THAI AGRICULTURAL STANDARD

TAS 26-2016

MELON

National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards

Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives

ICS 67.080.10

UNOFFICAL TRANSLATION

THAI AGRICULTURAL STANDARD

TAS 26-2016

MELON

National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards

Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives

50 Phaholyothin Road, Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900

Telephone (+662)561 2277Fax. (+662) 561 3357

www.acfs.go.th

Published in the Royal Gazette, Announcement and General Publication Vol.134,Special Section 35(D)

Dated 2February B.E.2560 (2017)

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Technical Committee on the Elaboration of the Thai Agricultural Standard for Melon

1. Director General, Department of Agriculture or the designator Chairperson Ms. Surmsuk Salakpetch

2. Representatives,Department of Agricultural Extension Member Ms. Jirapar Jomthaisong Mr. Stanan Phanapaipong

3. Representative, National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards Member Ms. Nalintip Peanee

4 Representatives, Horticulture Research Institute, Department of Agriculture Member Mr. Grisana Linwattana Mr. Wisarute Sanmaerre

5. Representatives, Postharvest and Processing Research and Development Division, Member Department of Agriculture

Ms. Charuwan Bangwaek Ms. Rumphan Koslanund

6. Representatives, Faculty of Agriculture at KamphaengSaen, Member Kasetsart University

Assistant Professor Thammasak Thongket Ms. Kietsuda Luengwilai

7. Representatives, Institute of Agricultural, Suranaree University of Technology Member Assistant Professor Arak Tira-umphon Mr.Teerayoot Girdthai

8. Representatives, Thai Fresh Fruit Traders and Exporters Association Member Mr. Paiboon Wongchotsathit Mr. Natakrit Eaemsakul

9. Representative,Thai Retailers Association Member Ms.Jurarat Pattanatorn

10. Mrs.Nongnuch Karin Member Expert on Crop Production

11. Professor Saichol Ketsa Member Expert on Postharvest Technology

12. Mr. Suwit Traichock Member Expert on Crop Production

13. Mr. Panuwat Arunrojsiri Member Expert on Crop Production

14. Ms. Nittaya Teerawrongs Member Expert on Crop Production

15. Representative, Office of Standard Development, Member and Secretary National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards Ms. Jiraporn Bancheun

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Melon is a popular fruit enjoyed by consumer. Melon is among fruit that Thailand has its potential to produce. The establishment of melon standard is essential for further improvement of its quality and safety and to enhance the consumer confidence and facilitate trade domestically and internationally. The Committee of Agricultural Commodity Standards considers it proper to establish the Thai Agricultural Standard for melon.

This standard is based on ASEAN STAN 18:2010. ASEAN Standard for Melon.

NOTIFICATION OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND COOPERATIVES

SUBJECT: THAI AGRICULTURAL STANDARD: MELON UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL STANDARDS ACT B.E. 2551 (2008)

Whereas the Agricultural Standards Committee deems it necessary to establish

an.agricultural.standard.for melon as a voluntary standard in accordance with the Agricultural Standards Act, B.E. 2551 (2008) to promote such agricultural commodity to meet its standard on quality and safety.

By virtue of Sections 5, 15 and 16 of the Agricultural Standards Act, B.E. 2551(2008) and the decision of the Agricultural Standards Committee at the Third Session dated 5 September B.E. 2559 (2016), the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives hereby issues this Notification on the Establishment of Thai Agricultural Standard: Melon (TAS 26-2016), as a voluntary standard, details of which are attached herewith.

Notified on 20 October B.E. 2559 (2016)

(General ChatchaiSarikulya)

Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives

TAS 26-2016

Disclaimer: This is an unofficial translation and provided for reference only.

THAI AGRICULTURAL STANDARD

MELON

1. SCOPE

1.1 This standard applies to commercial varieties of melon grown from Cucumis melo L. of the Cucurbitaceae family, to be supplied fresh to the consumer after preparation and packaging.

1.2 This standard does not include Musk melon (C. melo var. conomon) and melon for industrial processing.

2. QUALITY

2.1 Minimum requirements

2.1.1 In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the melon shall be as follows:

(1) Whole, with or without peduncle intact, when a peduncle is present, it shall not be longer than 5 cm.

