From November 1, a new GOST standard for persimmons comes into effect in Russia

New standard comes into force

From November 1, a new GOST standard for persimmons comes into effect in Russia. The standard applies not only to producers and sellers, but also to suppliers, importers, processors and retail chains — this is stated in the Rosstandart document cited by Life.ru.

What the new rules require

The standard divides the fruit into three categories — extra, first and second grade. Persimmons of any grade must be whole, clean and firm, with a uniform shape and color, free of mechanical damage, mold, rot and signs of disease or pest infestation. The stems must be cut off, while the calyxes must be left in place undamaged. The permissible color ranges from yellow to orange and brownish-orange; green and overripe fruit does not qualify for any category.

Differences between the grades

The grades differ in the number of permissible defects. For the extra category, only minor surface blemishes are allowed that do not spoil the appearance and quality of the fruit. The first and second grades permit light bruises over a small area, traces of sunburn and slight darkening of the flesh. Minimum sizes are also set: the diameter of extra and first grade persimmons must be at least 60 millimeters, and second grade at least 40 millimeters.

Standardization context

This continues the broader effort to update food standards: as Life.ru previously reported, from January 1, 2027, new requirements for canned meat and children's semi-finished meat products will come into force in Russia, enshrined in approved GOST standards. In practical terms, the new persimmon standard means it is easier for buyers to navigate grade labeling: the same category must correspond to the same requirements for appearance, size and permissible defects of the fruit, regardless of the seller.