GSO5/DS656/2013مواصفة قياسية خليجية                                    
                                             
1 
 هيئة التقييس لدول مجمس التعاون لدول الخميج العربية  
GCC STANDARDIZATION ORGANIZATION (GSO)  
 
 
 
   
fianl  draft : 
 
GSO5/DS656/2013 
   
 
PREPACKAGED WHOLE DATES  
 
 
 
 
Prepared by:  
Gulf technical committee for sector standards of  
Food and agriculture products  
 
 
 
 
 
This document is a draft Gulf standard circulated for comments, it is 
therefore, subject to alteration and modification, and may not be referred 
as a Gulf standard, until approved by the Board of Directors .                                                                                                                                       
 
 
 
 
 
 
ICS 67.080 
   GSO5/DS656/2013مواصفة قياسية خليجية                                    
                                             
2 
   
 
 
 
 
Foreword  
 
 
GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) is a regional Organization which consists of 
the National Standards Bodies of GCC member States. One of GSO main functions is to 
issue Gulf Standards /Technical  regulations through specialized technical committees 
(TCs).  
 
GSO through the technical program of committee TC No. “5” Gul f technical 
committee for sector standards of food and an agricultural product " has updated the 
GSO Standard No  GSO5/DS656/2013  “ Prepackaged whole dates”  The Draft 
Standard has  been prepared by Saudi Arabia . 
 
This standard has been approved as a Gulf (Standard / Technical Regulation) by 
GSO Board of Directors in its meeting No.( ),held on  / / H , / / G.  The approved 
standard will replace and supersede the GSO standard No. ( / ).  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   GSO5/DS656/2013مواصفة قياسية خليجية                                    
                                             
3 
  
PREPACKAGED WHOLE DATES  
 
 
  
1. SCOPE  
This standard applies to commercially prepared  whole dates in pitted or un pitted 
styles packed ready for direct consumption. It does not apply to other forms such as 
pieces or mashed dates or dates intended for industrial purposes .   
 
2. CMPLEMENTARE STANDARDS : 
2.1    GSO Stander NO 9 “Labeling of prepackaged foods”.  
2.2    GSO Stander NO 2 1 “Hygienic regulation for food plants and their personal” . 
2.3    GSO Stander NO 150 “ Expiration periods of food products Part 1”.  
2.4    GSO Stander NO 1016 “ Microbiological Criteria for foods tuffs  Part 1” 
2.5    GSO Stander NO 657 “ Method of test for prepackaged whole dates”.   
2.6    GSO Stander NO  1814 "  General standard for Irradiated foods"  
2.7   GSO Stander NO  382 " Maximum limits for pesticide residues in agricultural  
food products - Part 1".  
2.8   GSO Stander NO 383 "Maximum limits for pesticide residues in agricultural  
food products - Part 2".  
2.9 GSO CAC Stander NO  19 " Requirements For The Operation Of Irradiation  
facilities Used For The Treatment Of Foods . 
2.10 GSO stander NO 839 " Food packages - part1 : general requirements"  
2.11 GSO stander NO 1363 " Food packages - part 2 plastic packeges - general 
requirements"  
2.12 GSO stander NO 1791 " Three piece rouned steel cans used for canning 
food stuffs  
 
 
3. DEFINITIONS   
 
3.1 Dates    
The product prepared from sound suitably ripe fruit of the date tree  
(Phonixdactylifera L). They may be washed and/or pasteurized, and may be dried  
or hydrated to adjust the moisture content.  
3.2 pitted dates   
Sound  whole  dates with the stones automatically or manually removed provided  
that they maintain the original shape.  
3.3 Cane sugar dates  
Dates in which most of the sugar content is in the form of disaccharide sugar    GSO5/DS656/2013مواصفة قياسية خليجية                                    
                                             
