Commission Regulation (EC) No 2257/94

The European banana regulation is a regulation ( EC) of the European Commission, the legally binding describes the properties and classifications of imported bananas. This substandard bananas are jokingly referred to as Euro bananas.

Provisions

Goal of " Regulation ( EC) No 2257/ 94 of 16 September 1994 laying down quality standards for bananas " is to unify the rules of each Member State for imported bananas and introduce a minimum standard to ensure the quality and the smooth transport of to ensure fruit.

Size

According to the Regulation have bananas that are imported into the EU, as well as within the EU -produced bananas a minimum length of 14 cm and have a thickness of at least 27 mm.

State

You must also be undamaged ( intact shell, no dents, no mold, no kinked stem, etc. ) may not be ripened ( green color of the shell) and must be free from malformation or abnormal growth. The so-called " banana hands " or " cluster " ( several fruits on a stem piece ) must have an intact piece crown with a smooth interface that holds together the individual bananas. Furthermore, the bananas must have a level of maturity that makes it possible to transport them and then let mature ready.

Bananas are classified into three classes according to their external characteristics. Bananas the "Extra" class may have only marginal damage, not more than 1 cm ², the amount; Finally, they must have the characteristics typical for their varietal characteristics. Class I includes banana with slight superficial damage and deformation, but otherwise typical features. Subclass II eventually fall all the bananas that do not meet the criteria of the higher classes, but otherwise be compliant with the provisions of the Regulation.

Packaging and presentation

The regulations provide that each cluster must contain at least four bananas. The packs with the clusters must also be adequately labeled as to the type of product, origin, weight and grade.

Exceptions

For bananas produced in specified regions within the EU ( such as Crete or Madeira), there are special rules. You may fall below the minimum sizes, as locally grown bananas do not reach the standard size usually. However, they fall automatically under class II

Review of the criteria

The measurement method is thereby been prescribed, as the length of the fruit measured about their outward bulge from the stem to the blossom end of the fruit and the thickness is determined by the diameter in the center of the fruit. Decisive for the measurement are the average banana on the outer row and the ultimate fruit of the outer row.

Criticism

Often the regulation in the media and in public is used as an example of excessive bureaucracy and "regulatory mania" in the EU. It is often claimed that the EU prescribes the degree of curvature of the imported banana - this is not mentioned in the regulation.

Non-tariff barriers, such as the banana regulation are often criticized as discrimination against non -EU countries, since it is difficult to free trade with foreign providers.