Defects and signs of product changes
This section helps describe an observed problem in terms of factual signs. A sign does not automatically establish a cause or mean that the goods are safe or unsafe.
Common signs and defects
Mould and visible fungal damage
visible deposits, spots and other signs requiring documentation and, where necessary, laboratory confirmation of the nature of the change
Learn more →defectForeign or altered odour
a change in the sensory perception of the goods, assessed together with the packaging, time periods and handling conditions
Learn more →defectColour change
darkening, fading, spotting and other changes in product appearance
Learn more →defectPackaging damage
tears, punctures, loss of seal integrity, deformation and other visible packaging damage
Learn more →defectProduct deformation
a change in shape, crushing, caking or other loss of the original marketable appearance
Learn more →defectSigns of thawing
changes in frozen products that may be consistent with a break in the temperature chain and require assessment of the source data
Learn more →defectCold damage
a change in product structure or appearance following adverse temperature exposure
Learn more →defectDrying and weight loss
reduced weight and signs of dehydration, assessed in light of source data, storage conditions and packaging
Learn more →defectRancidity and oxidative changes
changes in odour, taste and appearance of fats or fat-containing products; laboratory confirmation may be necessary
Learn more →defectCondensation and excess moisture
moisture on packaging or products and associated changes in commercial condition
Learn more →defectLoss of marketable appearance
a combination of external changes affecting the ability to sell the goods in the usual way
Learn more →defectMechanical damage
dents, punctures, crushing, fractures and other damage from physical impact
Learn more →defectSigns of pests
visible signs of damage by insects or other pests that need to be documented and assessed in relation to storage conditions
Learn more →defectCaking and clumping
a change in the flowability and structure of dry products, assessed together with packaging and humidity conditions
Learn more →defectSeparation and loss of uniformity
visible phase separation or product non-uniformity, where this sign is relevant to commercial condition
Learn more →A defect and its cause are different things
For example, a colour change or foreign odour is an observable sign. To reach a conclusion about the cause, it must be compared with the product type, packaging, dates, storage and transport conditions and sometimes laboratory results.
When laboratory confirmation is required
If the conclusion depends on microbiology, chemical composition or quantitative parameters, a commodity inspection alone is insufficient. In that case, a relevant laboratory component is added to the examination.