Do artificial flavourings need microbial assessment in their COAs?

Do nature-identical and artificial flavorings needs microbial assessment in their COAs? 

(ex: artificial milk flavor and cheese flavor)

hi Jhack2X

The simple answer is yes.

The possibility of post production contamination still exists for synthetic products so it is advisable to put these products for micro analysis.

kind regards

Dr Humaid Khan

MD
Halal International services

Beverly Hills Australia

Well...initially, yes.  However, it depends on their risk.  In most colors and flavors you won't have growth of anything due to the low water activity (alcohol or PG based) and/or low amount of "stuff" for microbes to grow.

Most suppliers of these ingredients will provide a statement about their microbial assessment on the color or flavor.  This can be used to validate why you don't need microbial on the COA, but you should also verify from time to time.

I would say if they are likely to be bacteriocidal which many will be (e.g. alcohol based carriers) then no, it's unnecessary.  Your supplier should give you guidance on this in writing.