Vietnamese durian exports will have strict national standards

The development and promulgation of new national standards (TCVN) on fresh durian aims to complete quality management, build, develop and maintain the Vietnamese durian brand.

A durian packaging facility in the West - Photo: T. VY

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is seeking comments on the draft national standards (TCVN) on durian Fresh fruit, to be submitted to the Ministry of Science and Technology for announcement.

According to the draft, TCVN on durian applies to Ri6, Dona and other durian varieties produced in Vietnam. This standard applies to fresh fruit products for export and domestic consumption.

Regarding quality requirements, durian must be free of pests and diseases that affect the appearance of the fruit (instead of harmful microorganisms).

Rotten or damaged fruit that is unfit for consumption will not be accepted.

Abnormalities in the fruit flesh such as unripe flesh, burnt brown or dark brown flesh, wet core and watery flesh are not allowed.

If any or a combination of defects are present, the total of the defects shall not exceed 5% of the edible portion.

Durian fruit must reach the appropriate level of development according to criteria appropriate to the variety, season and growing area. Based on the time from flowering (stigma) to determine the harvest date depending on the variety.

Specifically, for the Ri6 durian variety, it is harvested 85-100 days after flowering in the region. Mekong Delta, Southeast and 100-120 days for Central Highlands and South Central Coast.

The Dona durian variety is harvested 110 - 130 days after flowering in the Mekong Delta and Southeast regions and 125 - 135 days in the Central Highlands and South Central Coast regions.

Durian must have a dry matter content of not less than 32.29% for the Ri6 variety and 32.22% for the Dona variety. The total soluble solids content (oBrix) must not be lower than 16.04% for the Ri6 variety and 16.07% for the Dona variety.

For food safety requirements, durian must meet the maximum residue limits for pesticides according to current regulations in the country and export markets, especially the Chinese market.

At the same time, it meets the maximum limits of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic,...) according to current regulations in the country and exporting country.

The new draft also provides regulations on size, grading, packaging, labeling, testing methods and sampling of durian.

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/sau-rieng-viet-nam-xuat-khau-se-co-tieu-chuan-quoc-gia-nghiem-khac-3368924.html