Chilli Testing

1. Introduction

Chilli is the fruit of the plants from the genus Capsicum, which are members of the nightshade family, Solanaceae. Chilli peppers are considered fruit, not vegetables and are related to tomatoes, cherries and eggplant. Chilli peppers are South American in origin, but they are currently cultivated all over the world since they are utilised as spices and have medicinal uses. They are abundant in minerals, vitamins, and several special plant components. ⁽¹⁾

Although chilli is not native to the Indian continent, but it is the largest producer and exporter of raw, dried and powdered chilli. In terms of export statistics, India contributes 25% of the global production of chilli and is exported to more than 144 different nations from India. In the month of April through November of 2020–2021 chillies worth 78.81 USD million had been exported. ⁽²⁾

2. Types ⁽²⁾

Some famous varieties of chilli grown and exported from India are:

1. Bhut Jolokia, Dhani, North-East Region of India
2. Kashmiri Chillies, Kashmir
3. Guntur Chilli, Tomato Chilli, and Madras Puri, Andhra Pradesh
4. Jwala Chilli, Gujarat
5. Kanthari Chilli, Kerala
6. Byadagi Chilli, Karnataka
7. Ramnad Mundu/ Gundu, Tamil Nadu
8. Khola Chilli, Goa
9. Dalle Khursani, Sikkim
   
   

3. Adulteration

In addition to the market growing needs for dehydrated chilli and chilli powder, the phenomena of adulteration have grown to be a serious concern in recent years. Chilli powder is usually adulterated with brick powder, salt, or talcum powder and carcinogenic dyes. Crushed husk or wood can be used to increase the weight of packaged spices or you may also find the use of artificial colours that improve the look & feel of the spices. ⁽³⁾

Case study

In 2021, the European Commission (EC) published the results of the first coordinated control plan on the authenticity of herbs and spices, launched by DG SANTE and carried out by 21 EU member states, Switzerland, and Norway. ⁽⁴⁾ The Joint Research Centre evaluated almost 10,000 analyses on 1,885 samples, using a range of analytical techniques to assess the authenticity of six different herbs and spices. The samples that were deemed at risk of adulteration were 17% for pepper, 14% for cumin, 11% for curcuma, 11% for saffron, and 6% for paprika/ chilli. The authenticity and purity of herbs and spices were evaluated in accordance with the relevant ISO standards. A sample was deemed suspect of adulteration if it did not meet the requirements for extraneous matter and total ash. ⁽⁴⁾ Based on these findings, the Commission has already ordered an immediate action plan from the operators to address the situation, that is harmful to consumers’ interests and health, but also to the industry of herbs and spices as a whole and its fair operators. Additionally, the Commission requested that national governments step up their official sector regulations in order to prevent fraud and punish those who commit it ⁽⁵⁾

4. Regulations

The whole and powdered chillies and capsicum are defined under FSSAI regulations are stated below. ⁽⁶⁾ These are Capsicum annum and Capsicum frutescens' dried, mature fruits. Edible oil to a maximum limit of 2% by weight may be present in chilli powder with specifications on the label with the quantity and nature of the oil used.

NLT: not less than; NMT: not more than ⁽⁶⁾

5. Eurofins Advantages

Eurofins Analytical Services India offers customized packages on Chilli and Chilli product testing which includes authenticity testing, compositional and nutritional label testing, contaminants and additive testing, microbiological testing and other general food analysis. We also perform allergen testing, packaging migration testing, GMO evaluation and stability studies.

In order to ensure the quality and safety of herbs, spices and flavors, further analysis offers such as testing for plant toxins, natural ingredients such as coumarin, piperine or capsaicin, essential oils, evidence of radiation as well as authenticity controls and guarantees of origin complete the Eurofins portfolio. To guarantee quality and safety, it is essential to correctly follow the applicable guidelines. Our specialists in the field of herbs and spices within Eurofins are committed to sharing knowledge about the most recent developments and the most innovative analysis techniques. They are involved in the current business, participate in various associations, such as the NZV, NVS and ASTA. In the case of aromas, for example, pollution of smoke aromas with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and heavy metals play a role. 

References

1. https://www.Chilipeppermadness.com/frequently-asked-questions/what-is-a-Chili-pepper/
2. https://www.eurofins.in/blog/food-testing/chillies-and-coriander-export-regulations/
3. https://krishijagran.com/news/how-to-check-adulteration-in-red-chilli-powder-at-home-as-per-fssai/
4. https://www.food-safety.com/articles/7452-ec-publishes-survey-findings-of-herbs-and-spices-authenticity
5. https://www.food-safety.com/articles/7452-ec-publishes-survey-findings-of-herbs-and-spices-authenticity
6. https://www.foodsafetymantra.com/regulatory-insight/spices-condiments-and-additives/fssai-regulations-and-guidelines-on
7. http://cercenvis.nic.in/PDF/Chili_Powder.pdf
8. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322759028_Detection_of_Food_Adulterants_in_Chilli_Turmeric_and_Coriander_Powders_by_Physical_and_Chemical_Methods
9. https://www.eurofins.in/food-testing/industries/spices/

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