Coconut water is quickly becoming a leading thirst quencher for many persons locally and abroad which is creating increased demand for the product. But as the demand for coconut water grows, the onus is on producers to ensure that aspects such as quality, hygiene, packaging and storage are properly maintained.
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has developed two standards to guide the production of this refreshing, tasty and nutritious alternative to drinking water. These standards are the Code of Practice for Packaged Natural Coconut Water (GCP 30:2013) and the Specification for Packaged Natural Coconut Water (GYS 508: 2013). Both of these standards are also CARICOM Standards, so with conformance, local producers can sell their packaged coconut water on the Regional Market.
National Standards available for packaged coconut water
Conforming to the requirements of these standards also allows producers to demonstrate and maintain quality and satisfy consumer requirements. With conformance, no longer will consumers locally or abroad have doubts about the conditions under which locally produced coconut water is packaged, stored and offered for sale. Therefore, meeting requirements of the standards will give locally emerging brands a chance to be successful on the local and overseas markets which will cause our producers “to smile all the way to the bank”.
The scope of the code of practice sets out the recommendations for the hygienic preparation of packaged natural coconut water including harvesting, processing, packaging, storing, transporting and distributing. The standard also covers other key aspects such as labelling, the construction, design and location of facilities in which processing should occur, waste disposal, personal hygiene and quality control.
Meanwhile, the Standard Specification applies to packaged coconut water composed of the undiluted, natural, untreated, clear liquid endosperm (water) of the coconut, excluding the solid endosperm (jelly) which is offered for consumption. This standards, like the Code of Practice, addresses harvesting, quality control, hygiene and labelling. However, it also provides requirements relating to composition, physiochemical limits, defects, food additives, contaminants and microbiological limits.
The GNBS, as an agency that facilitates the development and implementation of standards for business growth and development, can help to guide our coconut water producers to conform to these standards. Copies of the standards can be acquired by calling or visiting the GNBS office in the National Exhibition Complex Sophia, Georgetown.
