les conditions de présentation des fruits et légumes frais fixées par arrêté interministériel
Summary of the New Regulations for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in Algeria
An interministerial decree outlining the specifications and presentation conditions for fresh fruits and vegetables intended for human consumption has recently been published in Algeria’s Official Journal (N21). This regulation, signed by the ministries of commerce, industry, agriculture, and the interior, sets forth stringent quality standards for fresh produce.
Quality Requirements
According to the decree, fresh fruits and vegetables destined for consumption must meet specific minimum quality standards. They should be whole, clean, and free from visible foreign matter, diseases, or any form of rot or internal/external alterations making them unsuitable for consumption. The produce must also be properly developed and at an adequate level of ripeness, avoiding over-ripeness. Furthermore, it must withstand transportation and handling to arrive at destinations in satisfactory condition.
The decree emphasizes that fresh produce should not contain foreign materials such as soil, stones, or inedible plant parts unless these are traditionally included in the presentation of certain products. It explicitly excludes fresh fruits and vegetables meant for industrial transformation, storage centers, or conditioning centers aimed at conforming to the stipulated standards.
Handling and Treatment Standards
The regulations state that soaking or wetting fresh fruits and vegetables is not allowed, except as a means to maintain cleanliness and freshness. Additionally, products that have undergone treatments with unauthorized phytosanitary substances or in contravention of applicable regulations—whether applied directly to the products or to the plants bearing them—are prohibited from being placed on the market. This includes treatments for disinfection, insect control, protection from spoilage, and artificial coloration.
Fruits and vegetables must remain free from any chemical, mineral, or organic substances that may contaminate or degrade their quality. All handling, packaging, and transport of these products must adhere to hygienic conditions to prevent degradation.
Packaging and Labelling
The interministerial decree also stipulates that packaging must meet certain quality, hygiene, ventilation, and durability standards to ensure proper handling, shipping, and preservation of the products. Bulk shipments must also be free from foreign materials and odors.
Labelling regulations require that prepackaged fruits and vegetables should include the product name, an equivalent name in the case of mixed types or colors, and for those sold in bulk, information such as the product name, variety (if indicated on packaging), and country of origin must be clearly displayed. This information must be easily visible, legible, and indelible to inform consumers properly.
Compliance Enforcement
All stakeholders involved in the presentation of fresh fruits and vegetables for human consumption are obliged to adhere to the provisions of the decree within one year of its publication in the Official Journal. Failure to comply may lead to sanctions or restrictions on the sale of non-compliant products.
This decree aims to enhance the quality and safety of fresh produce available in the market, ensuring that Algerian consumers receive high-standard products while also promoting local agricultural practices that align with national health and safety standards.
In summary, the new regulations emphasize the importance of maintaining freshness, preventing contamination, and ensuring accurate labelling and presentation of fresh fruits and vegetables, thus aiming to safeguard consumer health and promote fair trading practices within the agricultural sector in Algeria.
