TOLERANCES​ OF ASPARGUS

  • At all marketing stages, tolerances in respect of quality and size shall be allowed in each lot for produce not satisfying the requirements of the class indicated.
  • Tolerances are provided to allow for deviation in handling due to natural deterioration of fresh produce over time.
  • Conformity with tolerances should be determined using at least the operating rules for the conformity checks as set out in Annex II to the Council Decision Revising the OECD “Scheme” for the Application of International Standards for Fruit and Vegetables.

Quality tolerances

  • “Extra” :- Class A total tolerance of 5 per cent, by number or weight, of asparagus not satisfying the requirements of the class but meeting those of Class I or having slight unscarred cracks appearing after harvesting is allowed. Within this tolerance not more than 0.5 per cent in total may consist of produce satisfying the requirements of Class II quality.
  • Class I :- A total tolerance of 10 per cent, by number or weight, of asparagus not satisfying the requirements of the class, but meeting those of Class II or having slight unscarred cracks appearing after harvesting is allowed. Within this tolerance not more than 1 per cent in total may consist of produce satisfying neither the requirements of Class II quality nor the minimum requirements, or of produce affected by decay.
  • Class II :-A total tolerance of 10 per cent, by number or weight, of asparagus satisfying neither the requirements of the class nor the minimum requirements is allowed. Within this tolerance not more than 2 per cent in total may consist of produce affected by decay.
  • In addition to the above, 10 per cent, by number or weight, can be allowed for hollow shoots or shoots showing very slight cracks due to washing. In no case can there be more than 15 per cent hollow shoots in each package or bundle.
  • The maximum permitted tolerances are specified below:
    • a maximum of 10% by number or weight of asparagus is allowed not satisfying the requirements for Class II or the minimum requirements. This does not include asparagus not fit for consumption, i.e. rotten or severely damaged.
    • a maximum of 15 % by number or weight of asparagus in each package or bundle is allowed for hollow shoots.
    • a maximum of 20% by number or weight of asparagus is allowed for shoots showing very slight cracks due to washing.
  • For example, the maximum tolerance quality level could be as follows:
    • 5 % of the shoots badly cut + 5 % of the shoots too bent
    • 15 % of the shoots being hollow + 5 % of the shoots badly cut
    • 20 % of the shoots with slight cracks due to washing
    • 10% of the shoots being hollow + 10 % of the shoots with slight cracks due to washing.

Size tolerances

  • For all classes (if sized) : A total tolerance of 10 per cent, by number or weight, of asparagus not satisfying the requirements as regards sizing and deviating from the specified limits with a maximum deviation of 1 cm in length and 2 mm in diameter is allowed.
  • 10% of the asparagus, either by number or weight, may differ in length or diameter. However, this deviation may be no more than 1cm in length and 2mm in diameter above or below the size grades given in Section III, Provisions Concerning Sizing.