Starch is a carbohydrate that is abundant in many plants and serves as a major storage form of energy. It is a primary component in many foods and industrial product. Starch’s versatility makes it a fundamental ingredient in a wide range of foods and industrial products around the world. Idhayam Parikshan Labs Limited uses a combination of tests to ensure that starch products meet quality standards, are safe for consumption, and are suitable for their intended applications in the food industry. These tests are crucial for both manufacturers and consumers to guarantee the quality and safety of starch-based food products. Idhayam Parikshan labs Limited, conducts various tests on starch products to assess their quality, composition, and suitability for consumption and processing. Here are some specific aspects of starch products that are examined in Idhayam Parikshan labs Limited: Starch Products
Chemical Tests
Iodine test is commonly used to identify the presence of starch in food products. Starch turns blue-black in the presence of iodine.
Foreign Matter Analysis
Microscopic analysis is performed to identify any foreign particles or adulterants present in the starch products.
Amylose and Amylopectin Content
Starches can have varying proportions of amylose and amylopectin, which affect their properties. Techniques like HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) are used to quantify these components.
Gelatinization Temperature
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is used to determine the temperature at which starch granules undergo gelatinization, a critical factor in food processing.
Swelling Power and Solubility
These properties indicate how starch behaves when exposed to water or other solvents. They are essential for various food applications and are often measured through specific methods.
Viscometry
Starch pastes and solutions are tested for their viscosity using viscometers. This property is crucial in applications like sauces, soups, and gravies.
Texture Analysis
Starch products can undergo texture analysis to determine their mouthfeel, texture, and other sensory attributes, which are crucial in food formulations.
Microbiological Analysis
Starch products are tested for microbial contamination, including the presence of harmful bacteria, molds, and yeasts.
Pesticide Residue Analysis
Starch products can be tested for the presence of pesticide residues, ensuring they comply with safety regulations.
Nutritional Composition
Starch products are analyzed for their nutritional content, including carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Particle Size Analysis
Starch products can be analyzed for their particle size distribution, which affects their behavior in various applications, such as baking or frying.