Quality assurance systems for ASEAN fruits (Fresh and minimally processed)

摘要

In Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, postharvest handling and marketing of fruits have been developing quite rapidly in response to increasing efforts to export fruits to other countries, both within ASEAN and to other countries. A catalyst for these developments has been the ASEAN-Australia Economic Cooperation Program Phase lit Project on Quality Assurance Systems for ASEAN Fruits-Fresh and Minimally Processed (QASAF). Within the ambit of the project, each country has developed quality assurance (QA) systems with fruit which they had selected as the subject fruit. A series of projects was undertaken to develop QA systems for the marketing of fresh fruit for local and export markets. A second series of projects was undertaken to develop systems for minimal processing of the selected fruit with a view to achieving an extended shelf life for the product to aid in the penetration of more distant markets. Brunei Darussalam focused their attention on their local durian varieties, 'durian otak udang galah', 'durian pulu', 'durian kuning' and 'durian bunga simpur', which they wished to promote; Indonesia concentrated on 'Arumanis' mango which is a popular variety of green-skinned mango; Malaysia used jackfruit which was being used for some limited minimal processing; Philippines chose to work with pineapples for which a minimal processing industry could be developed; Singapore, being an importer of fruit from ASEAN, concentrated on product evaluation and the development of minimal processing systems, including good manufacturing practice(GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans; Thailand placed its emphasis on furthering its work on the most common durian (Durio zibethinus) in commercial use and which could be used for minimal processing; and Vietnam concentrated attention on dragon fruit--which is a very popular fruit with considerable export potential, mango ('Cat Hoa Loc') and longan.