The regulations applicable to sweet corn of the varieties (cultivar) Zea mays L., are as follows:
Quality standards
(1) | Subject to the regulations for Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 and Lowest Class sweet corn in subregulation 4 and the permissible deviations in subregulation 11 for Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 sweet corn shall ; |
(c) | be clean and free from foreign matter, including soil; |
(d) | be free from Arthropoda infestation; |
(e) | be free from insect damage or damage caused by other organisms; |
(f) | be free from blemishes; |
(g) | be free from injuries; |
(h) | be free from abnormal external moisture; |
(i) | be free from cold damage; |
(i) | be free from sun-scorch; |
(k) | have a sweet corn aroma and be free from a sour or any other foreign odours; |
(I) | be free from any other factors that affect or may affect the quality of the sweet corn detrimentally; |
(n) | be sound and attractive in appearance and have normal characteristics of the cultivar; and |
(o) | be of such development and condition as to enable them to withstand transport and handling. |
(2) | The kernels shall, except in the case of miniature corn, be well formed, not underdeveloped, soft and milky and show no sign of dents or discolouration. |
(3) | The cob shall be filled completely with kernels in straight rows. |
(a) | Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 sweet corn ; |
(i) | shall be well trimmed; |
(ii) | the stalk shall not be longer than 20 mm and less than 8 mm; and |
(iii) | the end of the cob shall not be seedless for more than 25 mm. |
(b) | In the case of Lowest Class sweet corn - unspecified. |
(5) | In the case of miniature sweet corn ; |
(a) | the cob shall not be pollinated, but shall be conical, straight leading to a point;and |
(b) | the kernels shall be evenly immature and in straight rows without confusion or spiralling; |
(c) | silk shall be absent. |
Packing and sorting requirements
(a) | Sweet corn, except in the case of miniature corn, shall be packed and sorted according to the length of the cob. |
(b) | The maximum cob length in the case of Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 sweet corn is 300 mm. |
(c) | The minimum cob length in the case of ; |
(i) | Class 1 sweet corn is 140 mm; and |
(ii) | Class 2 sweet corn is 120 mm. |
(7) | Sweet corn shall be uniform in the same packing in respect of diameter, length and the cut at the base of the cob: Provided that the cut at the base shall be clean and only on the one side of the cob. |
(8) | Sweet corn shall be packed separately in the case of shaped and unshaped ends. |
(9) | Sweet corn with leaves and stamens, without cover or partially covered shall be packed separately. |
(a) | Miniature corn shall be packed and sorted according to cob diameter (measured at the base) and cob length. |
(b) | The minimum diameter is 8 mm and the maximum diameter 20 mm. |
(c) | The maximum difference in diameter between the smallest and largest miniature corn in the same packing shall not exceed 5 mm. |
(d) | The minimum cob length is 60 mm and the maximum cob length is 120 mm. |
(e) | The maximum difference in length between the largest and shortest miniature corn cob in the same packing shall not exceed 15 mm. |
Permissible deviations with regard to quality standards
(a) | Class 1 sweet corn may deviate from the quality standards for Class 1 sweet corn with 10% by mass: Provided that the deviating sweet corn ; |
(i) | at least comply with the quality standards for Class 2; and |
(ii) | do not exceed the following individual limits: |
- | Arthropoda infestation: Degree as set out in regulation 4(4)(c): Part 1. |
(b) | Sweet corn classified as Class 2 and Class 3 may deviate from the minimum standards with 15% and 25% respectively by mass: Provided that the deviating sweet corn do not exceed the following individual limits: |
- | decay: 4% and 6% respectively; |
- | injuries: 8% and 10% respectively; |
- | Arthropoda infestation: Degree as set out in regulation 4(4)(c): Part 1. |
(c) | In the case of Lowest Class-decay shall not exceed 20% by mass or number. |
Permissible deviations with regard to packing and sorting requirements
(12) | Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 sweet corn may deviate from the packing and sorting requirements set out in subregulations 6 to 10, with 10%, 15% and 25% respectevely by mass. |
Marking requirements
(13) | Subject to the provisions of regulation 10(1): Part 1 each container in which Class 1, Class 2, Class 3 and Lowest Class sweet corn are packed, shall be marked with— |
(a) | the expression "mini corn" or "baby corn" or other appropriate term for miniature produce, where appropriate: Provided that where several types of miniature produce are mixed in the same package, all products shall be mentioned. |