The provision of free samples of turmeric extract powder, a specialised botanical product, is a common practice among manufacturers and suppliers in the health and food supplement industry. Based on the provided documentation, several companies offer complimentary samples of their turmeric extract products, which are typically intended for business-to-business (B2B) evaluation rather than direct consumer trial. These samples are primarily geared towards potential bulk buyers, food manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and health product developers. The available information details the product specifications, quality certifications, and the process for requesting these samples, which generally involves direct contact with the supplier via email.
Product Specifications and Quality Standards
The turmeric extract powders offered as free samples are highly standardised products, with specifications that are consistent across different suppliers. The primary active ingredient is curcumin, with a common specification of 95% curcumin content. The botanical source is consistently identified as Curcuma longa L., and the part of the plant used is the root or rhizome.
The physical and chemical properties of the extract are well-documented. The appearance is described as a yellow fine powder, with a characteristic odour and taste. Sieve analysis indicates that 95% of the powder passes through an 80-mesh sieve. The loss on drying is specified as ≤5% when tested at 105°C for two hours. Bulk density ranges from 40 to 60g per 100ml, and total ash content is ≤5%. Heavy metal levels are strictly controlled, with a total limit of ≤10 parts per million (ppm). Specific limits for arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) are ≤1ppm and ≤3ppm, respectively, as determined by ICP-MS testing.
Microbiological safety is a critical aspect of these products. The total plate count must not exceed 10,000 colony-forming units (cfu) per gram, and yeast and mould must not exceed 1,000 cfu/g. The products are required to test negative for E. coli and Salmonella. These stringent specifications are designed to meet the requirements of food, pharmaceutical, and health supplement applications.
Storage recommendations are standard for such powders: they should be kept in a cool, dry place, away from strong light and heat. The shelf life is typically two years when stored properly. It is noted that minor colour variations may occur from batch to batch due to geographical and seasonal variations in the source material.
Quality Certifications and Applications
Suppliers of these turmeric extract samples often hold multiple quality certifications to assure potential clients of their product's integrity and compliance with international standards. Common certifications mentioned include ISO, KOSHER, HALAL, and HACCP. These certifications are crucial for businesses operating in regulated markets, including the UK, where adherence to food safety and quality management systems is mandatory.
The applications for this turmeric extract are broad and fall into several key sectors: * Food Industry: Used as a natural colouring additive in products such as mustard, cheese, beverages, and cakes. * Health and Dietary Supplements: Incorporated into products aimed at supporting cholesterol levels, cognitive function, immune health, and overall wellness. The extract is often marketed for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. * Pharmaceuticals: Used in formulations for its anti-inflammatory effects and for conditions such as dyspepsia, chronic anterior uveitis, and as a topical analgesic. * Cosmetics: Incorporated into skincare products for its potential to support skin health and provide an anti-aging effect.
Process for Requesting Free Samples
The method for obtaining free samples is clearly outlined in the provided documentation. It is a direct, business-oriented process. Interested parties, typically manufacturers or product developers, are instructed to send an inquiry via email to the supplier. A specific email address, [email protected], is provided for this purpose. The request should specify the product of interest, which in this case is the turmeric extract powder with 95% curcumin.
There is no mention of an online sign-up form, a dedicated sample request page, or a consumer-facing promotional programme. The process is entirely manual and requires direct communication with the supplier's sales department. This indicates that the free samples are intended for commercial evaluation rather than personal use by individual consumers.
Supplier Profiles and Product Origins
The suppliers identified in the source material are primarily based in China, a major global producer of turmeric and its extracts. One supplier describes itself as a manufacturer and supplier of plant extracts, focusing on natural plant extraction, production, and research and development. They emphasise their competitive pricing and ability to provide high-quality extracts. Another supplier, BulkSupplements, is mentioned, but the specific details of their sample programme are not elaborated upon in the provided chunks.
The origin of the turmeric root material is noted as China, with cultivation mentioned in provinces such as Taiwan, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, and Tibet. Other sources mention origins in southern Asia, including India or Indonesia. This geographical information is relevant for businesses concerned with supply chain traceability and raw material provenance.
Considerations for UK-Based Businesses
For UK-based businesses considering these samples, several factors should be taken into account. Firstly, the samples are likely to be shipped from the supplier's location, which is predominantly outside the UK. This means that import procedures, customs duties, and potential delays in delivery must be considered. The provided documentation does not specify shipping policies, costs, or delivery timelines for international shipments, so businesses would need to clarify these details directly with the supplier.
Secondly, while the product specifications are comprehensive, UK businesses must ensure that the product complies with UK regulations for food additives, dietary supplements, or cosmetics, depending on the intended application. This may involve additional testing or documentation beyond what is provided in the sample specification sheets.
Finally, the quality certifications listed (ISO, KOSHER, HALAL, HACCP) are internationally recognised, but UK businesses should verify that these align with their specific regulatory and market requirements. For instance, products sold in the UK must comply with UK food law and may require specific labelling under UK nutrition and health claims regulations.
Conclusion
The availability of free samples of turmeric extract powder is a standard offering from manufacturers in the botanical extract industry, primarily aimed at B2B clients. The samples are characterised by high specifications, including 95% curcumin content, and are produced under strict quality and safety standards. The request process is straightforward, involving direct email communication with the supplier. However, UK-based businesses must conduct their own due diligence regarding import logistics, regulatory compliance, and alignment with UK market standards before proceeding. The information provided is sufficient for initial product evaluation but does not cover all aspects of a commercial transaction.