Onion powder is a dehydrated and finely ground form of onions used in food processing, seasonings, and pharmaceutical applications. Below are the general specifications for onion powder:

Physical Properties:

Appearance: Fine, free-flowing powder

Color: Light yellow to off-white

Odor & Taste: Strong characteristic onion aroma and taste, free from off-odors

Particle Size:

40 Mesh (Coarse)

60 Mesh (Standard)

80-100 Mesh (Fine)

Moisture Content: Max 5-7%

Bulk Density: 0.3 - 0.6 g/ml

Solubility: Dispersible in water

Chemical Properties:

Carbohydrates: 60-75%

Protein Content: 8-12%

Fat Content: Max 1%

Crude Fiber: Max 5%

Total Ash: Max 5%

pH (5% solution): 4.5 - 6.5

Volatile Oil Content: 0.1-0.5% (responsible for onion flavor)

Microbiological Standards:

Total Plate Count: Max 100,000 CFU/g

Yeast & Mold: Max 1,000 CFU/g

Coliforms: <10 CFU/g

E. Coli: Absent

Salmonella: Absent

Aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2): Max 10 ppb

Contaminants & Adulterants:

Pesticide Residues: As per country-specific regulations (FSSAI, EU, FDA)

Heavy Metals:

Lead (Pb): <0.1 ppm

Cadmium (Cd): <0.05 ppm

Arsenic (As): <0.1 ppm

Mercury (Hg): <0.02 ppm

Artificial Additives & Preservatives: Must be absent (unless specified)

Applications of Onion Powder:

Food Industry: Used in soups, sauces, seasonings, ready-to-eat foods, and spice blends

Snack Industry: Flavoring agent for chips, crackers, and processed snacks

Pharmaceutical Industry: Used for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties

Animal Feed: As a natural flavor enhancer in feed formulations