3.3.
1 Product Definition:
Dates are the product prepared from sound fruit of the date tree (Phoenix dactylifera L.), which fruit:
(a) Is harvested at the appropriate stage of maturity;
(b) Is sorted and cleaned to remove defective fruit and extraneous material;
(c) May be pitted and capped;
(d) May be dried or hydrated to adjust moisture content;
(e) May be washed and/or pasteurized;
(f) Is packaged in suitable containers to assure preservation and protection of the product; and
(g) Free from preservatives and any genetically modified materials.
3.3.2 Varietal Types:
Invert Sugar Varieties (containing mainly invert sugar-glucose, and fructose) Naghal Dates.
3.3.3 Styles:
Styles may be;
(a) Unpitted; and/or (Method of Test= Physical Test)
(b) Pitted; (Method of Test= Physical Test)
3.3.4 Sub-Style:
Sub-styles are as follows:
(a) Pressed- dates which are compressed into layers using mechanical force.
(b) Unpressed or loose- dates, which are free- flowing or packaged without mechanical force or compression.
(c) Clusters- dates with the main bunch stem attached.
3.3.5 Essential Composition and Quality Factors:
3.3.5.1 Composition
3.3.5.2 Optional Ingredients
3.3.5.3 Glucose syrup, sugars, flour, vegetable oils.
3.3.6 Quality factors
3.3.6.1 General Requirements:
Dates shall be prepared from such fruit and under such practices that the finished product shall possess a characteristic
color and flavor for the variety and type, be of proper stage of ripeness, be free of live insects and insect eggs mites and
meet the following additional requirements:
(a) Moisture content: 30 % Maximum (Method of Test= Physical Test/ Gravimetry)
(b) Size
Each 500 gram of “ Naghal Dates” maximum quantity is 90 pcs and each dates minimum weight is 5.5
gram (Method of Test= Physical Test/ Gravimetry)
(c) Pits (Stones)
(In Pitted Style) Not more than 2 pits or 4 pieces of pit per 100 dates.
(d) Mineral Impurities Not more than 1 g/kg (Method of Test= ICP)
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3.3.7 Defects: Limit of Defect:
Sr. Name of Definition of defects Allowance for Method of
No defects defects Test
1. Blemishes Scars, discoloration, sunburn, dark spots, black nose or similar A total of 7% by Physical/V
abnormalities in surface appearance affecting an aggregate count of dates with isual
area greater than that of a circle 7 mm in diameter. defect.
2. Damaged (Unpitted dates only) – Dates affected by mashing and/or A total of 6% by Physical/V
tearing of the flesh exposing the pit or to such an extent that it count of dates with isual
significantly detracts from the visual appearance of the date. defect.
3. Unripe Dates Dates which may be light in weight, light in color, have A total of 6% by Physical/V
shriveled or little flesh or a decidedly rubbery texture. count of dates with isual
defect.
4. Unpollinated Dates not pollinated as evidenced by thin flesh, immature A total of 6% by Physical/V
Dates characteristics and no pit in unpitted dates. count of dates with isual
defect.
5. Dirt Dates having embedded organic or inorganic material similar A total of 6% by Physical/V
to dirt or sand in character and affecting an aggregate area count of dates with isual
greater than that of a circle 3 mm in diameter. defect.
6. Insects and Dates damaged by insects or mites or contaminated by A total of 6% by Physical/
Mites damaged and contamination the presence of dead insects or count of dates with Visual
mites, fragments of insects or mites or their excreta. defect.
7. Scouring Breakdown of the sugars into alcohol and acetic acid by yeasts A total of 1% by Physical/
and bacteria. count of dates with Visual
defect.
8. Mould Presence of mould filaments visible to the naked eye. A total of 1% by FDA/
count of dates with BAM
defect.
9. Decay Dates that are in a state of decomposition and very A total of 1% by Physical/
objectionable in appearance. count of dates with Visual
defect.
3.3.8 Hygiene:
3.3.8.1 To the extent possible in Good Manufacturing Practice, the product shall be free from objectionable
matter.
3.3.8.2 When tested by appropriate methods of sampling and examination, the product;
- Shall be free from microorganism in amounts which may represent a hazard to health;
- Shall be free from parasites which may represent a hazard to health; and
- Shall not contain any substance originating from microorganisms in amounts which may represent a
hazard to health.
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