Saffron standard in Iran
Determining and measuring the quality of saffron is the responsibility of Iran Standard Institute. In 1304, the first steps were taken to form the Iranian Standard Institute, and in 1336, it was established in the Ministry of Trade to monitor the quality of exported and imported goods. This institution started working in 1339 within the framework of the set goals. At the same time, he became a member of the ISO international standard organization.
One of the important duties of this department is issuing certificates for imported and exported products. Many research institutes and laboratories with advanced equipment and research group are working in this organization.
The main goal of this organization is to prevent fraud and provide quality saffron. In the first stage, quality analysis is done for domestic and national use. In the second stage, the quality of saffron of producing countries is important in the world market, and it works to gain global recognition and trust in the quality of Iranian saffron.
This organization has a unit to analyze the quality of this product. The Iranian standard mark indicates the commitment of the product provider to comply with the rules and laws in accordance with national standards.
To ensure the high quality of saffron produced in the country, most of the producing companies adapt their products to international and European standards.
This is despite the fact that the quality of pure Iranian saffron is much higher than most of the world samples and unique. Because the factors that are important in measuring the quality of this product in pure form (including color, taste and aroma) are present in Iranian samples.
The most important international standards
The International Organization for Standardization, or ISO for short, is the most reliable global standard setting organization that has defined many specific standards for saffron. In addition to this organization, the European Union, the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other reputable institutions have also developed and presented such standards.
If you intend to export saffron to other countries, in addition to the national standard of Iran, the set of these standards can play an important role in marketing and selling saffron in global markets. These standards are not mandatory, but they are considered a very strong incentive in selling the product. In the following, we refer to the most important international standards of saffron.
1- International standard ISO 3632
The ISO 3632 standard is one of the main standards that you should consider if you intend to produce, process and pack quality products for export. This standard helps you check the quality of the saffron produced. The ISO 3632 standard was compiled in 1980 with the development of competition in the market, and today it is one of the most reliable and main criteria for evaluating the quality of saffron.
This standard has been compiled in two parts: saffron characteristics and saffron test methods. In 2010, the second part of the saffron standard, i.e.ISO 3632-2, was re-examined and revised and named the ISO 3632-2:2010 standard. In 2011, the first part was re-edited and named ISO 3632-1:2011 standard.
Saffron product specifications, saffron quality test and test methods are carefully described in this standard. In this standard, there are also instructions regarding the packaging of saffron. Also, if your product is produced and evaluated according to this standard, it is necessary to include the compliance of the product with this standard on the saffron packaging that you supply.
2. International standard ISO 21983:2019
The latest standard developed by the ISO organization is the ISO 21983:2019 standard, which was first published in 2019. The main effective factor in the quality of saffron is paying attention to the correct harvesting, processing and packaging methods. Familiarity with the principles of harvesting flowers from farms and paying attention to the conditions of transportation from the farm to the processing place plays an important role in preserving the taste, color and other characteristics of saffron. In addition, the separation processing method, stigma collection and drying method are very important.
This standard is designed to provide guidance on the correct principles of harvesting, transporting, stigma separation, drying and storage of saffron to help producers provide higher quality products.
3. Other ISO standards in saffron production and packaging
The ISO 22000 standard is one of the ISO saffron standards that is considered in saffron packaging. This standard is related to food safety management systems. If the saffron is produced according to this standard from production to packaging, it is necessary to include the signs related to this standard on the saffron. Having this standard means that the product is safe in terms of microbial, chemical and physical contamination.
The ISO 10004 standard shows that you consider customer feedback in continuous improvement of the quality, services and processes of your saffron production and packaging. You can use the ISO 9001 standard to manage quality and customer satisfaction.
4. FDA approval
FDA is one of the most reliable standards and approvals around the world, and you need this approval to export saffron to different countries, including the United States. This standard shows that your product is manufactured and packaged according to the guidelines and standards of the United States Food and Drug Administration and is of sufficient quality and health.
In many countries, this standard is among mandatory standards, and only products with FDA approval can enter the country. Saffron packaging and even saffron production can be done according to FDA standards.
5. Inserting the halal sign on the saffron packaging, Halal certificate
One of the signs that you can put on the saffron packaging is the halal sign. If your product is manufactured and packaged according to the instructions of the Global Halal Institute, you can apply for this mark on your product packaging.
This standard says that all processes and stages of production, packaging, storage, transportation, etc. are done according to Islamic Sharia.
6. CE mark on saffron packaging
If you are looking to export saffron, especially to European Union member countries, it is necessary to obtain the CE mark and include this mark on your saffron packaging. This sign says that all the stages of production, packaging and distribution have been carried out according to the specific standards and directives of the European Union and that this product complies with the standards of the European Union for health, safety and environmental protection.
Although getting this approval and sign is required for exporting saffron to European countries, it can be very valid in other countries and increase the credibility of your product.