Question

Identify the analysis that must be performed FIRST to judge ‘cleanliness’ of spice/herb powders.

• A. Acid-insoluble ash content
• B. Pesticide residue levels
• C. Volatile oil content
• D. Mycotoxin levels

Hint:

In spices/herbs: - Cleanliness → Acid-insoluble ash. - Aroma/quality → Volatile oils. - Safety → Pesticide residues and Mycotoxins.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Meaning of cleanliness in spice/herb powders.
- The term "cleanliness" primarily refers to freedom from extraneous matter such as dirt, sand, and soil contamination. - A direct measure of this is **acid-insoluble ash**, which indicates the inorganic matter (like silica, sand, dirt) not soluble in acid.

Step 2: Evaluate each option.
- (A) Acid-insoluble ash → measures extraneous dirt/contamination → directly indicates cleanliness. - (B) Pesticide residue levels → safety-related, but not immediate cleanliness. - (C) Volatile oil content → indicates quality/flavor, not cleanliness. - (D) Mycotoxin levels → relates to fungal contamination, important for safety but not basic cleanliness.

Step 3: Conclude.
The very first test for cleanliness of spice/herb powders is acid-insoluble ash content. Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{(A) Acid-insoluble ash content}} \]