EN 13805 Multi-Mineral Profiling in Food by ICP-MS
The European standard EN 13805 provides a method for multi-mineral profiling of food samples using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). This service is designed to assist quality managers, compliance officers, R&D engineers, and procurement teams in ensuring the accuracy and precision of mineral content analysis. By adhering to this standard, laboratories can provide reliable data that meets regulatory requirements and supports product development.
The process begins with careful sample preparation, which involves homogenizing food samples and digesting them using appropriate acids such as nitric acid (HNO₃) or perchloric acid (HClO₄). After digestion, the solution is filtered to remove any particulates. This step ensures that only the dissolved minerals are analyzed, providing accurate results.
The ICP-MS instrument used for this service is a high-resolution model capable of detecting trace elements down to parts per billion (ppb) levels. The instrument operates by ionizing the sample and then accelerating it through a magnetic field to separate ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio. This allows for precise identification and quantification of various minerals present in the food sample.
The method described in EN 13805 specifies the use of calibration standards prepared using certified reference materials (CRMs) to ensure accurate measurements. The CRM solutions are spiked into the digestion solution at known concentrations, allowing for a direct comparison between measured and expected values. This ensures that the instrument is operating within specification and provides confidence in the results.
One of the key benefits of this service lies in its ability to provide comprehensive mineral profiling. This means that not only are major minerals like calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K) detected, but also trace elements such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se). These trace elements play crucial roles in human nutrition and can have significant impacts on health if present in excess or deficiency.
The multi-mineral profiling service allows for the identification of potential nutritional deficiencies or excesses, which is particularly important for food manufacturers aiming to produce balanced products. For instance, ensuring adequate levels of iron and zinc in cereals can help prevent anemia and improve immune function, while excessive copper intake could lead to adverse health effects.
Another advantage of this service is its ability to support quality control processes. By regularly monitoring the mineral content of raw materials and finished products, manufacturers can ensure consistency across batches and comply with food safety regulations. This is especially important for companies involved in organic farming or those using non-organic sources where there may be variations in mineral content.
The results obtained from this service are reported according to EN 13805 guidelines, which include detailed information about the detected minerals, their concentrations, and any relevant deviations from expected values. The report also provides recommendations for further action if necessary, such as adjusting production processes or sourcing different raw materials.
| Mineral | Concentration Range (ppb) | Sample Type | Preparation Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 0.5-50 ppb | Dried Powder Samples | HNO₃ Digestion, Filtration |
| Zinc (Zn) | 1-100 ppb | Fresh Liquid Samples | HNO₄ Digestion, Filtration |
This table illustrates the concentration ranges for two important trace elements in different sample types. The digestion and filtration methods used are critical to obtaining accurate results.
| Element | Expected Range (ppb) | Sample ID | Calibration Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selenium (Se) | 0.1-5 ppb | ID-1234 | Certified CRM 1234 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 5-50 ppb | ID-4321 | Certified CRM 4321 |
The second table provides an example of how calibration standards are used to ensure accurate measurements. Each sample is assigned a unique ID, and the appropriate CRM is selected based on the expected range for each element.
By leveraging EN 13805 multi-mineral profiling in food by ICP-MS, laboratories can provide valuable insights into the mineral content of food products. This information is crucial for ensuring product quality, supporting regulatory compliance, and enhancing consumer health and safety.
Benefits
The EN 13805 multi-mineral profiling service offers numerous benefits to various stakeholders within the food industry:
- Compliance with Regulations: Ensures that food products meet the strict mineral content requirements set by regulatory bodies.
- Improved Product Quality: Allows for precise control over the nutritional profile of food items, leading to higher quality and consistency.
- Informed Decision Making: Provides data-driven insights into product development and sourcing strategies.
- Risk Management: Identifies potential issues early on, minimizing risks associated with mineral content deviations.
These benefits contribute to a more efficient supply chain and ultimately better products for consumers.
Industry Applications
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Cereal Manufacturing | Detecting trace elements in cereals to ensure balanced nutrition and compliance with dietary guidelines. |
| Pet Food Production | Monitoring mineral content in pet food to maintain optimal nutritional levels for pets' health. |
| Organic Farming | Assessing soil and crop mineral content to optimize fertilization practices and enhance crop quality. |
| Beverage Industry | Evaluating mineral content in beverages, including water, to ensure they meet safety standards. |
The table above highlights some of the key applications of this service across different segments of the food and beverage industry. Each application benefits from the precise mineral profiling provided by EN 13805 multi-mineral profiling in food by ICP-MS.
Customer Impact and Satisfaction
The impact of this service extends beyond just meeting regulatory requirements; it also contributes positively to customer satisfaction through several channels:
- Enhanced Product Quality: By providing detailed mineral profiles, customers can trust that their products are of the highest quality.
- Faster Decision-Making: Accurate data enables quicker and more informed decisions regarding product formulation and ingredient sourcing.
- Better Compliance: Ensuring compliance with international standards helps avoid costly legal issues and maintains a positive reputation.
- Innovation Opportunities: The detailed insights gained from this service open up new avenues for innovation in food products, including the development of fortified foods or those tailored to specific dietary needs.
Customer satisfaction is further improved by the reliability and accuracy of the results provided. This builds trust between customers and suppliers, fostering long-term relationships based on mutual respect and shared goals.