(2) fresh;

(3) firm in accordance with characteristics of the variety;

(4) sound, produce affected by bruising or rotting such as to make it unfit for consumption;

(5) clean and practically free of any visible foreign matter;

(6) free of cracks affecting flesh quality;

(7) practically free of pests affecting the general appearance of the produce;

(8) free of damage caused by pests affecting flesh quality;

(9) free of abnormal external moisture, excluding condensation following removal from cold storage;

(10) free of damage caused by low and/or high temperature;

(11) free of any foreign smell and/or taste.

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2.1.2 Melon has reached an appropriate degree of development taking into account the characteristics of the variety, season, area grown, market demand or requirements of the trading partners. Total soluble solids content shall not be less than 10% and arrived in satisfactory condition at the place of destination.

2.2 Classification

Melon is classified into 3 classes as follows:

2.2.1 Extra Class

Melon in this class shall be of superior quality with characteristics of the variety. Total soluble solids content shall not be less than 12%. It shall be free of defects in shape and colour, with the exception of very slight superficial defects provided that these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the flesh quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package.

2.2.2 Class I

Melon in this class shall be of good quality with characteristics of the variety. Slight defects may be allowed in the following:

(1) slight defects in shape and colour;

(2) slight skin defects such as scratches, shallow scars and traces of pest damages, not exceeding 10% of the total surface area.

Such defects shall not affect the general appearance of the produce, the flesh quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package.

2.2.3 Class II

This class includes melon which does not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes, but satisfy the minimum requirements specified in Section 2.1. The following defects may be allowed:

(1) defects in shape and colour ;

(2) slight skin defects such as scratches, shallow scars and traces of pest damages, not exceed 15% of the total surface area.

Such defects shall not affect the flesh quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package.

TAS 26-2016

3. SIZING

Melon sizes are determined by weight as shown in Table1:

Table 1 Sizes of Melon

Size code Weight per fruit

(kg)

1 > 2.0

2 >1.5-2.0

3 >1.0-1.5

4 >0.5-1.0

5 0.3-0.5

Note: The classification of quality and size code according to this standard may be combined to stipulate trade classification. Trading partners may name the trade classification differently depending on their requirements or seasonal limitations.

4. TOLERANCES

Tolerances in respect of quality and size shall be allowed in each package or lot for produce not satisfying the requirements of the quality class and size code indicated.

4.1 Quality tolerances

4.1.1 Extra Class

Five percent by number or weight not satisfying the requirements of the Extra Class (Section 2.2.1), but meeting those of Class I (Section 2.2.2) or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of Class I (Section 4.1.2).

4.1.2 Class I

Ten percent by number or weight not satisfying the requirements of Class I (Section 2.2.2), but meeting those of Class II (Section 2.2.3) or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of Class II (Section 4.1.3).

4.1.3 Class II

Ten percent by number or weight satisfying neither the requirements of Class II (Section 2.2.3), nor the minimum requirements (Section 2.1), with the exception of produce affected by bruising, rotting or other deterioration rendering it unfit for consumption.

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4.2 Size tolerances

For all size codes, ten percent by number or weight corresponding to the size code immediately above or below that indicated on the package.

5. PACKAGING

5.1 Uniformity The contents of each package shall be uniform and contain only melons of the same variety, quality, size and colour. The visible part of the contents of the package shall be representative of the entire contents.

5.2 Package The package shall be clean, able to prevent damage on fruit quality, withstands the handling during transport and does not cause contamination and of good quality such as to avoid causing any damage to the produce. The materials used inside the package shall be clean and free of foreign matter..The use of paper or stamps .bearing trade specifications is allowed, provided that the printing or labelling has been done with non-toxic ink or glue. 6. MARKING AND LABELLING

6.1 Consumer packages

The information shall appear on the package, wrapping material, fastening material, tag or on the fruit in a manner that is legible, clear, and indelible without false or deception as follows:

(1) Name of the produce

If the produce is not visible from the outside, each package shall be labelled as to the name of the produce and/or as to the name of the variety.

(2) Net weight in metric system

(3) Class (optional)

(4) Size code and/or size (optional)

(5) Information of producer, packer, distributor, importer or exporter

Indicate the name and address of producer, packer, distributor, importer or exporter.

(6) Origin of produce

Indicate country of origin, except melon grown for domestic market.

