Spices

Our services to help you ensure safety, quality, and authenticity for a guaranteed supply chain

Spices are truly a key element both in the kitchen and in the food industry. Not only do they add an aromatic touch that enhances every dish, but they also bring with them a range of nutritional and health benefits. However, their concentrated nature and the complexity of the supply chain expose them to risks such as contamination, adulteration, and non-compliance with regulations.

At Lifeanalytics, we are committed to providing companies in the spice and aromatic plant sector with a comprehensive control system. This includes laboratory analyses, regulatory consulting, and sensory testing.
Our goal is to support producers, processors, and distributors in managing quality and safety, thus helping to protect consumers and strengthen the market position of their products.

Regulations and compliance: ensuring the authenticity of spices

The growing market interest in organic, sustainable, and traceable spices has led authorities to introduce stricter requirements regarding labeling, safety, and transparency.
Our experts are here to guide companies in interpreting current regulations, such as Regulation (EU) 1169/2011 and Regulation (EU) 848/2018 on organic products, as well as labeling requirements for export.
We also provide assistance in preparing technical documentation and applications for voluntary certification, as well as in developing nutritional tables that comply with EU directives.

Spice analysis and quality control

To ensure the food safety and organoleptic quality of spices, a multidisciplinary analytical approach is necessary. Our analyses cover the entire spectrum of chemical and microbiological contaminants and verify product compliance with safety and traceability standards.

To achieve this, some of the services we offer to companies include:

• Microbiological analyses: We conduct analyses to detect pathogenic bacteria (such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli), molds, and yeasts using accredited methods and state-of-the-art instruments such as MALDI-TOF technology, which allows for rapid and accurate identification of microbial species.
• Chemical analyses: We check for the presence of chemical contaminants, including:
  • Pesticide and phytopharmaceutical residues
  • Antibiotic-inhibiting residues
  • Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury)
  • Mycotoxins (aflatoxins, ochratoxin A)
  • Dioxins and PCBs, PAHs, PFAS
  • Additives and process contaminants (e.g., MOSH-MOAH, furfuryl alcohol)
• Nutritional and GMO analyses: We provide comprehensive proximate analyses (proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fibers), tests for GMO detection, and verification of vitamin and mineral content.
• Allergen and microplastic analyses: We conduct tests for regulated allergens (according to Regulation 1169/2011) and for the detection of microplastics, emerging contaminants of growing concern.
• Authenticity and food fraud: Using advanced spectrometry and fingerprinting methods, we verify product authenticity and detect adulterations and fraudulent substitutions. This is particularly relevant for high-value spices, such as saffron, vanilla, or turmeric.

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Spice shelf life and stability testing

Although spices often have a long shelf life, they are quite sensitive to factors such as light, oxygen, humidity, and temperature. It is essential to evaluate product stability to ensure that their aromatic, nutritional, and microbiological properties remain intact.

To achieve this, we perform:

• Shelf life studies: We conduct real-time and accelerated aging tests to determine the primary and secondary shelf life, monitoring the evolution of analytical and sensory characteristics over time.
• Stability testing: Through specific tests, we evaluate the product’s resilience in terms of physico-chemical and microbiological parameters, identifying any critical points and optimizing packaging.

Sensory analyses and acceptance tests for spices

Sensory perception plays a key role in enhancing the value of spices. Aroma, color, taste, and texture are all factors that can determine a product’s success on the market.

For this reason, we can support companies in the sector with:

• Panel tests and consumer tests: We offer panel tests conducted by expert judges in an accredited sensory room, as well as large-scale consumer tests and home-use tests. We measure aromatic intensity, organoleptic profile, and overall acceptance.
• Market research: We collect valuable data for the strategic positioning of the product, analyzing consumer preferences and quality perception, including the influence of packaging and nutritional claims.

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Technical and regulatory consulting for the spice sector

In addition to analytical services, we support companies with a comprehensive range of consulting services, including:

• Consulting on labeling and nutritional claims
• Drafting and updating HACCP Manuals
• Internal and second-party audits
• Compliance verification for health authorizations (Regulation 852)
• Preparation of quality systems such as BRC, IFS, FSSC22000
• Preparation of shelf-life plans and technical documentation
• Assistance with health authority audits and procedures for international markets.

Export and requirements for international spice markets

For companies interested in exporting spices, we provide support in preparing the Food Safety Plan for USA export and technical assistance for compliance with the health and customs regulations of non-EU countries, including:

• preparation of technical documentation;
• adaptation to local standards;
• market entry strategy for target markets.

Why choose Lifeanalytics to verify the quality and safety of spicese

With a network of accredited laboratories and specialist teams dedicated to the food sector, Lifeanalytics experts are the ideal partner for all companies that want to bring safe, authentic, and high-quality spices to the market.

We offer customized solutions to address the analytical and regulatory challenges of the sector, supporting innovation, compliance, and the competitiveness of your business.

Lifeanalytics Food: discover our full range of services for the food industry

Lifeanalytics Food offers a comprehensive range of analysis, consulting, and training services to ensure the safety and quality not only of spices but also of diet foods, plant-based and vegan foods, nuts and dried fruits, beverages and fruit juices, and much more.

Our chemical, microbiological, nutritional, and sensory analyses, together with our consulting and regulatory update services, help producers comply with current regulations, protect consumer health, and maintain market trust. 

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You might be interested in: Dietary Foods, Plant-Based and Vegan Food | Nuts and dried fruits | Beverage and Fruit Juice Safety

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