Food Technology Standards Summary – May 2025 Monthly Overview

Looking back at May 2025, the Food Technology sector experienced a notable month in terms of standardization activity, with four significant international standards being published. These documents address crucial touchpoints throughout the food supply chain—from materials in contact with potable water, to rapid testing techniques for meat products, routine sampling of grains, and the specifications for quick-frozen coated aquatic foods. Together, they mark industry-wide shifts toward greater analytical precision, harmonized process control, and enhanced consumer protection. For food industry professionals seeking to maintain compliance, ensure quality, and support innovation, this overview provides critical context and actionable insights into the month’s key standards and their lasting impact.

Monthly Overview: May 2025

May 2025 proved to be an important period for Food Technology standards, with the publication of four key documents by ISO and CEN. Unlike previous months that saw volume-driven standardization or major single-issue shifts, the month’s standards collectively addressed a wide span of food sector priorities—from supporting infrastructure (water systems, food contact materials), to analytical methodology, through to product sampling and final product specifications. Notably, there was a strong underlying emphasis on enhancing consumer safety and analytical reliability while promoting operational efficiency and harmonized market access.

A comparative look at previous publication patterns suggests a growing maturity in the food technology standardization landscape. This phase is characterized less by radical new frameworks and more by tightening of requirements, simplification of routines, and the adoption of rapid analytical technologies in response to evolving industry needs.

Standards Published This Month

EN 14944-2:2025 – Influence of Cement Based Products on Water Intended for Human Consumption

Influence of cement based products on water intended for human consumption – Test methods – Part 2: Influence of site-applied cement based materials and associated non-cement based products/materials on organoleptic parameters and migration of organic substances (TOC)

This pivotal standard specifies laboratory test methods to evaluate the effects of site-applied cement-based materials, and their associated non-cementitious products, on water intended for human consumption. Specifically, it addresses their potential influence on sensory parameters—odor, flavor, color, turbidity—and the migration of organic substances, measured as Total Organic Carbon (TOC), after such materials come into contact with water.

Organizations in the construction, water supply, and food processing sectors rely on this standard when assessing the suitability of mortars, coatings, and other products used to transport or store drinking water, especially when these products are applied or formed on-site rather than prefabricated. An inherent challenge is the diversity of site conditions and application methods, which the standard mitigates by specifying consistent test protocols and controls.

Within the broader regulatory ecosystem, EN 14944-2:2025 supports compliance with EU directives and national regulations governing materials in contact with drinking water. It complements EN 14944-1 (factory-made cement products) by focusing on site-related applications. Notable updates in this iteration include expanded definitions, calibrated test methodologies for both cementitious and associated non-cement based materials, and refined procedures for evaluating migration and organoleptic impact.

Key highlights:

• Provides harmonized test protocols for on-site applied and associated non-cement materials
• Measures potential changes to water’s taste, odor, and appearance, ensuring consumer safety
• Establishes methods for total organic carbon (TOC) migration analysis

Access the full standard:View EN 14944-2:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 17646:2025 – Rapid Detection of Moisture Content in Fresh Meat by LF-NMR

Rapid detection of moisture content in fresh meat – Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) method

ISO 17646:2025 introduces state-of-the-art requirements for the rapid determination of moisture content in fresh meat using low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) technology. Traditionally, moisture analysis in meat has relied on gravimetric drying—an approach that, while accurate, is time-consuming. LF-NMR technology offers a non-destructive, rapid, and reproducible alternative that aligns with modern processing speeds and industrial efficiency goals.

The standard details sample preparation protocols, instrument calibration, mandatory equipment specifications, and validation processes to ensure result accuracy and comparability. In practice, this method benefits meat processors, quality control laboratories, and food safety regulators who require fast and reliable moisture data to optimize processing, ensure product specification compliance, and assess shelf life.

By standardizing LF-NMR-based moisture determination, ISO 17646:2025 supports digitalization and automation trends in food processing, while underpinning food labeling, regulatory reporting, and international trade.

Key highlights:

• Establishes detailed protocols for LF-NMR instrument use and sample handling
• Supports rapid, non-destructive analysis for fresh meat moisture content
• Enhances comparability and repeatability of results across laboratories

Access the full standard:View ISO 17646:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 18390:2025 – Cereals, Pulses, and Cereal Products – Simplified Routine Sampling

Cereals, pulses and cereal products – Sampling – Simplified routine method

This new standard streamlines the often-complex process of sampling cereals, pulses, and cereal products for routine quality and compliance checks. Building on the more comprehensive ISO 24333, the simplified approach is designed for frequent, efficient sampling in the daily operations of grain silos, food processing factories, and trading environments.

