Overview
ISO 6575:1982 is an international standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that specifies the requirements for fenugreek seeds, whether whole or ground (powdered). The standard covers essential quality characteristics, sampling procedures, testing methods, as well as packaging and labeling criteria. Additionally, it includes an annex with practical recommendations on storage and transport conditions to ensure product quality preservation.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn.) seeds are widely used as a spice and flavoring agent in various cuisines. This standard is key for producers, exporters, importers, and quality controllers involved in the agricultural, spice, and food industries. It helps ensure consistent product quality and consumer safety while facilitating international trade.
Key Topics
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Product Description
Fenugreek seeds must be mature, dried, and typically yellow to yellowish-brown in color, free from black or green discoloration. The seeds are oblong to rhomboidal with a distinct furrow on one side.
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Organoleptic Characteristics
Ground fenugreek is characterized by a strong, pleasant odor with a sweet, maple-like aroma, somewhat reminiscent of celery. Its flavor is farinaceous (starchy) and sharply bitter. The seeds must be free from off-flavors such as mustiness and rancidity.
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Purity and Contaminant Limits
- Free from live insects and mould.
- Practically free from dead insects, fragments, rodent contamination visible to the naked eye.
- Extraneous matter, including foreign plant material, must not exceed 4.0% by weight.
- Chemical parameters specified include:
- Maximum moisture content of 11.0%
- Maximum total ash of 5.0%
- Maximum acid-insoluble ash of 1.15%
- Minimum cold water-soluble extract content of 30.0%
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Sampling and Testing
Sampling is conducted according to ISO 948 to ensure representative material. Whole seeds should be ground for analysis using ISO 2825 procedures. Testing methods referenced include ISO 927, 928, 930, 939, 941, 1208 to ensure compliance with chemical and physical requirements.
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Packaging and Marking
Packages should be sealed, clean, and made of materials that do not affect fenugreek quality. Each container must be clearly labeled with:
- Product name
- Producing country
- Batch or code number
- Additional purchaser-required information
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Storage and Transport Recommendations (Annex)
Although not part of the mandatory standard, the annex provides guidance to maintain fenugreek quality during storage and transport:
- Store in a dry, covered, and ventilated environment, protected from sun, rain, excessive heat, and odors.
- Prevent infestation by insects, rodents, and other pests. Controlled fumigation using authorized products is recommended when necessary.
- Transport in conditions protecting from moisture, heat, and contamination, especially in shipholds.
Applications
ISO 6575:1982 is essential for:
- Agricultural producers and processors ensuring fenugreek seeds comply with international quality standards before export.
- Quality assurance professionals employing standardized testing and sampling methods to verify product specifications.
- Importers and distributors requiring reliable identification and traceability through correct packaging and labeling.
- Spice manufacturers using fenugreek as a raw material and seeking consistent flavor and purity levels to meet consumer expectations.
- Regulatory bodies and inspection agencies monitoring spice quality for food safety and market access compliance.
By adhering to ISO 6575, stakeholders can reduce disputes over quality, facilitate smoother customs clearance, and enhance consumer confidence in fenugreek spice products.
Related Standards
This standard is part of a suite of ISO documents concerning spices and food products, including:
- ISO 927 - Determination of extraneous matter in spices and condiments
- ISO 928 - Determination of total ash content in spices
- ISO 930 - Determination of acid-insoluble ash
- ISO 939 - Moisture content determination by entrainment method
- ISO 941 - Cold water-soluble extract determination
- ISO 948 - Sampling procedures for spices and condiments
- ISO 1208 - Determination of filth contamination
Together, these standards help assure the safety, purity, and quality of spices in global trade, supporting optimized storage, handling, and testing methods.
Keywords: ISO 6575, fenugreek specification, fenugreek powder standards, fenugreek quality requirements, spice testing, fenugreek packaging, fenugreek storage recommendations, Trigonella foenum-graecum, spice extraneous matter, spice moisture content, international spice standards.
