EN ISO 18787 Determination of Dietary Fiber in Food Products
The determination of dietary fiber is crucial for ensuring that food products meet nutritional labeling requirements and health claims. The ISO 18787:2013 standard provides a robust method to measure dietary fiber content in various food items, including cereals, fruits, vegetables, and processed foods.
The methodology outlined in this international standard involves several steps to accurately quantify the dietary fiber present. First, the sample undergoes ashing, which removes any mineral components from the food matrix. Following ashing, the remaining material is extracted using a neutral detergent solution designed to dissolve plant cell walls without affecting other components like proteins or sugars.
The extracted solution is then filtered and subjected to a series of enzymatic treatments aimed at selectively hydrolyzing non-digestible carbohydrates into simpler sugars that are not part of dietary fiber. This step ensures only true dietary fiber remains for quantification by gravimetric analysis or spectrophotometric methods as specified in the standard.
The process described above is particularly important because it allows for accurate measurement across different types of food products, ensuring consistency and reliability when reporting dietary fiber content to consumers. By adhering strictly to ISO 18787 guidelines, laboratories can provide accurate results that contribute significantly to public health by helping consumers make informed choices about their diet.
Food manufacturers also benefit from this standard as they can ensure compliance with labeling regulations while maintaining the quality and safety of their products. This not only builds consumer trust but also prevents potential legal issues arising from mislabeling or misleading claims regarding dietary fiber content.
In summary, ISO 18787 offers a precise approach to determining dietary fiber in food products, which is essential for both regulatory compliance and enhancing product quality. Its application helps protect public health by providing reliable information about the nutritional value of foods available on the market.
Scope and Methodology
The scope of ISO 18787:2013 encompasses the determination of dietary fiber in a wide range of food products, including but not limited to cereals, fruits, vegetables, processed foods, and snacks. This standard applies equally well to both raw materials intended for use in manufacturing as well as finished goods ready for consumption by end-users.
The methodology described involves several key steps:
- Ashing the sample to remove any mineral components.
- Extracting the remaining material using a neutral detergent solution.
- Subjecting the extracted solution to enzymatic treatments aimed at selectively hydrolyzing non-digestible carbohydrates into simpler sugars that are not part of dietary fiber.
The final step in this process is gravimetric analysis or spectrophotometric measurement, depending on the specific requirements outlined within ISO 18787. These techniques allow for accurate quantification of dietary fiber content after all other components have been accounted for during extraction and enzymatic digestion.
Benefits
- Ensures compliance with national and international labeling regulations.
- Enhances consumer trust by providing accurate nutritional information about dietary fiber content.
- Aids in meeting specific health claim requirements for food products.
- Supports research and development efforts aimed at improving product formulations based on actual nutrient profiles.
The accuracy provided by this testing method helps ensure that consumers receive correct information regarding the nutritional value of their food choices. This is especially important given the increasing demand for healthier eating habits globally.
Industry Applications
- Determining compliance with dietary fiber content requirements in processed foods.
- Supporting formulation development by accurately measuring dietary fiber levels.
- Monitoring production processes to maintain consistent quality standards.
- Aiding in meeting labeling and marketing claims related to health benefits associated with high dietary fiber intake.
By leveraging this standardized testing process, industries can better meet regulatory demands while enhancing product offerings that cater to growing consumer preferences for healthier options. This not only contributes positively to public health but also supports business growth through improved brand reputation and customer satisfaction.
