General information
Bulgur, also called bulgur wheat is a cereal food made from the hulled kernels (groats) of grains of durum wheat, though other wheat species can also be used.
The wheat kernels are parboiled, dried and ground into smaller fragments. Since it is partially cooked, bulgur can be prepared relatively quickly. When cooked, it has a similar consistency to couscous.
Bulgur is found in a range of grinds: fine, medium, coarse and extra coarse.
Bulgur is a good source of whole-grain dietary fibre, protein, iron, magnesium, manganese, vitamin B6, it contains gluten.
Impact on local, national, or regional market availability and prices should be reviewed before purchasing large quantities.
Import of food is always subject to acceptance from national authorities, based on national and/or internationally accepted guidelines; supplier must be able to verify if product can be supplied in line with requested specification.
Specifications
For all aspects of the product, unless described otherwise below, the standard of Codex Alimentarius last edition applies, including the for packaging.
Analysis of microbiological, chemical or radiological contaminants, toxins, heavy metals and pesticide residues (see table below) must certify the product is “fit for human consumption”. The supplier shall submit related Lab reports / Declarations.
Here you will find the most commonly used specifications. Please refer to HQ when offered specifications differ from the standard specifications. These will need to be approved by a food specialist prior to purchase.
BULGUR
|
Grain variety |
Product to be made of durum wheat |
|
Colour |
Product should have the natural colour of bulgur “Golden Yellow”. Brown colour is not accepted.
Colour additives are not allowed |
|
Grain size |
1.5 – 2.5mm diameter (coarse grind) |
|
Moisture |
13% max. |
|
Ash |
1.75% max. |
|
Infestation |
Free |
|
Insects |
Product should be free of living and dead insects and/or parts, stages and waste |
|
Acid-insoluble ash |
0.3% max. |
|
Weed and toxic seeds |
Nil |
|
Impurities |
0.1% max. |
|
Stones, other seeds, sand, dust, dirt |
0.1% max. |
|
Foreign seeds, herbs |
0.1% max. mass/mass |
|
Foreign kernels, other than wheat kernels |
1% max. mass/mass |
|
Ratio of large kernels |
1% max. mass/mass |
|
Ratio of incomplete, chalky kernels |
1% max. mass/mass |
|
Granularity |
0.5% max. mass/mass (through 0.5 mm sieve) |
|
Microbiology
|
- 2 ppb max. (to be tested only if Aflatoxin total >4 ppb)
|
|
Heavy metals
|
(To be provided by supplier based on raw material used)
|
|
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) |
Nil |
|
Crop year |
To be indicated |
|
Brand |
To be indicated |
|
Origin |
To be indicated |
Latest update: 27/05/2020