General information
Types: Green large lentils, small whole red lentils, split red lentils, green small lentils, polished lentils.
- Importation of food is always subject to acceptance by the national authorities, based on national specifications; check these before purchasing.
- Impact on the local, national, or regional market availability and prices should be carefully looked into before purchasing large quantities.
Specifications
For all aspects of the product, unless described otherwise below, the standard of Codex Alimentarius last edition applies, including for the 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.
Specifications vary with national regulations. Below you will find the most commonly used specifications. Please refer to HQ whenever offered specifications differ from these standard specifications, as these will need to be approved by a food specialist prior to purchase.
WHOLE AND SPLIT RED LENTILS
|
Size |
Min. 4 – 6 mm |
|
Organoleptic |
Normal shape and colour, the product shall have a clean and bright appearance, a natural smell and colour. It will be free of mould, infestation and abnormal flavour and/or taste, odour and smell |
|
Moisture |
14% max. |
|
Visually rotten |
Nil |
|
Decayed kernels |
4% max. |
|
White lentils in red lentils |
2% max. |
|
Presence of Datura seeds and other toxic grains (Crotolaria spp., Agrostemma githago L., Ricinus communis L.) or traces of tropane alkaloids |
Nil |
|
Weed, fungal/mould growth or yeast (visual inspection) |
Nil |
|
Total Foreign matter (including other seeds, stones and dust) |
1% max. |
|
Weevilled / holed / insect damaged grain |
1% max. |
|
Vetches |
0.1% max. |
|
Live insects |
Nil |
|
Dead insects, including parts, stages and waste |
2 max. per kg |
|
Microbiology
|
- 2 ppb max (tested ONLY if total Aflatoxin > 4 ppb)
|
|
Heavy metals
|
|
|
Presence of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) |
Nil |
|
Radioactive residues/elements |
Nil |
|
Cooking time |
30 minutes without prior pre-soaking |
|
Production |
Crop year to be indicated |
|
Brand |
To be indicated |
|
Origin |
To be indicated |
Additional country-specific specifications
WHOLE RED LENTILS (Syria, Jordan)
|
Peeled, split and broken |
|
|
Discoloured grains |
|
|
Total damaged grain |
|
|
Inorganic material |
|
RED SPLIT LENTILS (Syria, Jordan, Iraq)
|
Broken in split lentils (smaller than 75% average size) |
|
|
Other variety |
|
|
Unhusked grain |
|
|
Discoloured grains |
|
|
Total damaged grain |
|
|
Chalky grains |
|
Packaging
Net weight 50kg per bag.
All bags must be clean, dry, undamaged and firmly sewn.
Recycled bags are not allowed. Recycled plastics for making bags is not allowed.
Closing with a double stitch at both ends of the bag.
Additional 2% empty spare bags to be delivered (outer bag only if multiple packaging), with same marking.
Test as per EN276 for PP bags or EN 766 for jute bags: bags should resist without any damage to one drop from 1.2 m high on the base, and 2 drops on each side from 1.6m high.
Different types of packaging are possible (see also EN1086 standard – Sacks for the transport of food aid). Choice of the right packaging depends on several factors, including the condition of transportation and handling.
a) New woven-polypropylene (PP) bag, weighing 120g/bag.
b) New woven-polypropylene (PP) bag, weighing 120g/bag, lined with the same 120g PP bag with the top edges of the bags sewn together.
c) New jute bag, weighing 370g/bag lined with woven-polypropylene bag, weighing 110g/bag, with the top edges of the bags sewn together.
d) New cotton bag, weighing 180g/bag, lined with woven-polypropylene bag, weighing 110g/bag, with the top edges of the bags sewn together.
e) New composite jute/polypropylene bag weighting 335g/bag.
e) New jute bag weighing 600g/bag.
Pallet load
Shrink wrapped pallet, without covering the top of the pallet to let it breathe. Can also be secured with straps, to be re-tensioned regularly as the sacks will pack down during transport.
Shrink-wrap film must be removed at time of storing.
Fumigation
Commodities must have been fumigated maximum 30 days prior to departure date.
Fumigation products must come from licensed manufacturers and the supplier/retailer must be able to provide full certificate of analysis for the batch to be supplied.
Marking
Each bag to be marked with non-toxic ink, to remain readable after a minimum of 10 handlings.
Name of the product must be "LENTILS, exact type".
Net weight in kg.
Minimum documentation required for quality assurance from the supplier.
To be established by an official body:
- Certificate of inspection
- Certificate of origin, including crop year
- Health Certificate or Phytosanitary Certificate
- Weight and Quality Certificate
- Non-radioactivity Certificate
- Fumigation Certificate (when required)
- Certificate stating absence of GMOs
Other documentation needs to be provided according to the purchase agreement.
Latest update: 14/05/2020