Industrial caramel manufacturer: food safety of caramels first and foremost

Caramel is omnipresent in many of the food products we consume every day. Whether for its characteristic sweetness or its ability to color foods, it plays a crucial role throughout the food industry. But what about the manufacturing processes and food safety standards required to guarantee the quality of these products?

Caramel history

Caramel has a rich history going back many centuries. Initially discovered by confectioners, it has evolved to become a key ingredient in a variety of food products. Over the decades, the manufacturing process has been perfected, moving from an artisanal method to sophisticated industrial production. Sethness Roquette has been a major player in the caramel market for over 140 years, and is keen to answer any questions you may have about these very special ingredients.

Origins and evolution

The first mentions of caramel date back to medieval times, when it was used mainly as a sweet. Over time, its popularity grew, and from the 19th century onwards, large companies began to industrialize its production. Today, modern techniques make it possible to produce various types of caramel with very distinct characteristics.

Caramels' manufacturing processes

Caramel colors

Caramel colors are widely used in the food industry to give a brown color to drinks and sauces. Its manufacture involves heating sugar at high temperature (with or without caramelization promoters) until it caramelizes. They offer the food industry colors ranging from light yellow to dark brown. These caramels can be found in liquid or powder form. More information about caramel colors

Burnt sugar

Burnt sugar is obtained by heating edible sugars, often with the addition of water to control consistency and citric or acetic acid (lemon juice or vinegar, for example) to regulate pH. The result is a thick, dark liquid, generally used to give depth of flavor and rich color to cooked dishes. More information about burnt sugars

Aromatic caramel

Intended to impart a distinctive flavor, aromatic caramel is a caramel ingredient and requires a more complex manufacturing process. In addition to heating the sugar, acids or bases are frequently added to slightly modify the pH, thus influencing the final taste. Used in dairy products, desserts and even some beers, it adds an unrivalled sweetness and fragrance. More information on aromatic caramels

Specialty caramels: pastes and flakes

Specialty caramels, such as salted butter caramel pastes or cream caramel flakes, require very specific processes. These products are made by adding ingredients such as cream, salted butter and sometimes even natural flavors during baking. They also require meticulous temperature control to obtain the desired texture, whether doughy or crunchy. More information on specialty caramels

Food safety in caramel production

Food safety is a central concern in all industrial caramel production. Strict standards govern every stage, from the selection of raw materials to final packaging.

Safe production processes

Every factory must follow rigorous protocols to avoid cross-contamination. Here are a few common measures: - Use of closed systems for the transfer of raw materials to minimize the risk of external contamination. - Regular cleaning and disinfection of production equipment. - Ongoing staff training in food safety best practices.

Quality control

In order to check that each batch of caramel complies with imposed standards, systematic quality controls are carried out. These may include: 1. Chemical analysis to detect any impurities or contaminants. 2. Sensory tests to ensure that color, texture and taste match expectations. 3. Microbiological checks to identify any presence of bacteria.

Caramel applications

Caramel's diverse applications extend far beyond confectionery. This versatile ingredient can be found in a wide range of products, from beverages to breakfast cereals and industrial baked goods. The current trend towards “clean label” foods favors the integration of natural caramels, respecting transparent and sustainable production processes. Sethness Roquette offers numerous clean label solutions, such as burnt sugars or caramels with healthy ingredients for the food industry.