The main quality checks for pulses are moisture, foreign matter, damaged and weevilled grain, live insects, admixture of other pulses, size, colour and broken grain. On top of these physical checks, lab tests cover pesticide residues, mycotoxins and sometimes microbiology.
Most problems in pulses come from storage, not the field. Insects that start in a warehouse can multiply during a long, warm voyage, so checks at loading matter as much as checks on the sample.
Physical checks
- Moisture: high moisture invites mould and insects. Agree a figure for your pulse and transit time, as in what moisture level is safe for shipping oilseeds, which follows similar logic.
- Foreign matter: dust, stones, stalks, husk and mud balls.
- Other edible grains and pulses: admixture, for example desi chickpeas in kabuli or urad in moong.
- Damaged grain: discoloured, sprouted, mouldy or heat-damaged seeds.
- Weevilled grain: seeds with holes or eggs from storage beetles.
- Live insects: any live insect is usually a reason to reject or re-fumigate.
- Broken, split and shrivelled grain: affect yield and appearance.
- Size and colour: against the agreed grade and approved sample.
Weevils and hidden infestation
The pulse beetle lays eggs on the seed, and the larva grows inside. A seed can look sound while an insect develops within it, then emerge weeks later in your warehouse.
Ask the inspector to cut or soak a sample to look for hidden larvae, and to look for exit holes and powder in bags. Check the warehouse for cleanliness and old stock. Fumigation is covered in how fumigation is done for grains and pulses before export.
Lab checks
- Pesticide residues: tested against the limits in your own market. Pulses can carry residues from field sprays and storage treatments.
- Fumigant residues: if phosphine or other fumigants were used, check the required aeration and any residue limits.
- Mycotoxins: aflatoxin and ochratoxin, especially where rain or poor storage occurred.
- Heavy metals: often requested by EU and UK buyers.
- Microbiology: important for sprouting seed and ready-to-eat use.
How to sample
Draw samples from many bags at different depths, using a probe, and combine them into a composite. A sample from the top layer of a few bags hides problems. Keep a sealed counter sample from each lot. Results should come from an accredited lab, and reading a lab certificate explains what to look for.
Physical limits depend on your grade and market, so set them in the spec with clear test methods.
Check the empty container too. It should be clean, dry, odour-free and without holes. Damp or dirty containers cause mould and pest problems that the cargo did not have at the plant.
How we help
We inspect pulses at the processor before loading: moisture, physical analysis, insect checks and comparison with the approved sample. We draw samples for NABL-accredited labs and supervise container loading. Ask for a free sourcing review.