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Standard COA — What Every Lot Includes

Every Kartago shipment is accompanied by a COA covering the following parameters. All methods are ISO-standard. Results are provided in the COA document accompanying each shipment.

Whole Dates & Pitted Dates

ParameterMethodStandard Range
Brix (sugar content)RefractometryVariety-specific (see spec sheets)
Moisture content (%)AOAC methodVariety-specific
Pit fragment absenceVisual + metal detectionPitted product only
Total Plate Count (TPC)ISO 4833≤10,000 CFU/g
Yeast & MoldISO 21527≤1,000 CFU/g
SalmonellaISO 6579Absent in 25g
E. coliISO 16649Absent in 1g
Country of originCertificate of originTunisia

Date Paste

ParameterMethodStandard Range
BrixRefractometry68–74 °Bx
Moisture (%)AOAC18–22%
pHPotentiometry4.5–5.5
Pit fragmentMetal detectionNone detected
Total Plate Count (TPC)ISO 4833≤1,000 CFU/g
Yeast & MoldISO 21527≤100 CFU/g
SalmonellaISO 6579Absent in 25g
E. coliISO 16649Absent in 1g

Date Syrup, Sugar & Powder

ParameterMethodStandard Range
Brix / Total sugar (%)Refractometry / AOACProduct-specific
Moisture (%)AOACProduct-specific
pH (syrup only)Potentiometry4.0–5.0
Total Plate Count (TPC)ISO 4833≤1,000 CFU/g
Yeast & MoldISO 21527≤100 CFU/g
SalmonellaISO 6579Absent in 25g
E. coliISO 16649Absent in 1g

Testing conducted by an accredited third-party laboratory. ISO methods used as standard across all product lines.

Extended Testing — Available on Request

For buyers with specific quality system requirements — particularly food manufacturers supplying baby food, supplements, or premium natural products — the following additional tests are available on request.

TestRelevanceTurnaround
Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As, Hg)Baby food, supplement qualification5–7 business days
Pesticide residue (multi-residue screen)Organic verification, premium retail7–10 business days
Aflatoxin (B1, B2, G1, G2)Mycotoxin risk management3–5 business days
PAH (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)Smoked/dried product risk5–7 business days
Water activity (Aw)Shelf life and packaging specification1–2 business days
Particle size (powder only)Dry blend formulation specification2–3 business days

Extended testing is charged at cost. Request extended testing in your quote or at order confirmation. Results are incorporated into a supplementary COA addendum.

Spec Sheets — Technical Data by Product

Spec sheets provide the technical reference data for each product — independent of individual lot results. They are used for formulation qualification, regulatory submission, and supplier onboarding processes.

Whole Dates (per variety)

  • Variety name, botanical classification, origin
  • Brix range, moisture range, pit weight ratio
  • Size grades available (weight per fruit)
  • Shelf life under ambient and refrigerated storage
  • Allergen statement
  • Country of origin

Pitted Dates

  • All whole date parameters above
  • Pit fragment detection protocol
  • Metal detection specification: ferrous ≥2.0mm, non-ferrous ≥2.5mm, SS ≥3.0mm
  • Pitted variety and grade
  • Shelf life by storage condition

Date Paste

  • Raw material variety, processing method
  • Brix range, moisture %, pH range
  • Texture description, color
  • Shelf life by storage condition
  • Full nutritional panel (FDA 21 CFR 102)
  • Allergen statement

Date Syrup, Sugar & Powder

  • Raw material, processing method
  • Key analytical parameters (Brix / total sugar, moisture)
  • Particle size (powder) and viscosity (syrup)
  • Full nutritional panel
  • Allergen statement
Download Spec Sheets

Nutritional Panels — FDA-Compliant Format

Nutritional panels are provided in FDA 21 CFR Part 102-compliant format — per 100g and per serving (typically 40g for dates, 15g for date sugar, 19g for date syrup). Compatible with direct use in US food product label development.

PDF Label-Ready Format

Print-ready nutritional fact panel in FDA-compliant layout. Suitable for direct submission to label printers or regulatory consultants.

