ISO 20980-2020 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 20980:2020 — Artichokes — Specification and test methods. This International Standard specifies requirements, definitions and test methods for fresh artichokes (including hearts and bottoms) for use in trade and quality control; it excludes processed artichokes.

Abstract

Provides classifications, size and quality criteria, tolerances, sampling and inspection guidance, and referenced test methods and requirements for packaging, marking, transport, storage, hygiene and pesticide-residue considerations for fresh artichokes (Cynara cardunculus Scolymus Group and C. cardunculus Cardoon Group). The standard is intended to support consistent quality assessment and safe trade of fresh artichokes.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: August 2020 (Edition 1, 2020).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 67.080.20 (Vegetables and derived products).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2020).
• Number of pages: 7 (official ISO edition).

Scope

Applies to fresh artichokes (Cynara cardunculus Scolymus Group and Cynara cardunculus Cardoon Group — syn. C. cardunculus var. altilis DC.), covering whole produce as traded (including hearts and bottoms). It specifies types/classes, quality requirements and test methods for assessing conformity for commercial purposes; it does not apply to processed artichokes or products derived from industrial processing.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and terminology for artichoke parts (bract, heart, bottom) to ensure consistent assessment.
• Classification by type (e.g., globe/rounded and elongated) and quality classes (e.g., Extra, Class I, Class II, and unsorted/no class) with class-specific appearance and condition criteria.
• Size and dimensional requirements and permissible tolerances by class; sampling and lot tolerances for allowable defects and downgraded produce percentages.
• Sampling and inspection recommendations referencing standard sampling procedures to ensure representative lot testing.
• Referenced test methods for laboratory analyses (examples of referenced ISO methods include those for soluble solids, pH and related analyses) and practical test-method guidance for quality control.
• Packaging, marking and labelling requirements (product identification, class, mass, origin, batch/lot code) and guidance on transport, storage, hygiene and pesticide-residue considerations relevant to trade.

Typical use and users

Used by fresh-produce growers, packers, exporters/importers, produce brokers, retailers, quality-control laboratories, inspection authorities and standards organisations to define and verify commercial quality, set purchase specifications, design sampling and testing plans, and ensure compliance with hygiene and labelling expectations for fresh artichokes.

Related standards

References and cross-references typically include other ISO standards and sampling/test methods used in the fruit and vegetable sector (for example, general sampling and inspection procedures and test-method standards for soluble solids, pH and residue analysis). The standard was developed by ISO/TC 34/SC 3 (Fruits and vegetables and their derived products).

Keywords

Artichokes; hearts; bottoms; fresh produce; specification; test methods; quality classes; sampling; packaging; marking; transport; storage; hygiene; pesticide residues.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 20980:2020 is an international standard that specifies quality, sizing, classification, sampling and test-method requirements for fresh artichokes intended for commercial trade.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers definitions, types and quality classes, dimensional and appearance requirements, tolerances, sampling and inspection guidance, referenced laboratory test methods, and provisions for packaging, marking, transport, storage, hygiene and pesticide-residue considerations for fresh artichokes (excluding processed artichokes).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Producers, packers, traders, retailers, testing laboratories, inspection authorities and anyone specifying or checking commercial quality of fresh artichokes.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 20980 was published in 2020 (Edition 1) and appears as the current ISO International Standard for artichokes; ISO standards are normally reviewed periodically (typically every five years) to confirm, revise or withdraw them.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ISO work in the food/fruit-and-vegetable sector under ISO/TC 34/SC 3. Although not a multi-part numbered series itself, it sits alongside many other ISO standards for fruits and vegetables and their test methods and sampling procedures.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Artichokes, fresh produce, specification, quality class, sampling, test methods, packaging, marking, transport, storage, hygiene.