Food Additive Testing Laboratory India | FSSAI Standards | NABL

Auriga Research provides NABL-accredited food additive testing for preservatives, synthetic and natural colours, artificial sweeteners, antioxidants, and emulsifiers. All food additives used in India must comply with FSSAI-specified maximum permitted levels, and manufacturers must verify compliance through accredited laboratory testing.

Our testing covers preservatives (benzoic acid, sorbic acid, sulphur dioxide, nisin, natamycin), synthetic colours (tartrazine, sunset yellow, carmoisine, ponceau 4R, brilliant blue), artificial sweeteners (aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, acesulfame-K, steviol glycosides), and antioxidants (BHA, BHT, TBHQ). We also screen for non-permitted colours such as Sudan dyes, rhodamine B, and metanil yellow.

Testing is performed by HPLC-PDA, GC-FID, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and titrimetry depending on the additive class and food matrix. Results are reported against FSSAI maximum permitted levels for the specific food category.

Testing Parameters

Preservatives: benzoic acid, sorbic acid, SO2, nisin, natamycin
Synthetic colours: tartrazine, sunset yellow, carmoisine, ponceau 4R, erythrosine
Non-permitted colour screening: Sudan I-IV, rhodamine B, metanil yellow
Artificial sweeteners: aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, acesulfame-K
Natural sweeteners: steviol glycosides, monk fruit extract
Antioxidants: BHA, BHT, TBHQ, propyl gallate
Emulsifiers and stabilisers identification
Flavour enhancers: monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Acidity regulators: citric acid, phosphoric acid

Turnaround Time

Individual additive tests take 5-7 business days. Comprehensive panels covering preservatives, colours, and sweeteners take 7-10 business days.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What food additives are regulated by FSSAI?

FSSAI regulates preservatives (benzoic acid, sorbic acid, SO2, nisin), synthetic and natural colours (tartrazine, sunset yellow, carmoisine, erythrosine), artificial sweeteners (aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, acesulfame-K), antioxidants (BHA, BHT, TBHQ, propyl gallate), emulsifiers, and flavour enhancers (MSG). Maximum permitted levels are specified under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations. Exceeding these limits renders the product non-compliant.

How are synthetic food colours tested?

Synthetic food colours are identified and quantified by HPLC with UV-Vis or PDA detection. The method separates individual colours from complex food matrices and quantifies them against certified reference standards. FSSAI permits only specific synthetic colours (tartrazine, sunset yellow FCF, carmoisine, ponceau 4R, brilliant blue FCF, indigo carmine, fast green FCF, erythrosine). Non-permitted colours such as Sudan dyes, rhodamine B, and metanil yellow are screened as adulterants.

What is the turnaround time for food additive testing?

Individual additive tests take 5-7 business days. Comprehensive additive panels covering preservatives, colours, and sweeteners take 7-10 business days. Non-permitted colour screening takes 5-7 business days.