Beginning in June 2023, Ukraine has created and implemented a national standard for table potatoes, DSTU 1: 9221. The norms will be implemented following the State Enterprise “Ukrainian Research and Training Center for Standardization and Quality Certification” Order No. 102.

Early and late potatoes will now be recognized in Ukraine based on harvesting timing. It is split into three classes based on its quality: extra, 1 grade, and 2 grade. Potatoes can be washed or unwashed depending on their intended usage.

The national standard specifies the major characteristics and rules for potatoes, taking into consideration their variation, and describes their look, fragrance, and flavor, as well as the type of their interior section.

The standard specifies the allowable concentration of hazardous components in edible potatoes as well as the conditions for calibration. Separate items are allocated to potato product labeling, packaging features, and transportation.

The standard also assumes the sampling concept in the sale of potatoes, as well as control procedures and findings achieved.

“This standard applies to food potatoes of botanical varieties (Solanum tuberosum L.) and its hybrids of different ripening periods, which are supplied and sold fresh for consumption and establishes requirements for products,” UkrNDNC said.

FAO currently believes that Ukrainian potatoes, which could be accessible for export, do not match the quality requirements of the EU and even markets in former Soviet Union countries.