Excel / Tabular Format

Structured data for formula management systems, nutritional software, and supplier qualification databases. Metric and US unit versions included.

Panel Coverage

Energy (kcal), total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, total sugars, added sugars, protein, potassium, and iron.

Available for all products in the Kartago range. Nutritional panels are provided alongside spec sheets at no additional charge for qualified buyers.

FSMA Documentation Package

For US food manufacturers and importers who need to satisfy FDA FSMA Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) requirements, we provide a structured documentation package. Designed to satisfy FSVP requirements under FDA 21 CFR Part 1, Subpart L.

BRC/IFS Audit Certificate (current)

Verification of supplier food safety system — third-party audited annually.

ISO 22000 Certificate (current)

Food safety management system verification — covers hazard analysis and critical control points.

COA Per Lot (historical, on request)

Ongoing supplier monitoring records. Up to 12 months of historical COA data available on request for FSVP monitoring files.

Facility Description & Process Overview

Supplier qualification records — facility type, production capacity, processing methods, and quality infrastructure.

Corrective Action History

FSVP monitoring requirement — documented corrective actions and outcomes from BRC/IFS audit cycle.

Allergen & Cross-Contact Statement

Hazard analysis support — facility allergen management, cross-contact risk declaration, and cleaning protocols.

This package is structured to satisfy the FSVP requirements for a food manufacturer importing dates or date ingredients under FDA 21 CFR Part 1, Subpart L. See: Food Manufacturers → | Importers & Retailers →

How to Request Documentation

Choose the path that fits your situation — documentation is available at every stage, including pre-qualification.

For Existing Orders

Your COA and standard documentation package is included automatically with your shipment confirmation. No separate request required.

For Pre-Qualification

Request our spec sheets and sample COA at /spec-sheet/ — available without placing an order. No minimum volume required for documentation.

For FSMA FSVP Qualification

Submit a documentation request via /request-quote/ noting "FSVP documentation package" — we will send the full package within 3 business days.

For Extended Testing

Note your test requirements (heavy metals, pesticide screen, aflatoxin, etc.) in your quote request. Extended testing is initiated at order confirmation and results are dispatched with or before your shipment.

FAQ — Lab Testing & COA

Do you provide a COA for every lot or just annually?

Per lot. Every shipment is accompanied by a COA reflecting the actual test results for that specific production lot — not a historical average or a generic annual spec sheet. Lot-level COA is a core requirement of our BRC/IFS and ISO 22000 certifications.

What microbiological parameters are included in your standard COA?

Total Plate Count (TPC), Yeast and Mold count, Salmonella (absence in 25g), and E. coli (absence in 1g). All methods are ISO-standard (ISO 4833, ISO 21527, ISO 6579, ISO 16649). Results meet the microbiological limits required for food-grade wholesale date products in North American markets.

Is heavy metal testing available?

Yes. Heavy metal testing (Pb, Cd, As, Hg) is available on request. This is standard for baby food and supplement manufacturer qualification. Turnaround is 5–7 business days. Results are provided in a supplementary COA addendum at no markup — charged at lab cost.

What format is the nutritional panel provided in?

FDA 21 CFR Part 102-compliant format, per 100g and per serving. Available in PDF (label-ready) and Excel/tabular format. Both metric and US unit versions available. Compatible with direct use in US food product label development.

Can you provide historical COA data for FSVP supplier monitoring records?

Yes. Historical COA data (typically 12 months) is available on request for buyers building FSVP supplier monitoring files. Submit the request via /request-quote/ with your lot history or a date range and we will compile the records.

What is the detection limit for your metal detection on pitted products?

Our metal detection protocol targets ferrous metals ≥2.0 mm, non-ferrous metals ≥2.5 mm, and stainless steel ≥3.0 mm. Results are documented in the COA for all pitted date lots. The detection parameters are set to exceed the minimum thresholds required under BRC Global Standard requirements.

Need Spec Sheets, COA, or FSMA Documentation?

Request your documentation package — available at pre-qualification, no order required.