4 
 (sucrose) such as Red Sukkari , yello w Sukkari, Maskani.  
3.4 Invert sugar dates  
Dates in which most of the sugar content is in the form of invert sugar (glucose  
and fructose) such as Khalas,  khudri, Ajwa, Sagai, Shaishi.   
3.5 Pressed dates  
Dates compressed into layers by using mechanical force.  
3.6 Loose dates  
Dates packaged without any mechanical force.  
3.7 Strands  
Dates with complete individual attachments stem.  
3.8 Batch   
Amount of dates have the same type and size, shape and packed in the same way 
under the same circumstances . 
3.9 Irradiated  Dates  
Dates ionizing radiation treatment at a specific dose to eliminate insect infestation 
in all its stages in accordance with the Gulf slandered  mentioned in item  (2.6)(2.9)    
3.10 Souring dates  
Dates in which sugars have broken down into alcohol and acetic acid by yeasts  
and bacteria and its characterized by acetic taste . But the fruits that are in the 
primary fermentation stage with mild acidic taste are not considered defective.  
3.11 Blemished dates  
Dates with change in color  as a result of sunburn or having scars, black spots  
under the stem with flesh cracks ( Black nose ) or surface mutilations  
of an area exceeding that of a circle of 7 mm in diameter.  
3.12 Decay dates  
Dates in a decomposed state and unacceptable in appearance.  
3.13 Mould dates  
Dates characterized by the presence of visible mold  hyphae.  
3.14 Dirty dates  
Dates having embedded  organic or inorganic materials such as dirt, sand or clay  
affecting an area over 3 mm in diameter  
3.15 Dates having insects and mites damage or contamination  
Dates damaged by insects or mites or contaminated by the presence of dead  
insects, mites, their parts or excretions.  
3.16 Damaged dates (for unpitted dates)  
Dates exposed to bruise and/or shredding in such a way that a good portion of their  
skin is damaged in such a manner that makes its outer appearance unacceptable.  
3.17 Unripe dates  
Dates of light weight, having little flesh, and cracked, dry and rubbery texture. It  
includes dates which are not naturally dry as the variety  itself.    GSO5/DS656/2013مواصفة قياسية خليجية                                    
                                             
5 
 3.18 Unpollinated dates  
Dates not pollinated as evidenced by their thin flesh, immature characteristics and  
absence of pits (stones).  
3.19 Black nose  
Noticeable darkening of the head, generally accompanied by severe checking or 
cracking of the flesh .  
3.20 Side - spots  
a very dark patch extending into the flesh affecting an area at least as large as a 
circle of 5 mm diameter.  
3.21 Sunburn  
similar abnormalities affecting an area at least as lar ge as a circle of 7 mm diameter  
 
4. CLASSIFICATION  
Dates shall be classified according to the following:  
4.1 Sugar types  
4.1.1 Cane sugar varieties, such as:  as Red Sukkari, yello w Sukkari, Maskani.    
4.1.2 Invert sugar varieties, such as : Khalas, khudri, Ajwa, Sagai, Shaishi.     
4.2 Styles  
4.2.1 Unpitted dates.  
4.2.2 Pitted dates (unstuffed or stuffed).  
4.3 Size of date (optional)  
Dates are classified into three sizes: small, medium and large. The number of  
pitted and unpitted dates for each size per 500 grams shall be as indicated in the  
following Table:  
 
TABLE  
Size grading of dates  
 
  
 
Size   
No. of dates in 500 g  
 
 
Unpitted dates  
  
Pitted dates  
 
Small  
 More than  100 More than 110  
 
Medium  
 80 to 100 90 to 110  
Large  
 less than  80 less than 90    GSO5/DS656/2013مواصفة قياسية خليجية                                    
                                             
