| Product identity |
Is the product Beta-Carotene, a beta-carotene blend, a carotenoid premix, or a colorant blend? |
Prevents confusion between pure active, formulated beadlet, dilution, premix, and multi-pigment products. |
| Active concentration |
What percentage or grams per kilogram of beta-carotene is declared? |
Core value for dosage, cost calculation, formulation, and color-response comparison. |
| Assay method |
Is active content measured by HPLC, spectrophotometry, or another validated method? |
Different methods and reporting bases can affect comparability between suppliers. |
| Isomer profile |
Is all-trans beta-carotene declared, or is total beta-carotene reported? |
May matter for technical comparison and regulatory documentation. |
| Source |
Is the product synthetic, fermentation-derived, algae-derived, plant-derived, or mixed-origin? |
Relevant for label positioning, buyer preference, and market-specific documentation. |
| Physical form |
Beadlet, powder, granule, oil dispersion, emulsion, liquid suspension, or premix? |
Impacts dosing, mixing, stability, handling, and process compatibility. |
| Carrier system |
What carrier, coating, encapsulation, emulsifier, or matrix is used? |
Affects bioavailability, stability, label review, allergen status, and compatibility. |
| Stabilization system |
Which antioxidants or protective technologies are used? |
Carotenoids are sensitive to oxidation, light, heat, humidity, and storage time. |
| Dispersibility |
Is the product water-dispersible, oil-dispersible, premix-compatible, or feed-grade dry? |
Important for premix, liquid application, aquafeed coating, and uniform distribution. |
| Particle size |
Is the particle-size distribution suitable for premix and complete feed production? |
Supports uniform mixing and reduces segregation risk. |
| Bulk density |
What is the typical bulk density? |
Useful for dosing equipment, packaging volume, and premix design. |
| Moisture / loss on drying |
What is the moisture limit? |
Influences caking risk, flowability, shelf-life, and oxidation stability. |
| Processing stability |
What active recovery remains after pelleting, extrusion, or coating? |
Heat, steam, pressure, shear, and oxygen exposure can reduce carotenoid activity. |
| Premix stability |
How stable is the product in vitamin-mineral premixes? |
Minerals, choline chloride, organic acids, and moisture can affect stability during storage. |
| Finished-feed stability |
What active recovery remains after storage in complete feed? |
Important for feed mills, distributors, and long supply chains. |
| Heavy metals |
Are lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury controlled? |
Required for feed safety, import clearance, and customer quality programs. |
| Microbiological status |
Are total plate count, yeast, mold, Salmonella, and other parameters declared? |
Important for feed-safety systems, premix producers, and export markets. |
| Residual solvents or contaminants |
Are residual solvents, PAHs, dioxins, PCBs, or other contaminants relevant to the source? |
May be required for natural extracts, oil-based products, or market-specific compliance. |
| Packaging |
Is the product supplied in foil bags, cartons, drums, bags, bottles, or IBCs? |
Impacts oxidation protection, moisture control, handling, and shipment planning. |
| Shelf-life |
What is the expiry or retest period under recommended storage? |
Needed for stock planning, distributor resale, and quality control. |
| Country of origin |
Where is the product manufactured? |
Often required for import clearance, customer approval, and traceability. |