EN 18956 Determination of Nutritional Quality in Organic Products
The EN 18956 standard provides a robust framework for determining the nutritional quality of organic products. This method is essential for ensuring that food and feed products meet stringent nutritional standards, especially in the context of organic certification. The standard focuses on quantifying key nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and other essential components necessary for human health and animal nutrition. This service ensures compliance with international regulations and helps maintain consumer trust by providing accurate and reliable data.
The process begins with the collection of representative samples from various batches or lots within a production run. Proper sampling is critical to ensure that the results reflect the overall nutritional profile of the product. Samples are then prepared according to standardized procedures, which may include grinding, homogenization, and drying. Once prepared, the samples undergo detailed analysis using advanced laboratory techniques.
The use of EN 18956 ensures consistency across different laboratories by providing a common methodology for determining nutritional quality. This is particularly important in organic food testing where traceability and transparency are paramount. The standard also emphasizes the importance of considering environmental factors that could impact nutrient content, such as soil type, climate conditions, and farming practices.
One of the key aspects of this service is the comprehensive analysis of essential nutrients. For instance, vitamin C in fruits, calcium in dairy products, or iron in grains are all critical for human health. Similarly, for animal feed, protein content and amino acid profiles play a crucial role in supporting optimal growth and development. The standard provides detailed protocols for measuring these parameters using validated analytical methods.
Another important component of this service is the evaluation of potential contaminants and additives that might affect nutritional quality. This includes checking for heavy metals like lead or cadmium, pesticide residues, and any artificial preservatives. Ensuring that organic products are free from harmful substances not only protects consumers but also supports sustainable agricultural practices.
Compliance with EN 18956 is essential for companies seeking to market their products as organic under relevant EU legislation (Regulation EC/2078/2005). The standard helps manufacturers demonstrate that their processes and products meet the highest standards of nutritional integrity, thereby enhancing brand reputation and consumer confidence.
The service offered by Eurolab goes beyond mere compliance; it provides actionable insights into the nutritional profile of organic products. This allows companies to make informed decisions about ingredient selection, process optimization, and formulation adjustments. By offering this level of detail, we enable our clients to stay ahead in a competitive market where consumer demand for quality and transparency continues to grow.
Furthermore, EN 18956 supports the development of new products by providing data that can inform product innovation. For example, understanding how different growing conditions or processing methods affect nutrient content can lead to the creation of more nutritious and sustainable offerings. This service also facilitates traceability, allowing companies to track the origin and journey of their organic products throughout the supply chain.
Scope and Methodology
The scope of EN 18956 is broad and covers a wide range of organic food and feed products. This includes grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, fish, and various types of animal feed. The standard aims to provide a standardized approach for assessing the nutritional content of these products.
The methodology outlined in EN 18956 involves several key steps. Initially, samples are collected from production lots or batches. These samples are then prepared according to specified procedures that ensure homogeneity and representativeness. The preparation process may include grinding, drying, and sieving the samples to achieve an even texture suitable for analysis.
Following sample preparation, various analytical techniques are employed to determine different aspects of nutritional quality. For vitamins and minerals, colorimetric methods or atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) might be used. Protein content is typically assessed using nitrogen determination followed by conversion factors specific to the product type. Fats and carbohydrates require specialized extraction procedures before quantification via gravimetric or chromatographic techniques.
The standard also covers the analysis of fatty acid profiles, which can indicate the health benefits associated with certain types of fats found in organic products like nuts, seeds, and oils. For animal feed, amino acid analysis is crucial to ensure that proteins are of high biological value.
A key feature of EN 18956 is its emphasis on traceability and transparency throughout the testing process. This includes detailed documentation of all steps taken during sample collection, preparation, and analysis. The standard also requires laboratories to validate their methods periodically to maintain accuracy and reliability.
For contaminants, the methodology specifies the use of sensitive analytical instruments like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for detecting trace levels of pesticides or heavy metals. This ensures that even very low concentrations do not go undetected.
Eurolab Advantages
Eurolab offers unparalleled expertise in the application of EN 18956, ensuring accurate and reliable results for our clients. Our team of highly qualified scientists has extensive experience working with organic products across various sectors.
We employ state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with the latest analytical equipment to perform all required analyses. This includes advanced chromatographic systems, spectrometers, and other precision instruments capable of detecting even minute quantities of nutrients or contaminants.
Our approach is not limited to strict adherence to EN 18956; we also incorporate best practices from related international standards such as ISO and ASTM where applicable. This ensures that our clients receive the most comprehensive and up-to-date information possible.
The service provided by Eurolab extends beyond just executing tests according to EN 18956. We offer consultancy services aimed at helping companies optimize their production processes based on the insights gained from our analyses. Our experts can advise on ingredient sourcing, formulation adjustments, and other strategies that enhance nutritional quality.
Moreover, we pride ourselves on providing rapid turnaround times without compromising on accuracy or thoroughness. This allows our clients to receive timely reports which are crucial for making informed business decisions promptly.
Our commitment to excellence is further reflected in our adherence to stringent quality assurance protocols. We maintain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, ensuring that every test conducted meets the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.
Use Cases and Application Examples
- Quality Assurance: Regular testing according to EN 18956 helps food manufacturers ensure consistent nutritional quality across different batches or production runs. This is vital for maintaining brand reputation and customer trust.
- New Product Development: By analyzing the nutrient content of new ingredients before incorporating them into formulations, companies can identify potential health benefits or risks early in the development process.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Understanding how different farming practices impact nutritional quality allows businesses to make more sustainable choices that benefit both human and environmental health.
- Compliance Verification: Organic food producers must prove compliance with EU regulations. Regular testing according to EN 18956 ensures they meet these requirements without ambiguity.
- R&D Projects: Researchers studying the effects of organic farming on nutritional content can rely on accurate data provided by EN 18956-compliant tests.
- Supply Chain Optimization: Traceability and transparency are enhanced through consistent application of EN 18956, allowing companies to monitor their products' journey from farm to fork accurately.
- Consumer Health Insights: Understanding the nutritional composition helps in creating tailored dietary recommendations for different age groups or health conditions.
