Food Flavors
Your Industry, Our Focus
Why Food Flavor Testing Is Essential
Flavor plays a vital role in determining a product's acceptability in the food and beverage industry. However, flavours can degrade over time due to factors like storage conditions, microbial contamination, or chemical reactions, making flavour testing a critical component of quality assurance.
At Eurofins Food and Feed Testing, we specialize in advanced food flavour analysis to help you ensure consistency, detect off-flavours, and maintain compliance with global food regulations.
What Is Food Flavour Testing?
Food flavour testing examines the taste-producing and odour producing compounds in food. This process involves the analysis of aroma compounds, which can originate from
- Volatile compounds: Found in essential oils, spices, and wine.
- Biochemical reactions: Such as those during the ripening of fruits and vegetables.
- Synthetic additives: Used to enhance or replicate flavors.
Key Analytical Techniques in Flavor Testing
Our flavor testing services include the following steps to ensure precise results
- Isolation of Volatile Compounds: Extracting volatile compounds from the food matrix for analysis.
- Dilution Analysis: Differentiating flavour substances from the rest of the volatile fraction.
- Concentration and Identification: Detecting and classifying specific compounds.
- Aroma Simulation: Reconstructing aroma profiles based on analytical results.
Common Types of Flavouring Agents and Their Testing
- Natural Flavoring Substances: Extracted from natural sources without chemical modification (eg. vanilla extract).
- Natural-Identical Substances: Chemically identical to natural flavors but synthesized (eg vanillin).
- Artificial Flavoring Substances: Created thro gh chemical synthesis, distinct from natural flavors.
Additionally, we test for flavor enhancers like amino acids and organic acids (e.g., citric acid, malic acid) that are added to improve taste and aroma.
Detection of Off-Flavors
Off-flavors in food can arise from factors like microbial contamination, packaging issues, or thermal reactions. Examples include:
Our specialized services identify the root causes of these issues and helping you deliver the highest quality products.
Key Analytical Techniques We Use
- Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): For accurate analysis of volatile compounds.
- Solid-Phase Micro-Extraction (SPME): For selective detection of aroma compounds.
- Sensory Analysis: Evaluating the sensory properties of raw materials and final products.
- Stability Studies: Assessing the impact of storage conditions on flavour profiles.
Regulatory Compliance in Flavour Testing
Eurofins ensures your products adhere to
- EU Regulation 1334/2008: Governing flavor additives and maximum permissible limits.
- FSSAI Regulations in India: Permitting only approved flavors and prohibiting harmful agents like coumarin, safrole.
Why Choose Eurofins?
- Advanced equipment for precise and reliable results.
- Global network with local support.
- Fast turn-around times and online reporting.
- Comprehensive guidance on hygiene, allergens, and labelling compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is flavor threshold value detection?
It is the process of identifying the lowest concentration of a flavor compound perceptible through taste or smell, critical for accurate flavor profiling.
How does Eurofins detect off-flavors?
We utilize advanced techniques like GC-MS and sensory analysis to identify and quantify volatile compounds causing off-flavors.
Can you test both natural and artificial flavors?
Yes, we analyse natural, natural-identical, and artificial flavoring agents, including enhancers, for compliance and quality control.
How do your services support product development?
Our analysis helps validate new formulations, detect potential flavor issues, and ensure consistent quality, aiding in successful product launches.
Are your flavor testing services compliant with FSSAI and EU regulations
Absolutely. We ensure all testing aligns with FSSAI guidelines and EU Regulation 1334/2008, among other global standards.
Ensure your products deliver the best flavor experience to your consumers. Contact us today for customized solutions tailored to your needs.
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