects, chemical and physical limits, sampling and test procedures. The standard includes three normative annexes that detail test methods for visual quality assessment, residual sulfur dioxide (SO2) and moisture content.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Product description: Dried peaches are sun-dried, tree-ripened fruits, peeled or unpeeled, presented as halves or slices (segments). They must be sound, clean and characteristic of their variety and commercial type.
- Classification: Three classes - Extra, Class I and Class II - based on colour uniformity, presence of defects and extraneous matter. Defect tolerances vary by class.
- Quality limits:
- Moisture content: Maximum 20% (m/m).
- Acid-insoluble ash (mineral impurities): Not to exceed 1 g/kg.
- Residual Sulfur dioxide (SO2): Limits specified per class (see table 1 in the standard); measured by the spectrometric method in Annex B.
- Freedom from contaminants: Dried peaches shall be free from living insects, mites and moulds, and practically free from dead insects, insect fragments and rodent contamination visible to the naked eye or under specified magnification.
- Defects and extraneous matter: Limits for pest-infested, spoiled and immature fruits, extraneous matter (skin, stem, pit fragments, dust) and colour deviations are provided per class.
- Sampling and test portions:
- Visual inspection (Annex A): typically a test portion of about 500 g for separation and weighing of defect categories.
- SO2 determination (Annex B): sample preparation and spectrometric method described; typical sample sizes and repeatability criteria are included.
- Moisture determination (Annex C): drying at 70 °C under reduced pressure (100 mmHg) with a small test portion (around 5 g).
- Packing & marking: Guidance on packaging materials, consumer pack sizes (e.g., 0.5, 1.0, 2.5 kg), max case mass (25 kg), and mandatory marking information (product name, producer, batch, net mass, class, producing country, expiry date, etc.).
Applications and who uses ISO 7703
- Food producers and packers of dried peaches implementing quality control programs.
- QC and analytical laboratories performing specified test methods (SO2, moisture, visual grading).
- Importers, exporters and trading partners for contract specification and acceptance criteria.
- Food safety auditors, regulators and standardization bodies referencing harmonized product requirements.
- Retailers and private-label brands setting product specifications and labeling.
Related standards
- ISO 930 (acid-insoluble ash determination) is referenced for mineral impurity testing.
- Other ISO standards on dried fruits and sampling may be relevant for broader quality programs.
Keywords: ISO 7703, dried peaches, specification, test methods, residual sulfur dioxide, moisture content, quality classification, sampling, food standards.