Quality Assurance for Ecom's Oleoresins
We at Ecom take Quality Assurance very seriously. Our objective is to make sure that every lot that leaves Ecom is safe, consistent and of high quality. Some of the many tests and procedures we undertake for Ecom's oleoresins are outlined below. There is another section on Quality Assurance for Ecom's Value Added Ingredients.
Heavy Metals
All food materials may contain trace amounts of heavy metals. The levels of such trace amounts are governed by regulation. We at Ecom monitor and control the amounts of heavy metals to make certain they stay well within applicable regulations.
Lot Control
Ecom maintains full lot control. That means we can trace the components of every lot we've ever shipped, from the original producer to our final customer. Each lot is checked upon receipt, and does not enter inventory unless approved by our laboratory. Goods are not accepted into inventory unless they have been tested by our laboratory.
Inspections
Not only is Ecom inspected by Canadian health authorities, Ecom also welcomes a wide number of outside inspection authorities. It has a contract with an independent pest control company which provides monthly inspections. Ecom is also audited by rabbinical authorities to keep its kosher certification, and has been visited by a wide range of customers who perform their own reviews on Ecom's quality assurance process.
Kosher Certification
Ecom's production of oleoresins is kosher certified. With enough notice Ecom can also arrange to have products certified kosher for passover.
Microbiological Tests
By their nature, most oleoresins are sterile and will not support microbes. When Ecom has had any concerns about the microbiology of its products, it has had an independent laboratory run tests to check for bacteria, e coli, salmonella, staphylococcus aureus as well as yeasts and moulds.
Natural Components
All of Ecom's oleoresins consist of natural components. Ecom has also developed a line of oleoresins for those who require products which are also free of soy bean oil, or free of genetically modified organisms.
Organoleptic Testing
In addition to all of the quantitative testing, Ecom also tests all lots by appearance, taste and smell.
Sampling
We have a program which retains a sample from every lot for five years - from raw ingredients to finished products.
Solvent Residue
Every lot shipped has been tested to make certain that the extraction solvent is appropriate for the recipient country, and to ensure that the level is within all safety requirements. Ecom has its own monitoring equipment, and measures residues in the low parts per million (ppm).
Special Tests
Some oleoresins require specific testing, by measuring a particular component. Here are some examples
Volatile Oils
The essential or volatile oils contain many of the flavours found in oleoresins. These are measured by evaporating the oils and measuring the condensate.