Food colors or food additives are also called edible colorants. These artificial pigmentation agents are substances that help impart color to a beverage or solid food. The food colors may be synthetic, artificial, or natural. It can also be derived from natural sources, like – fruits, vegetables, and minerals.
One can also obtain them via synthetic production. Food colors are essential in a wide variety of foods, beverages, candies, baked goods, etc. The bright shades of processed foods can impact the perception of taste and quality.
Do you know how food color gets tested and regulated? Evaluating the edibles and beverages is essential to ensure optimal safety and authenticity of the product. It also assures whether the product is fit for consumption.
| Natural food colors – The edible pigmentation agents are derived from natural sources. It can include plants, animals, and minerals. Anthocyanins – Red, blue, and violet Chlorophylls – Green Carotenoids – Yellow, orange, and red Synthetic food colors – The artificial food pigmentation agents are produced in laboratories. The colors are brighter and more stable than natural food colors. Tartrazine – Yellow Red 40 – Red Blue 1 – Blue |
Essentiality of food color – Understand the safety requirements.
Food colors are common ingredients in daily edible items, including butter, oils, cheese, spices, jams, ice cream, baked goods, sweets, confectionery, snacks, dairy products, and processed food products.
The natural and synthetic food coloring agents can be distinguished. Natural dye or pigment agents are derived from a plant, animal, and mineral with minimal processing. Chemical coloring agents are popular in the food and medical industries. Natural additives are more popular compared to artificial ones. The synthetic colors need to be tested and certified for safety purposes. Otherwise, they can harm the food product in more ways than one.
Regulations and standards – An integral aspect
The food colors (natural or artificial) must match the essential specifications set by the law. The usage of food colors in multiple countries must obey by the global guidelines. The Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Requirements, 2011, defines the usage norms of the pigmentation agents in edible items and beverages. FSSAI defines the optimal level of synthetic colors in Table 1 of Compendium of Food Additives.
All these make the testing procedures integral. The test results exhibit the correct percentage of food additives and pigmentation agents in the product. Based on the test results, one can determine the suitability and safety of the food product.
Perks of testing the color and flavor
- Meet the user expectations – Consumers can judge food on diverse factors. One of the prime factors is the discoloration of the food. The pigmentation inconsistency can make the food unpopular among the users. Also, they may consider it unsafe. With the lab-tested reports and accurate numbers on the packaging label, they can stay assured of the food safety index.
- Ensuring quality and consistency – The food color measurement with the help of a spectrophotometer offers a reliable outcome. Global organizations emphasize color standards on scales and indices and ensure the best quality. A spectrophotometer test offers the best data to boost quality control measures.
- Detect contamination – The color testing reports help detect inconsistencies and discoloration. It also determines contamination in the food product or beverage. Identifying the contamination at the early production stage can prevent recalls and enhance customer loyalty in the long run. Reduce the hassles and cost inefficiencies with reliable test reports.
Summing note
The food and beverage industry must ensure health and safety with the best testing measures. It is a matter of priority while selling edible products. Color measurement helps companies understand health, safety, and branding standards. Rely on the extensive lab testing and analytical services from IRCLASS Systems and Solutions Pvt Ltd (ISSPL) and review the food safety index without hassles.