6 
  
5. REQUIREMENTS  
Whole prepackaged dates shall meet the following requirements:  
5.1 They shall be from the same variety and at the appropriate stage of maturity.  
5.2 They shall be free from live insects, their eggs, larvae and excretions  And 
pathogenic . 
5.3 They shall possess a characteristic flavor  of every variety type.  
5.4 They shall be approximately similar and uniform in color, form and size. The 
visible part of the contents of the package must be representative of the entire  
contents.  
5.5 The raw materials used in production shall comply with their relevant 
standards.  
5.6 It is allowed to add the following substances; provided that they comply with 
their relevant standards:  
5.6.1 Glucose syrup, sugars, flour, vegetable and tahinia (sesame paste) oils.  
5.6.2 Natural flavors; in case of filled da tes. 
5.6.3 Glycerol or sorbitol, in case of dates covered with glucose syrup.  
5.7 The average weight of any unit of dates shall be not less than 4.0 grams for 
pitted  dates and not less than 4.75 grams for unpitted dates.  
5.8 The moisture content shall not be more than 26% by weight for cane sugar  
varieties and not more than 30% by weight for invert sugar varieties.  
5.9 Pitted dates may be filled with coconut, almonds or any other type of nuts 
which  should be suitable for human  consumption, hygienic , dry and free from 
insects and fungi  
5.10 In pitted dates, there shall be not more than two pits or 4 pieces of pits per 100  
dates.  
5.11 The metal impurities (such as metallic parts, nails, metallic fillings, ... etc.) 
shall  not be m ore than 1 g/kg.  
5.12  Dates are classified into the following three classes:  
5.12. 1 Extra  classes  
Dates in this class must be of superior quality. They must have the shape,  
development and colour characteristic of the variety and/or commercial type.  
They must be amber -coloured to brown and the flesh must be abundant, fat or  
semi -fat, and greasy. The epicarp must be translucent and, according to the  
variety, adhere to the flesh. They must be practically free from defects with the  
exception of very slight su perficial defects provided that these do not affect the  
general appearance of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality or its  
presentation in the package.  
5.12.2 Class I  
Dates in this class must be of good quality. They must be characteristic of the    GSO5/DS656/2013مواصفة قياسية خليجية                                    
                                             
7 
 variety and/or commercial type. The flesh must be sufficiently abundant, fat or  
semi -fat, according to the variety.  
5.12.3  Class II  
This class includes dates which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher classes  
but which satisfy the minimum requirements specified above.  
- The following defects may be allowed provided that the dates retain their  
essential characteristics as regards general appearance, quality, keeping quality  
and presentation:  
- defects of the epicarp not affecting the pulp  
- defects in fo rm or development  
- defects of colouration.  
5.13 Tolerances allowed of Size grading:  
Defective Tolerances allowed the following :  
 
 
 
Defects allowed  Tolerances allowed  
percentage of defective produce,  
by number or weight  
 
Extra   
Class I   
Class II  
a) Tolerances for produce not 
satisfying the minimum requirements :  
5  
10  
20 
 
-Immature or unpollinated fruit.   
1  
2  
4 
 
-Sour, decayed or moldy  fruit.   
zero  
1  
1 
 
-Damaged by pests.   
3  
6  
10 
 
-Blemished, discolored  or black nose , 
sunburnt, cracking of  the flesh .   
3  
5  
7 
- Live insects (by number).  zero zero zero 
b) Size tolerances : 
- Unpitted among pitted fruit (by 
number).   
2  
2  
2 
   
-Foreign matter (by weight).   
1  
1  
1   GSO5/DS656/2013مواصفة قياسية خليجية                                    
                                             
8 
 - Dates belonging to other varieties than 
that indicated on the package (by 
number).  
  
10  
10  
10 
c) Tolerances for other defects  
For dates not conforming to the 
minimum size .  
10  
10  
10 
 
5.14 Their production shall be according to the Gulf standard mentioned in (2.2). 
5.15 The microbiological criteria of micro -organisms shall be according to the Gulf  
standard mentioned in (2.4). 
5.16 They shall not contain any substances originating from micro -organisms in  
amounts which may represent a hazard to health.  
5.17 Pesticide residues shall not exceed the limits mentioned in the Gulf standards 
mentioned in  (2.7),(2.8). 
5.18 Using of Radiation  with proper Treatment  is allowable  according to GSO 
mentioned  in (2. 6), (2.9). 
5.19  
 
6. SAMPLING  
6.1 Gross samples  
Samples shall be taken at random from the production batch. At least 2 individual  
packages per each portion of 1000 kg shall be taken. From each individual  
package a sample of 300 shall be drawn. In all cases a sufficient amount to obtain  
a gross sample of not less than 3000 grams shall be taken. Samples shall be kept  
in clean and dry containers which do not affect its properties.  
The gross sample is used for detection of live infestations and general cleanliness  
of the product prior to its examination for compliance with other provisions of this  
standard.  
6.2 Sub -samples for examination and testing  
The gross sample shall be mixed well and small quantities taken at random from  
different places as follows:  
- Chemical analysis - 500 g, microbiological tests - 500 g.  
- Seed availability (for pitted dates) - 100 dates.  
- Defect s mentioned in 5.12 and size grading - 100 dates.  
6.3 Sample report  
6.3.1 The sample shall be accompanied with a report containing the following  
information:  
- Type and condition of product (name - grade if any) - volume or weight of  
package ... etc.    GSO5/DS656/2013مواصفة قياسية خليجية                                    
                                             
9 
 - Source of the lot or the manufacturer’s name and address.  
- Place of shipment, and place and date of arrival.  
- Place and date of sampling .  
- Lot size and number of packages withdrawn for sampling.  
- Batch number, code number or date of processing (if any ). 
- Place to which sample is delivered (for test).  
- Sample d by ................ (Name of sampler).  
6.3.2 The following information shall be declared on each sample container:  
- Number of report attached with the sample (6.3.1).  
- Date of sampling.  
- Name  of sampler.  
 
