Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 543/2011 of 7 June 2011 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 in respect of the fruit and vegetables and processed fruit and vegetables sectors (c. 543)

ANNEX I MARKETING STANDARDS REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 3

PART B Specific marketing standards

PART 8: MARKETING STANDARD FOR SWEET PEPPERS

II. PROVISIONS CONCERNING QUALITY

B. Classification

Sweet peppers are classified in three classes, as defined below:

(i) ‘Extra’ Class

Sweet peppers in this class must be of superior quality. They must be characteristic of the variety and/or commercial type.

They must be free from defects, with the exception of very slight superficial defects, provided these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package.

(ii) Class I

Sweet peppers in this class must be of good quality. They must be characteristic of the variety and/or commercial type.

The following slight defects, however, may be allowed, provided these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package:

• a slight defect in shape

• slight silvering or damage caused by thrips covering not more than 1/3 of the total surface area

• slight skin defects, such as:

  • pitting, scratching, sunburn, pressure marks covering in total not more than 2 cm for defects of elongated shape, and 1 cm² for other defects; or

  • dry superficial cracks covering in total not more than 1/8 of the total surface area

• slightly damaged peduncle.

(iii) Class II

This class includes sweet peppers which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes but satisfy the minimum requirements specified above.

The following defects may be allowed provided the sweet peppers retain their essential characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping quality and presentation:

• defects in shape,

• silvering or damage caused by thrips covering not more than 2/3 of the total surface area

• skin defects, such as:

  • pitting, scratching, sunburn, bruising, and healed injuries covering in total not more than 4 cm in length for defects of elongated shape and 2,5 cm² of the total area for other defects; or

  • dry superficial cracks covering in total not more than 1/4 of the total surface area

• blossom end deterioration not more than 1 cm²

• shrivelling not exceeding 1/3 of the surface

• damaged peduncle and calyx, provided the surrounding flesh remains intact.