What is ISO 20981 about?
ISO 20981 is an International Standard on food products that discusses specifications and test methods to ensure safe consumption and marketability of asparagus.
ISO 20981 specifies requirements and test methods for fresh asparagus shoots of commercial varieties of asparagus grown from Asparagus Officinalis L., of the Liliaceae family, offered to consumers after preparation and packaging.
ISO 20981 is applicable to all asparagus except green and violet/green asparagus with a diameter less than 3 mm and white and violet asparagus with a diameter less than 8 mm, packed in uniform bundles or unit packages.
ISO 20981 does not apply to processed asparagus.
Who is ISO 20981 for?
ISO 20981 on test methods for use of asparagus is relevant to:
- Food industry
- Food technologists
- Manufacturers of food products that include asparagus as its ingredients
- Entities involved in packaging, storage and transportation of asparagus
Why should you use ISO 20981?
Asparagus is an ancient crop that has great nutritional value. However, the
ISO 20981 provides standard references for test methods to accurately determine titratable acidity, mineral impurities content, and pH levels of the samples. You can also evaluate water-soluble solids of the sample.
ISO 20981 covers guidance on the right packaging, storage and transportation that ensures the product is safe to consume and free from contamination. Guidance on markings can help maintain traceability of the product.
Overall, you can enhance the value of your products across the supply chain by standardising practices for safe consumption of asparagus. Additionally, the lack of unified and explicit product quality which inhibits international trade of asparagus can be addressed.