DATE PASTE
-
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Food product prepared from healthy, non-genetically modified natural dates (Phoenix dactylifera) fruits, with a uniform color, harvested at the appropriate stage of maturity, sorted, rid of perianth, washed, pitted, and ground. It is commonly used in confectionery, bakery, pastry, etc.
-
COMPOSITION AND INGREDIENTS AND ORIGIN:
Date Paste is made solely from natural dates sourced from Tunisia, with no additives or preservatives added. It is a purely Tunisian product, both in terms of raw materials and processing location.
-
SPECIFICATIONS AND ANALYSES:
Sensory Information
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Color | Brownish |
| Appearance | Typical, consistent paste |
| Flavor | Typical with no off flavors |
| Odor | Typical with no off odors |
| Texture | Homogeneous, smooth |
Microbiological Information
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| APC (aerobic plate count) | ≤ 5000 CFU/g |
| Yeast and Mold | ≤ 100 CFU/g |
| Coliforms | ≤ 10 CFU/g |
| E. coli | ≤ 10 CFU/g |
| Staphylococcus | Negative/25g |
| Salmonella | Negative/25g |
Physicochemical Information
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Moisture | < 20% |
| Water Activity | < 0.75 |
| Impurities | Absence |
| Foreign material | 0% |
| Metal | Absence |
| Pits or pit fragments | 0% |
| Infestation / Fermentation | 0% |
| Moldy or rotten dates | Absence |
| Allergen | Absence |
| Pesticide | < 0.010 mg/Kg |
| Gluten | < 10 ppm |
| Heavy metals | Cd < 0.0050 mg/Kg; Hg < 0.0050 mg/Kg; Pb < 0.020 mg/Kg |
| Total Aflatoxin (B1, B2, G1, G2) | < 4 ppb |
Nutrition Facts (per 100g)
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Proteins | 2.2 g |
| Fats | 0.1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 69 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Phosphorus | 50 mg |
| Potassium | 652 mg |
| Calcium | 71 mg |
| Magnesium | 63 mg |
| Iron | 2.1 mg |
| Zinc | 0.35 mg |
| Copper | 0.4 mg |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.09 mg |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.05 mg |
| Vitamin B3 | 2.2 mg |
Storage Conditions and Shelf Life
Date Paste can be stored without alteration for up to 12 months at a temperature between 0 – 4°C. The cold chain must be maintained and moisture kept below 70% to prevent mold development.
Presentation (Packaging and Labeling)
Packaged in 10 Kg cartons; smaller 500g and 1 Kg packages available on request. Packaging is food-grade and protects from damage and contamination. Each package includes labeling: Product Name, Net Weight, Manufacturer, Lot ID, Production and Expiration Dates.
Identification of Intended Use
Not suitable for diabetics. Intended for general consumption and use in food products. Vegan and vegetarian friendly, with no animal-origin ingredients.
References
CODEX STAN 143-1985 / NT 45.14 (2006) / CODEX ALIMENTARIUS CXS 193-1998 Ed. 2019 / EU Reg. (CE) No. 1881/2006 / CODEX LMR PESTICIDES / AOAC 2013.06 / NOP / USDA