7. METHODS OF TEST  
Tests shall be carried out according to the Gulf standard mentioned in (2. 5). 
8. PACKAGING  
Dates shall be packed in suitable, clean, dry and water proof containers (food  
grade) to protect the product from contamination according to the Gulf standard 
mentioned in (2. 10),(2.12),(2.13).  
. 
9. LABELLING  
Without prejudice to what is mentioned in  Gulf standard mentioned in (2.1) and  
Gulf standard mentioned in (2.3)  the following information shall be declared on 
the labels:  
9.1 Name of the product.  
9.1.1 “Dates”, “Dates coated with glucose syrup” or “Filled dates”.  
9.1.2 “Unpitted” or “pitted” in addition to the size (small, medium or large).  
9.1.3 The name of the variety such as Red Sukkari, yello w Sukkari , Khalas, khudri   
9.1.4 Whether it is “pressed”, “loose” or in “clusters”.  
9.2 Name of the additives (if used).  
9.3 The stuff type or coating material (if any).  
9.4 Country of origin.  
9.5 The words "saved with irradiation" in the case of the use of irradiation 
and use the private irradiated foods logo.  
 
10. Transportation and Storage   
shall be carried out in such a way to protect the container from  
mechanical damage and contamination.  
The containers shall be stored in well ventilated stores far away from sources  
of heat and  contamination .    GSO5/DS656/2013مواصفة قياسية خليجية                                    
                                             
10 
    
المصطلحات الفنيةTECHNICALTERMS                                                                                                     
Damaged Dates............................ ................. ................................. متضررة  تمور مهشمة  
Biemished Dates...... ............  ....................................................................... تمورمشوهة  
Unripe Dates......... .................. .................... .......... ................................. تمورغير ناضجة  
Unpollinated Dates.. ................. ............... ............... ......................... تمور عذرية (شيص)  
Dirty Dates .............. ................ ...................................................... .............. تمورمتسخة  
Souring Dates ......... ................ ......... ........................................................ تمور متحمضة  
Mould Dates ................ ................ ................................................................ تمور متعفنة  
Deay Dates .................. ............... ............. .................................................... تمور متحممة  
Filled Dates............. ................. ................................................................... تمورمحشوة  
Pitted Dates........... .................. ........................................................... تمور منزوعة النوى  
Packed Dates ....................................................... ................ .......................... تمور معبأة  
Unpitted Dates...... ........... ................ ............ ......... ....................... تمور غير منزوعة النوى  
Mashed Dates ............................ ........ .................... ................................... تمور مهروسة  
Pressed Dates........................................... .............. ..................................... تمور مكبوسة  
Loose Dates ........................ ................ ......................................................... تمور مفككة  
Invert Syrup........................... ........ ............................ ......................... سكر محول(أحادي)  
Strands......................... ............... ............................. .......................................... شماريخ  
Stem................ ............... .............. ........................... ............................................... عنق 
نخيل التمر…… ...…………………………  Date Tree (PHOENIX DACTYLIFERAL) 
تمور مشععة   ………………………………………………………… Irradiated  Dates  
مادة التغطية …………………………………………………………… coating material 
سكر ثنائي .……………………………………………………………… Cane sugar   GSO5/DS656/2013مواصفة قياسية خليجية                                    
                                             
11 
  
 
 
المراجع  : 
-  مواصفة لجنة الأمم المتحدة الاقتصادية                                       UNECE Standard DDP -08    
الأوروبية د.د.ف- ٨٠ (التمور)  2010 مDATES)  2010  
                                             
 
 -مواصفة لجنة دستور الأغذية (الكودكس )                              (Codex ) Standard For Date      
  لمتمور رقم 143/1985  No 143 -1985