(7) Language

Label of produce for domestic market shall be in Thai, however, foreign language may also be added. Label of produce for export can be in foreign language.

6.2 Non-retail containers

The information shall be shown on the accompanied documents of the shipment, on the label, or on the container in a manner that is legible, indelible without false or deception as follows:

TAS 26-2016

(1) Name of the produce;

To be labelled as “melon” and/or “name of the variety”

(2) Net weight in metric system

(3) Class

(4) Size code and/or size

(5) Information of producer, packer, distributor, importer or exporter

Indicate the name and address of producer, packer, distributor, importer or exporter.

(6) Origin of produce

Indicate country of origin, except melon grown for domestic market.

(7) Language

Label of produce for domestic market shall be in Thai, however, foreign language may also be added. Label of produce for export can be in foreign language.

6.3 Certification mark

The use of certification mark shall be complied with the Ministerial Regulation of B.E.2553 (2010) on Provisions Concerning Characteristics of Mark, Application and Display, and the related Notifications of National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards.

7. CONTAMINANTS

Maximum levels of contaminants in melon shall be in compliance with the relevant laws and regulations.

8. PESTICIDE RESIDUES

Maximum residue limits of pesticides in melon shall be in compliance with the related laws and regulations and the requirements under the Thai Agricultural Standards on Pesticide Residues: Maximum Residue Limits (TAS 9002) and Pesticide Residues: Extraneous Maximum Residue Limits (TAS 9003).

9. HYGIENE

9.1 Melon shall be produced and handling under good hygienic practices at all stages including storing, packing and transporting in order to prevent contamination that may be harmful to consumer. Otherwise, such practices shall be certified in accordance with Thai Agricultural Standard on Good Agricultural Practices for Food Crop (TAS 9001) or its equivalent.

9.2 In case where melons are packed in the packing house, the packing house shall be certified in accordance with Thai Agricultural Standard on Good Manufacturing Practices for Packing House of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (TAS 9035) or its equivalent .

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10. METHODS OF ANALYSIS

Analytical method is shown in Table 2:

Table 2 Analytical method

Provision Analytical methods Principle

Total Soluble Solids, TSS (Section 2.1.2 and 2.2.1)

Refractometer method

(AOAC 932.12) or any equivalent method. Taking flesh sample from

the fruit central part only (excluding core, seed and peel)

Refractometry

TAS 26-2016

ANNEX A

ILLUSTRATIONS OF MELON

(a) Circular shape with heavily netted green skin, and light green flesh

(b) Circular shape with heavily netted green skin, and orange flesh

Figure A.1 Example of commercial melon varieties (Section 1.1)

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(c) Circular shape with smooth and creamy skin, and light green flesh

(d) Circular shape with smooth and soft white skin, and orange flesh

(e) Circular shape, soft white skin with stripes; and orange flesh

Figure A.1 Example of commercial melon varieties (Section 1.1)(continued)

TAS 26-2016

(f) Circular shape with smooth and yellow skin, and orange flesh

(g) Circular shape, yellow skin with stripes; and white or light green flesh

(h) Circular shape with heavily netted yellow skin, and green flesh

Figure A.1 Example of commercial melon varieties (Section 1.1)(continued)

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(i) Oblate shape with smooth and light green skin, and light green flesh

(j) Broad elliptical shape with heavily netted yellow skin, and green or orange flesh

Figure A.1 Example of commercial melon varieties (Section 1.1)(continued)

TAS 26-2016

(a) Rotten fruit affecting flesh quality after cut open (Section 2.1.1 (4))

(b) Crack affecting flesh quality (Section 2.1.1 (6))

(c) Pests affecting general appearance (Section 2.1.1 (7))

Figure A.2 Examples of defects not complying with the minimum requirements

Crack

Lesion of

rotten melon

Moldy around peduncle base.

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(a) Scratches

(b) Shallow scar

(c) Pest damage mark

Figure A.3 Examples of defects which are allowed in limited amount in accordance with Section 2.2.2 and 2.2.3.

Pest damage mark

Shallow scar caused by rubbing or handling;

Scratches

TAS 26-2016

(a) Normal shape

(b) Slightly malformed shape (acceptable)

(c) Abnormal shape (unacceptable)

Figure A.4 Examples of melon shapes (Section 2.2.1– 2.2.3)

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