Grapes Safety Testing

Grapes (Vitis vinifera) is grown from temperate to warm regions; however, hot and dry climatic conditions are considered to be ideal. Indian grapes come in varied characteristics namely coloured, white, seeded, unseeded, large and small berries. Indian grapes are successfully grown at and above 250 mean sea level.

Indian Grape Varieties:

In India, around 20 varieties and even more are under cultivation in India. However, 12 varieties are widely grown and commercialized. They can be grouped under following 4 categories based on colour and seeds.

India Facts and areas of cultivation:

India is a major exporter of fresh Grapes to the world. The country has exported 2,46,107.38 MT of Grapes to the world for the worth of Rs.2,298.47 crores/ 313.57 USD Millions during the year 2020-21.

Major grape-growing states in our country are Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and the north-western region covering Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Maharashtra ranks first in terms of production accounting for more than 81.22 % of total production and highest productivity in the country.

Major Export Destinations (2020-21): Netherland, U K, Bangladesh Pr, Russia, U Arab Emts.

Top indications that reveal grapes are ready to harvest including, but not limited to -

1.    Color of the grapes. Naturally, red grape varieties will gradually turn from green to red as they ripen. However, experienced winemakers know it could take many weeks, depending on the weather and the grape variety, before true ripeness sets in.

2.    Color of the stems and grape seeds: When ripe they will be brown.

3.    Added hints from grapes: They will plump up as sugars increase, and they will be easy to pull from a cluster the riper they get.

4.    Added hint from grape seeds: Taste a grape and the seeds are easily chewable when ripe. They are also brown.

5.    Flavor. Ripe grapes are sweet, with no hint of bitterness in the flesh or seeds. Experienced winemakers will look for the ultimate “varietal” flavours to show through.

Safety and Regulatory aspects

Export of Fruits and vegetables from India is only allowed after production of laboratory test reports which complies to regulations as per APEDA. Failure in MRL can lead to rejection of the goods and thus loss to the dealers.

FSSAI has setup standards for fruits and vegetables so that all food businesses must maintain food quality and safety.

While coming to the sources of contamination include pesticides, micro biological contamination, improper handling, poor storage conditions, chemical residues, physical factors like bruises, spoilage and many other factors.

Experts at Eurofins understand the need to evaluate fresh produce industry and their food safety practices. Increasing consumers demand for safe and hygienic fresh and convenient produce, results in the development of specific food safety practices by laboratories.

Eurofins can assist you with fast, reliable, accurate testing and thereby helping you to minimize risk and protect your brand image as well as customer.