Starch & Starch Products Testing – METS Laboratories
Starch is a vital carbohydrate found in many staple foods such as corn, potatoes, wheat, rice, and tapioca. It is widely used across the food industry as a thickener, stabilizer, texturizer, and bulking agent. In processed foods, starch derivatives like modified starches, maltodextrin, and resistant starches serve essential functions in both functionality and nutritional composition.
At METS Laboratories, we provide comprehensive testing of starch and starch-based products to ensure safety, quality, compliance, and performance. Our state-of-the-art laboratory, accredited to ISO/IEC 17025: 2017 standards, utilizes advanced instrumentation and validated test methods to deliver accurate and reliable data for manufacturers, regulators, and consumers.
Why Starch & Starch Products Testing In Food Is Important?
Testing starch and starch-derived ingredients is crucial for multiple reasons:
• Food Safety: Detecting microbial contamination, harmful additives, or adulteration (e.g., with talc or low-cost fillers).
• Regulatory Compliance: Meeting national and international food safety standards (FSSAI, Codex, EU regulations, USDA, etc.).
• Quality Assurance: Ensuring consistency in functional properties like viscosity, gelatinization temperature, and moisture content.
• Nutritional Labelling: Accurate measurement of carbohydrate content, dietary fiber, and caloric value.
• Product Development: Validating formulation stability and processability during product innovation.
• Consumer Trust: Offering verified claims (e.g., gluten-free, clean label) backed by laboratory evidence.
What We Test?
• Moisture Content (oven drying)
• Ash Content
• Solubility & Swelling Index
• Bulk Density
• Viscosity (Brookfield, RVA, or Bostwick consistency)
• Gelatinization Temperature
• pH
• Total Starch
• Reducing Sugars (Fehling’s method / DNS method)
• Amylose-Amylopectin Ratio
• DE Value (Dextrose Equivalent)
• Fat, Protein, and Fiber Content (Proximate Analysis)
• Total Plate Count
• Yeast & Mold
• Salmonella spp.
• E. coli
• Bacillus cereus
• Heavy Metals (ICP-MS/AAS)
• Pesticide Residues
• Aflatoxins & Mycotoxins (LC-MS/MS)
• Adulteration with synthetic starches or inorganic powders
• Native starch (corn, potato, tapioca, wheat)
• Modified starches (oxidized, acid-thinned, crosslinked)
• Pregelatinized starch
• Maltodextrins, glucose syrup solids
• Resistant starch (type I–IV)
• Food products (soups, sauces, snacks, confectionery, etc.)
What METS Laboratories Offers?
METS Laboratories offers tailored solutions across the starch and starch product value chain:
• Routine QC Testing: Regular testing services for batch release and raw material screening.
• Customized Method Development: For specific formulation or R&D requirements.
• Shelf-life Studies: Monitoring the stability of starch-based products under accelerated and real-time conditions.
• Regulatory Compliance Packages: Testing and documentation for FSSAI, EU, FDA, and other regulatory submissions.
• Audit Support: Pre-audit testing and technical documentation review for food processors and exporters.
• Research Collaboration: Technical support for universities, startups, and formulation specialists.
What We Ensure?
- Accuracy & Precision: All results are based on validated methods (AOAC, ISO, BIS, etc.) and instrument calibration.
- Turnaround Time: Fast and reliable timelines to support time-sensitive production and launch cycles.
- Confidentiality: Strict data protection to safeguard your product formulations and innovations.
- Accredited Methods: All testing complies with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards.
- Traceability: Every sample and result is traceable through our robust LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System).
Who It’s For?
- Food Processors & Manufacturers: Ensuring ingredient consistency and label compliance.
- Ingredient Suppliers: Providing product certificates to their clients.
- Importers & Exporters: Meeting regulatory requirements of destination countries.
- Research Institutions: Validating experimental starches or novel applications.
- Retail Brands: Verifying private label quality and preventing supply chain fraud.
- Regulatory Agencies: As an independent third-party validation source.
Protect Consumers. Satisfy Authorities. Boost Market Confidence.
In an era of informed consumers and strict food safety regulations, testing starch-based food products is no longer optional—it is essential.
• Protect Consumers: Detect harmful substances and verify nutritional content to protect public health.
• Satisfy Authorities: Meet FSSAI, Codex, USDA, EFSA, and other regulatory benchmarks with confidence.
• Boost Market Confidence: Scientific validation enhances your brand’s reputation, enabling broader market access and consumer trust.
METS Laboratories stands as your strategic partner in food safety and quality, helping you stay ahead of competition and compliant with evolving regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much sample is required for starch testing?
Typically, 200–500 grams of sample is sufficient for comprehensive analysis, though it may vary depending on the test parameters.
How long does starch testing take?
Standard test reports are delivered within 5–7 working days. Expedited services are also available.
Are your test methods recognized by regulatory authorities?
Yes. We use validated and internationally recognized methods such as AOAC, ISO, BIS, and USP.
Can you test finished food products that contain starch?
Absolutely. We can test processed foods like sauces, soups, noodles, and confectioneries for total starch content, modified starch presence, and more.
What if I need a customized testing package?
METS Laboratories offers tailor-made testing protocols based on your product type, market, and regulatory needs. Just contact our technical team.
Do you provide documentation for exports?
Yes. We issue certificates of analysis (CoA) and regulatory compliance reports suitable for export documentation.
How do I send a sample for testing?
You can courier your sample to our address, properly sealed and labeled. Include a Test Request Form (TRF), which you can download from our website or request via email.
Can starch adulteration be detected?
Yes. We offer sophisticated methods such as FTIR and microscopy to identify adulteration with synthetic or foreign starches.
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Food Additives & Preservatives Testing
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Fortified Food Testing
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Processed Food Nutrition Value Testing
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Nutraceuticals & Functional Foods Testing
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Residue Analysis
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Animal Food & Feeds Testing
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Bakery & Confectionery Products Testing
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Beverages (Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic) Testing
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Canned & Processed Foods Testing
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Cereals, Pulses & Cereal Products Testing
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Coffee & Cocoa Products Testing
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Dioxin and Furans Testing
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Edible Colours & Flavors Testing
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Edible Oils & Fats Testing
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Edible Salts Testing
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Eggs & Egg Products Testing
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Essential Nutrients Including Vitamins Testing
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Fruit & Fruit Products Testing
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Gelatin And Other Gums Testing
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Herbs, Spices & Condiments Testing
