Treat 95%, 98% and 99% as commercial purity descriptions requiring an explicit definition and test basis. They do not independently establish fibre content, safety compliance or application suitability. Compare grades against one agreed specification and the required lot evidence.
What does a purity percentage mean?
A quotation saying “98% psyllium” is incomplete until it identifies what the percentage measures. Ask the supplier to define the accepted material, what is counted outside that definition, the measurement basis and the procedure. Do not silently supply your own interpretation.
This article explains the three-way specification. For deciding between two whole-husk offers, see 95% versus 99% psyllium husk.
1. Compare descriptions without inventing grade rules
| Offer label | Meaning to confirm | Evidence needed |
|---|---|---|
| 95% | A stated commercial purity requirement. | Definition, method, form and supporting results. |
| 98% | A stated commercial purity requirement. | Whether the measurement basis matches the other offers. |
| 99% | A stated commercial purity requirement. | The specification and lot evidence, not only the headline number. |
Do not present this commercial ladder as a universal regulatory grading scheme. The higher number does not remove the need to verify identity, functional suitability and safety.
2. Ask five definition questions
- What is measured, and on what percentage basis?
- Which components count as accepted husk and which are assessed separately?
- What written method or inspection procedure is used?
- Is the percentage a minimum requirement, typical value or measured result?
- How will the supplied batch be shown to meet the agreed requirement?
Keep these answers with the approved specification. If the basis is unclear, leave the comparison unresolved rather than treating suppliers’ percentages as interchangeable.
3. Separate purity from other claims
| Claim | Separate evidence |
|---|---|
| Dietary fibre percentage | An appropriate analytical result and reporting basis. |
| Microbiological acceptance | The required organisms/counts, limits and results. |
| Metals or residue compliance | Analytes, methods, reporting limits and relevant reports. |
| Organic status | Applicable certification, scope and transaction/traceability evidence. |
| Swelling or texture | The specified functional test and application trial. |
The cited FSSAI document, printed page 76, lists separate husk characteristics; it does not establish the commercial 95/98/99 ladder as universal grades. Confirm applicable current product and destination requirements.
4. Distinguish a limit from a result
Illustrative example: “minimum 98%” is a specification, while “98.4%” on a COA is a reported result. The latter is useful only when the lot, method and basis match the requirement. These figures are examples, not verified supplier data.
A typical-value brochure is not a lot certificate. “Pass” against an undisclosed internal limit does not establish compliance with the buyer’s requirement. Ask for clarification when the basis, method or actual result is absent.
5. Build a comparison that can be reviewed
- Whole husk or husk powder.
- Purity target, definition, method and minimum/typical/result status.
- Particle size where relevant.
- Swelling, moisture and ash requirements.
- Safety tests, document due stages and batch traceability.
- Quantity, packing, delivery basis and quote validity.
Make exclusions visible. A quote with fewer tests or a different form is not comparable solely by price. Request an aligned revision or record the difference before deciding.
6. Use clear specification wording
Example wording: “Commercial purity minimum [target]%, assessed using [definition and method]. State the measurement basis and provide sales-lot evidence at [stage]. This is additional to the separately listed particle-size, functional and safety requirements.”
Attach the controlled specification version and date. Resolve deviations before placing the order.
Frequently asked questions
Is 99% the same as 99% dietary fibre?
Do not assume so. Request the fibre result and analytical basis separately.
Is 98% always the best compromise?
No. Select against the actual requirement, trial outcome and complete offer.
Does a previous-lot COA confirm the sales lot?
No. Obtain the agreed evidence for the batch supplied.
Next step
Use the COA guide and RFQ checklist to request comparable offers. Confirm capability and documentation for the specific form, lot and destination.
Key takeaways
- Ask what the purity percentage measures.
- Commercial purity is not a fibre result or safety certificate.
- Require a definition, method and acceptance criterion.
- Compare the same form, testing and commercial basis.
- Obtain sales-lot evidence when the order requires it.
References & sources
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