What is ISO 20980 about?
ISO 20980 is an International Standard on food products that discusses test methods to ensure safe consumption and marketability of artichokes.
ISO 20980 specifies requirements and test methods for fresh artichokes, including their hearts and bottoms, of the following groups:
- Cynara cardunculus Scolymus Group
- Cynara cardunculus Cardoon Group, syn. C. cardunculus var. altilis dc
Who is ISO 20980 for?
ISO 20980 on artichokes is relevant to:
- Food processing and packaging companies
- Manufacturers of food products that include artichokes as its ingredients
- Food testing and quality control departments
- Food technologists
Why should you use ISO 20980?
Artichoke plants are herbaceous perennial plants, members of the Asteraceae family of plants, a group that includes thistles, dandelions, and sunflowers.
ISO 20980 covers test methods that include organoleptical and visual inspections, sniffing, tasting, weighing and measuring of the artichokes.
ISO 20980 provides references to accurately determine titratable acidity, mineral impurities content, pH levels of the samples.
ISO 20980 covers guidance on the right packaging, storage and transportation that ensures the product is safe to consume, given its short shelf-life. 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 artichokes. Additionally, the lack of unified and explicit product quality which inhibits international trade of artichokes can be addressed.
