Sorghum and millets: Quality management systems

Abstract

Sorghum and millets find extensive use in traditional food products and for animal feed. Today, they are increasingly used in modern food products, especially gluten-free and healthy food products, lager beers, and bioethanol. These wide uses dictate desired quality parameters for the grains and their products, which are measured by a variety of methods. The parameters mostly concern food safety, grain physical characteristics, and chemical composition. Quality management systems exist for sorghum and millets from various specific statutory bodies. Their major purpose is to facilitate trade in the grains. Traceability systems for the sorghum and millets value chain need to be introduced. Furthermore, a more multidisciplinary approach to strengthening quality management systems for the sorghum and millets value chain is needed. The goal of this approach would be to create synergies between different types of expertise relevant for the sorghum and millets value chain and, importantly, must include the consumer