Quick answer: Before coconut sugar is exported, it is usually tested to make sure it meets the agreed specification. Common tests include moisture, granule size, colour, taste and appearance, plus microbiological tests such as Salmonella. Depending on the buyer and market, tests for contaminants or pesticide residues may also be required. Results are shared in a certificate of analysis.
Key takeaways – Testing checks the product against the buyer’s specification. – Moisture and granule size are routine physical tests. – Microbiology tests check for harmful organisms. – A certificate of analysis documents the results for each lot.
Which tests are most common?
| Test | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Moisture | Affects flow, caking and shelf life |
| Granule size (sieve analysis) | Confirms mesh size, such as mesh 14 or mesh 50 |
| Colour | Consistency in the final product |
| Sensory | Taste, aroma and appearance |
| Foreign matter | Physical cleanliness |
| Microbiology | Food safety |
What microbiology tests are typical?
Specifications often include limits for total plate count, yeasts and moulds, and coliforms, plus the absence of Salmonella in a set sample size, often 25 g. Exact limits are agreed with each buyer.
What about contaminants and residues?
For some markets and certified organic products, buyers may ask for tests on pesticide residues, heavy metals or other contaminants. These are often done by accredited third-party laboratories.
How are samples taken?
Samples are taken from each lot according to a sampling plan, labelled with the lot code and kept as retained samples. Good sampling makes results representative of the whole lot.
What is a certificate of analysis?
A certificate of analysis (COA) lists the test results for a specific lot, the methods used and whether the results meet the specification. Buyers often check the COA before or on arrival of a shipment.
What happens if a lot fails?
A lot that does not meet the specification is held, investigated and either reworked, if possible, or not shipped. Records help find the cause.
Where does IMC fit?
PT Integral Mulia Cipta (IMC Group) produces organic coconut sugar in Central Java, Indonesia, in mesh 14 and mesh 50 granules. Buyers can request product documentation, including test results, from the IMC team.
Frequently asked questions
What is a sieve analysis? A test that sorts granules by size through a set of sieves.
Why test for Salmonella? It is a key food safety hazard in dry foods.
Who does the testing? In-house labs and accredited third-party labs.
Is a COA needed for every shipment? Most buyers ask for one per lot.
Looking for a reliable coconut sugar partner? Contact PT Integral Mulia Cipta (IMC Group) in Central Java, Indonesia: info@organic-coconut-sugar.com or WhatsApp +62 811 880 62273.
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