Overview
ISO 23394:2006 - Dried oleaster: Specification and test methods defines quality, safety and test procedures for dried oleaster (fruits of Eleagnus angustifolia L.) intended for human consumption. The standard covers product description, classification (Extra, Class I, Class II), sensory requirements, freedom from pests and contaminants, sampling, laboratory test methods and packing/marking rules. Key normative test methods are given in Annex A (visual inspection / category separation) and Annex B (moisture determination).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Product definition: sun-dried or artificially dried fruits prepared from sufficiently ripe Eleagnus angustifolia L.; stems and calyx ends removed; fruits sound and clean.
- Classification & sizing:
- Three quality classes: Extra, Class I, Class II (criteria based on colour, defects, extraneous matter and broken pieces).
- Sizing thresholds: Extra > 12 mm, Class I 10–12 mm, Class II > 10 mm; maximum size spread 4 mm in a package.
- Defect limits: Maximum permitted mass fractions for pest-infested, spoiled, immature or gritty fruits, extraneous matter and fermented pieces are specified in Table 1 of the standard.
- Moisture: Maximum moisture content specified (7.0% mass fraction). Annex B details the moisture test: drying at 70 °C ±1 °C under reduced pressure (≤13 kPa / 100 mmHg) after sample preparation.
- Contaminants: Maximum elemental limits provided (examples):
- Iron 15.0 mg/kg max
- Copper 5.0 mg/kg max
- Arsenic 0.2 mg/kg max
- Lead 0.2 mg/kg max
- Zinc 5.0 mg/kg max
These should comply with Codex Alimentarius and national legislation.
- Hygiene & microbiology: The standard requires compliance with Codex hygiene codes. Microbiological limits include zero tolerance for E. coli, Salmonella (per 25 g), and Staphylococcus aureus; additional microbial limits are specified in clause 9.2.
- Sampling and testing: Annex A prescribes visual separation and mass-based calculation of defect categories (manual sorting of ~500 g test portions). Test reports must document sample ID, methods and results.
- Packing & marking: Packaging must be clean, dry and inert; wooden boxes lined if used. Consumer pack examples: 0.5, 1.0, 2.5 kg; large cases ≤ 25 kg. Mandatory labelling items include product name/variety, producer/packer, batch code, net/gross mass, class, origin, expiry date and optional reference to ISO 23394:2006.
Applications and users
- Food processors, packers and exporters of dried oleaster implementing product specification and QA/QC.
- Food safety laboratories performing conformity testing (moisture, contaminants, visual defect classification).
- Regulatory authorities and importers verifying compliance with international quality and hygiene requirements.
- Trade partners and retailers using class/size criteria for product grading and labelling.
Related standards
- Codex Alimentarius hygiene and contaminant standards (for maximum limits and codes of practice)
- National food safety legislation and sampling standards referenced for dry/dried fruit products
Keywords: ISO 23394:2006, dried oleaster, Eleagnus angustifolia, specification, test methods, moisture determination, contaminants, sampling, product classification.
