Grade designations | Grade Requirements | Grade tolerances |
(1) | (2) | (3) |
Extra class | Betel leaves must be of superior quality. They must be characteristic of the variety and/or commercial type. They must be free from defects, with the exception of very slight superficial defects, provided these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality and presentation in the package. | 5% by weight of Betel leaves not satisfying the requirements for the grade, but meeting the requirements for Class I grade. |
Class I | Betel leaves must be of good quality. They must be characteristic of the variety and/or commercial type. The following slight defects, however, may be allowed, provided these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package: • slightly damaged leaves, such as cracks, holes or tears • slight defects in colouring. | 10% by weight of Betel leaves not satisfying the requirements for the grade, but meeting the requirements for Class II grade. |
Class II | This includes Betel leaves that do not qualify for inclusion in higher grades but satisfy the minimum requirements. The following defects may be allowed, provided the Betel leaves retain their essential characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping quality and presentation: • damaged leaves, such as cracks, bruises, holes or tears • defects in colouring • slight lack of freshness | 10% by weight of Betel leaves not satisfying the requirements of the grade but meeting the minimum requirements. |
- mature and have stalk intact;
- green colour;
- fresh in appearance;
- sound, produce affected by rotting or deterioration such as to make it unfit for consumption shall be excluded;
- clean, free of any visible foreign matter;
- free from pest, larvae and mites and damage caused by the pest;
- free from black / brown patches;
- free from any foreign smell and/or taste.