- Particle size
- 0.5-1 mm (Chhatariya Foods; DehydratedVeg). Mesh equivalent disputed: 16-40 mesh (Atlas AgroFood) vs 40-60 mesh (AquaConnect Exim)
- Moisture (max)
- Below 6% for export grade (AquaConnect Exim); 5.0% max on Indian specification sheets (Agronic/Mirabilis). FSSAI legal limit 8.0% for non-powder forms
- Total ash (max, dry basis)
- 5.0% (Agronic/Mirabilis Indian specification; FSSAI Reg. 2.9.28); 4.0% max on the Olam comparable grade
- Colour
- Uniform creamy to off-white with minimal dark specks; browning, yellowing or greyish tint indicates a quality defect (AquaConnect Exim)
- Extractable colour (Optical Index, max)
- 105 for Fancy granulated onion (ADOGA Manual 15th Ed.)
- Speck count (max)
- 15 specks per 0.1 g for granulated onion (ADOGA Manual 15th Ed.)
- Rehydration ratio
- 1 part dehydrated granules rehydrates to approx. 4 parts fresh onion by weight (AquaConnect Exim)
- Substitution ratio
- 1 part granulated gives approx. the same flavour as 10 parts prepared fresh onion (ADOGA Manual 15th Ed.) - note this differs from the 1:8 ratio for coarser cuts
- Extraneous matter (max)
- Nil (Agronic/Mirabilis Indian specification); 0.5% by weight legal limit (FSSAI Reg. 2.9.28)
- Peroxidase
- Negative (FSSAI Reg. 2.9.28; Agronic/Mirabilis)
- Lead (max)
- 100 ppb (ADOGA Manual 15th Ed.)
- Shelf life
- 18-24 months with proper moisture control and storage (AquaConnect Exim); 12 months (Chhatariya Foods)
- Storage
- Ambient, cool and dry, sealed original packing away from moisture and light; below 25 C and 65% RH preferred (Agronic/Mirabilis; Olam Spices)
- Microbiological parameters
- Tested per lot — limits to buyer specification, Certificate of Analysis with every shipment
- Heavy metals & pesticide residues
- Tested per lot against destination-market requirements; report issued with COA
- HS Code
- 0712 20 00