Spices and condiments are added in small quantity in food but they make the important contribution the sensory qualities due to volatile and fixed oils. Adulteration in spices and condiments is very common these days which is causing some major health issues. India being one of the major exporters of spices needs to meet certain standards laid down by food regulatory bodies.
At AES we provide spice testing services and condiments, which checks on pesticide contamination, true nutritional content, and the presence of heavy metals in spices. These are stringently tested in compliance to the maximum residue levels (MRLs). The testing products include masala, garlic, ginger paste, coriander powder, curry leaves, cardamom, clove, cumin seed, and spices.
Following are the parameters on which these spices and condiments are tested:
- Moisture
- Acid insoluble ash
- Non-volatile Ether extract
- Cadmium
- Lead
- Coal tar dyes
- Arsenic
- Crude fiber
- Total ash
- Extraneous matter