Development of a product description language for oranges.
Beattie, B. B.; Revelant, L. J.;
Proceedings of the Australasian postharvest horticulture conference 'Science and technology for the fresh food revolution', Melbourne, Australia, 18-22 September, 1995. Year: 1996 Pages: 223-225 Ref: 2 ref.
1996
บทคัดย่อ
A product description language (PDL) is a method of using a number of physical and other attributes of a product to describe the characteristics of that product. A PDL for oranges that uses these attributes in a quantitative way has been developed. When used on the market, the language provides a far greater ability to precisely specify what is wanted, or provided in a line of fruit, than by using the present regulated grade standards. To develop the PDL system, the Australian citrus industry was surveyed and market information was collected to select which fruit attributes, or quality parameters, are the most important for oranges. They were then defined using terminology derived from internationally accepted standards. These quality parameters included such attributes as colour, shape, blemishes, sweetness and physiological disorders. Within each quality parameter there were 3 graded levels. The concept was tested on Australian markets and the main Australian export markets. Colour photographs
of the quality parameters and descriptions have been put into a reference manual designed for use for both buyers and sellers of fruit. A set of colour plates designed for use in the packing house has also been prepared. The PDL is not intended to replace any grade regulations or systems already in use in packing houses. Fruits packed under this system can be labelled under any grade standards that may be required such as under Codex Alimentarius or OECD agreements. It will be important for packers and suppliers to use quality management systems to ensure that the packed fruits comply with the required levels of quality parameters.