Rocks Found in Packaged Lentils
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
This is really blowing my mind. Not once, but twice now in Bulgaria, in packages from different brands purchased in different stores in different cities, have we found rocks (pebbles) mixed into our lentils.
These are discovered in the process of making food for my 11-month-old son. I could've easily ended up feeding these rocks to my baby if Tatiana and I didn't always keep such a close eye on what goes into the pot.
Where the hell is the quality control?
Recently in this country...
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Bob L
February 15th, 2009
Anytime you make lentils, beans or anything like that you have to watch it. Surprised it is happening so frequently, but it happens. Stone ground flour is another one that gets sand/grit/stones sometimes. If the beans/lentils float you can get rid of the rocks that way. Watch for super hard beans that won't cook also.
Bob L
Maya
February 16th, 2009
Curious, but i grew up knowing that before making lentels you had to watch out for rocks…. i imagined that was something local, but now i realize is not… may be something in the way they are collected????
Craig | travelvice.com
February 16th, 2009
It's less about how they're collected and more about how they're processed.
Can't say as I've prepared too many packages of lentils across the globe, but I guess I expected more from within an EU member nation. (shrug)
Erik
February 16th, 2009
EU member? That's a bit of a misnomer and by that I mean that you can't compare all aspects of one eastern European EU member state to one from the west. Similar to comparing Alberta's policies to Quebec or California to Arkansas.
…And of course just because it has the generally respected label of EU doesn't mean much. You would expect better in the US, would you not? Yet this country is dealing with a peanut / salmonella food supply corruption issue that's growing in scope almost daily.
Craig | travelvice.com
February 16th, 2009
Well said, Erik.
Jen/YVR
February 16th, 2009
Rocks in the lentils aren't exclusive to Eastern Europe - I have found them here in Canada as well. And I have read more than one recipe that advises picking thru your lentils before preparation. I don't know what makes it so hard to sort pebbles from foodstuffs at time of packaging (I'm guessing it's the fact that the sizes are similar and the densities aren't far off?), but apparently it's a global issue. Lol.
a
March 18th, 2010
A word of advice, no matter where you live!
When you cook lentils, beans and rice (not the Uncle Ben kind), you always sift through the package. I've spent many evenings doing this with my mom and grandma. It teaches patience and brings the family together. Of course it keeps teeth breaking stones out of your mouth! Live and learn!