Now, according to the new standard, large bananas must be measured using a metal ruler, tape measure, or caliper. Unlike dwarf and small-fruit varieties, for which such requirements are not mandatory, there must be at least three bananas in a bunch, and the number of "singles" (individual fruits) must not exceed one.
Interestingly, the regulation also mentions smell. If a banana is still green and has just arrived in a container, its cut should have the aroma of a fresh cucumber. This indicates that the fruit is unripe. A sweeter smell and yellow color will appear later, after the "ripening" process, when the fruits are prepared for sale in stores.
The Independent Survey and Adjustment Agency (LLC "NASA") commented: "The old standard was only in effect in Russia since 2001. We adapted it for several countries, which allowed us to create a common document. The quality requirements for bananas remain the same; we just aligned them with the new standards."
The new GOST divides bananas into three categories: "extra," first, and second grade. The strictest requirements apply to the highest grade, where the length of the fruits starts from 20 centimeters, and there should be between 4 to 8 pieces in a bunch. Ecuador, which supplies about 95% of Russia's needs, exports approximately 1.4 million tons of bananas annually.
Most likely, ordinary consumers will not notice changes after March 1. The new standard is primarily aimed at businesses that need clear rules for quality checks and documentation.
Leonid Kholod, former Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, noted: "The light green color specified in the GOST serves as a guarantee that the banana will not rot in transit and will reach the shelf in good condition."
