EN 18789 Determination of Moisture and Ash in Fortified Cereals
The European Standard EN 18789 provides a robust methodology for determining moisture content and ash content in fortified cereals. This service is critical for ensuring product quality, compliance with regulatory standards, and maintaining the nutritional integrity of fortified cereals.
Fortified cereals are staple foods that have been enhanced with vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients to improve their nutritional value. The determination of moisture and ash content is essential for several reasons:
- Quality Control: Ensures consistent product quality by monitoring the amount of water and inorganic matter present.
- Nutritional Integrity: Helps maintain the balance of nutrients added during fortification processes.
- Regulatory Compliance: Facilitates adherence to legal requirements imposed by various jurisdictions worldwide, ensuring that products meet consumer expectations and regulatory mandates.
- Purchasing Decisions
The testing process involves precise sample preparation, accurate measurement techniques, and strict adherence to specified methods. This ensures reliable results that can be trusted for both internal quality assurance purposes and external audits by regulatory bodies.
Our laboratory follows the detailed procedures outlined in EN 18789, which include:
- Sample Preparation: Representative samples are taken from batches of fortified cereals. These samples undergo thorough conditioning to ensure uniformity before analysis.
- Drying Step: The prepared samples are dried at a specific temperature (usually 105°C ± 2°C) until constant weight is achieved, indicating that all volatile components have evaporated. This step allows for accurate measurement of moisture content.
- Ashing Procedure: After drying, the samples are subjected to ashing under controlled conditions typically involving combustion at high temperatures (typically above 500°C). The resulting ash provides insight into the inorganic component of the sample.
- Analytical Equipment: High-precision balances and furnaces equipped with temperature control systems are used throughout these steps. This equipment ensures accuracy down to parts per thousand, crucial for precise measurements required by this standard.
The results obtained from this testing process provide valuable insights into the quality of fortified cereals, helping manufacturers make informed decisions about production processes and ingredient sourcing. Compliance with EN 18789 not only enhances consumer trust but also supports sustainable practices within the food industry.
By offering this service, we aim to contribute significantly to maintaining high standards in fortified cereal manufacturing, thereby supporting healthier dietary choices for consumers across Europe and beyond.
