Overview
ISO 2254:2004 establishes the international specifications for cloves, both whole and ground (powdered). This standard pertains specifically to Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. et L.M. Perry, covering quality requirements, chemical characteristics, and guidelines for sampling, packing, and marking of cloves. It also provides recommendations on the storage and transport of cloves to maintain their quality and safety. As a globally recognized standard, ISO 2254:2004 aids producers, exporters, and regulators in ensuring consistent quality and consumer safety for cloves in the market.
Key Topics
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Scope and Definitions
ISO 2254 specifies requirements for whole floral buds (whole cloves) and ground cloves without additives. It defines key terms including whole cloves, headless cloves, khoker cloves (fermented cloves), mother cloves (fruit), clove stems, and ground cloves.
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Quality Requirements
The standard defines essential parameters including:
- Odour and flavour: cloves should exhibit a strong aromatic, spicy odour and characteristic flavour free from off-flavours like mustiness.
- Colour: whole cloves must range from reddish-brown to blackish-brown, while ground cloves should be brown with a violet tinge.
- Purity: cloves must be free from mould, living insects, rodent contamination, and practically free from dead insects and insect fragments.
- Extraneous matter: limits are set for dirt, stones, wood, and plant particles other than cloves.
- Chemical composition: moisture content, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, volatile oil content, and crude fibre are strictly regulated based on clove grade.
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Classification and Grading
Whole cloves are classified into grades based on the presence of tendrils, mother cloves, headless cloves, khoker cloves, and extraneous matter to guide quality assessment.
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Sampling and Testing
Sampling procedures conform to ISO 948. Testing methods for moisture, ash content, volatile oil, and other characteristics follow internationally accepted ISO methods to ensure reproducibility and reliability.
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Packing and Marking Requirements
Cloves must be packed in clean, moisture-proof containers that do not affect product quality or cause volatile oil loss. Detailed marking information is required, including product name, manufacturer, batch number, net weight, grade (for whole cloves), country of origin, and any purchaser-specific details.
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Storage and Transport Recommendations
Containers should be stored in dry, ventilated, and odour-free locations away from excessive heat or moisture. Proper handling during transport is crucial to protect cloves from environmental damage, contamination, and cross-infestation.
Applications
ISO 2254:2004 is highly valuable for:
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Producers and Processors
Assuring product quality and compliance with international requirements for cloves, enabling better market access and consumer confidence.
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Exporters and Importers
Standardizing quality expectations, facilitating smoother cross-border trade, and minimizing disputes about product quality.
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Quality Control Laboratories
Providing internationally recognized test methods and classification criteria to verify conformity.
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Retailers and Food Industry
Ensuring that cloves used in food products meet safety and quality standards, enhancing product consistency.
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Regulatory Authorities
Implementing quality control standards to protect consumers and uphold food safety legislation.
Related Standards
ISO 2254 references key ISO standards integral to spice quality assessment, including:
- ISO 927 – Determination of extraneous matter content in spices and condiments
- ISO 928 – Determination of total ash in spices and condiments
- ISO 930 – Determination of acid-insoluble ash
- ISO 939 – Determination of moisture content – Entrainment method
- ISO 948 – Sampling of spices and condiments
- ISO 1208 – Determination of filth in spices and condiments
- ISO 2825 – Preparation of ground sample for analysis
- ISO 5498 – Determination of crude fibre content in agricultural food products
- ISO 6571 – Determination of volatile oil content in spices
These interconnected standards provide a comprehensive framework for quality control of spices, ensuring consistent and reliable assessment processes.
By adhering to ISO 2254:2004, stakeholders in the spice industry can maintain high-quality standards for cloves, optimize handling and storage, facilitate international trade, and meet consumer expectations for this valuable aromatic spice.
