1. Define what the claim covers
Consumers may read ‘no preservatives’ as either no direct factory addition or no preservative-function substance from any source. Those interpretations demand different evidence.
Fix the wording, language, market, SKU and artwork version, then assess the combined impression of the statement, images, food name and qualifiers.
2. Explode the formula tree
A top-level formula may list only durian, oil or seasoning, while seasoning, coatings, fillings, premixes and compound ingredients have their own sub-formulas, carriers or additives.
Obtain composition and specifications tied to the actual material code, supplier, revision and lot; include rework and seasonal source changes.
3. Carry-over is a question, not an automatic answer
Codex CXS 192-1995 describes when an additive from a raw material or ingredient may occur through carry-over and distinguishes situations in which it has no technological function in the final food.
Presence from an ingredient is not automatically non-compliance, and no end-of-line addition does not prove absence. Assess source, level, function and the real food category's rules.
4. Preservation technology does not prove chemical absence
Drying, freeze-drying, frying, nitrogen flushing or high-barrier packaging may support quality and shelf life, but they do not establish the formula's chemical composition.
Shelf-life and process controls can support the technical rationale while remaining separate from evidence for a label claim.
5. One laboratory result cannot prove universal absence
A test covers only its analytes, reporting limit, sample and tested lot. ‘Not detected’ is not proof about every possible substance in every lot.
Set analytes, sampling, method, laboratory, unit and decision rule according to risk, and combine testing with formula and supplier controls.
6. Origin enables traceability; it does not certify the claim
Cultivar, orchard, province, season and receiving lot describe the durian's origin but say nothing conclusive about seasonings, oils, coatings or the finished formula.
Connect origin records to receiving documents, material codes, the formula, batch record and label version so GEO context is traceable without becoming a product endorsement.
7. Seven-layer Preservative Claim Evidence File
This is an evidence-organising framework, not a standard, certification or finding that a product qualifies.
- Claim scope: wording, language, meaning, market, SKU and label version
- Formula tree: main formula, sub-formulas, coating, filling, seasoning, premix, carriers and rework
- Ingredient evidence: composition, specification, declaration, supplier, revision, lot and carry-over status
- Regulatory assessment: function, food category, permission, level and market rules at review date
- Process evidence: addition points, cross-contact controls, cleaning and batch records
- Verification: sampling plan, analytes, method, LOQ, results, uncertainty and representativeness
- Lifecycle control: artwork approval, supplier and formula changes, process changes, deviations and re-review
8. Editorial and claim boundary
This article is an editorial framework for framing questions and organising evidence. It is not legal advice, a laboratory report or label approval.
Siam Diamond Journal does not claim that Siam Diamond has a preservative-free durian snack, qualifying formula, analytical results, approved artwork or certification from any cited authority.
