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Each EC standard prescribes minimum marketing requirements and up to three quality classes, Extra Class, Class I and Class II. The quality classes can be described briefly as follows:
- Extra Class - excellent quality and usually only very specially selected and presented produce.
- Class I - good quality produce with no important defects.
- Class II - reasonably good quality, sound but deficient in one or two requirements such as shape, colour, small blemishes and marks.
The standards may be waived temporarily in a season of extreme shortage when supplies are insufficient to meet consumer demand and minimum sizes may be raised in a season of surplus (see regulation 2200/96 art. 4). Such decisions are taken on a Community-wide basis.
It is possible to utilise reclaimed containers provided these are clean and suitably protect the product. All previous label markings and identities particularly the country of origin must be removed or obliterated. Printed covers or distinctive labels identifying the new grower should be used. Any packaging materials used inside the package must always be new and clean.
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