ISO 18390:2025 covers both static (stored) and dynamic (flowing) goods, providing guidance on manual and mechanical sampling, the number and mass of incremental samples, homogenization practices, and the preparation of laboratory samples. While it does not address insect infestation—covered by other ISO standards—it delivers practical guidance for contaminants, undesirable substances, and homogeneously distributed parameters.

Target users span quality assurance teams in the grain trade, storage operators, independent inspection bodies, and food processors with incoming and outgoing bulk grain lots. The standard lowers the implementation barrier while maintaining alignment with regulatory requirements.

Key highlights:

• Defines a practical, daily-use sampling protocol for grains and cereal products
• Suitable for field, silo, and factory environments (by manual or mechanical means)
• Delivers efficiency while maintaining representative, reliable sampling outcomes

Access the full standard:View ISO 18390:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO 17648:2025 – Quick-Frozen Coated Aquatic Products – Specification

Quick-frozen coated aquatic products – Specification

Meeting the growing demand for standardized, transparent requirements across international seafood trade, ISO 17648:2025 specifies comprehensive requirements for quick-frozen coated aquatic products. Covering a spectrum of products—from finfish and crustaceans to cephalopods—this standard applies to both raw and pre-cooked goods produced by pre-treatment, coating (batter and/or breading), and subsequent quick-freezing.

The document outlines material quality, processing conditions, organoleptic and physicochemical requirements, as well as stringent packaging, labelling, storage, and transportation protocols. Designed for use by processors, exporters, importers, and regulatory authorities, it provides methods for verifying product characteristics such as core temperature, flesh content, moisture, and additive use.

With international trade in ready-to-cook seafood on the rise, implementing this standard supports food safety, quality assurance, and consumer trust globally.

Key highlights:

• Defines end-to-end requirements for quick-frozen, coated aquatic foods
• Standardizes test methods for product quality, including organoleptic and physico-chemical checks
• Outlines best practices for packaging, labeling, storage, and transportation

Access the full standard:View ISO 17648:2025 on iTeh Standards

Common Themes and Industry Trends

A clear analysis of May 2025’s standards reveals several common threads and emerging directions within the Food Technology sector:

• Harmonization of Testing and Quality Control: There is a marked movement toward universal test methods (as seen in EN 14944-2 and ISO 17646), improving consistency across geographies and supply chains.
• Analytical Speed and Accuracy: Adoption of rapid, reliable analytical technologies (LF-NMR for meat, streamlined grain sampling) reflects the industry’s drive for more timely data and reduced operational bottlenecks.
• Material and Product Safety: Enhanced scrutiny of food contact materials and water infrastructure (EN 14944-2) underscores enduring focus on consumer health, especially for materials and products in direct contact with food.
• Simplification and Practical Implementation: Several standards (notably ISO 18390) lower the barriers to daily compliance, enabling broader application without the complexity of legacy protocols.
• Globalization and Trade Facilitation: Standards like ISO 17648 support international harmonization, ensuring that products entering global markets meet common expectations for quality, labeling, and safety.

These themes not only influence compliance and competitiveness but also shape how organizations approach investment in technology and process improvement.

Compliance and Implementation Considerations

For professionals impacted by these standards, timely and effective implementation will be essential. Here are some practical considerations:

• Immediate Action Points:

  • Review internal specifications and test protocols to align with new/revised requirements.
  • Train technical and QA staff on updated analytical procedures (notably LF-NMR and routine grain sampling).
  • Contact suppliers to verify that cement-based and non-cement water-contact products meet the latest migratory and sensory assessment criteria.
  • For producers of quick-frozen coated aquatic goods, conduct a gap analysis against ISO 17648’s end-to-end requirements.

• Timeline and Transition:

  • EN 14944-2 references transition dates for national adoption—evaluate market timelines and customer requirements.
  • For new methods requiring capital equipment (LF-NMR), factor in procurement and validation lead times.
  • Routine procedures (sampling, labeling/packaging) can often be implemented within current operational cycles but should be documented and monitored for compliance.

• Recommended Resources:

  • Full standards and guidance documents (via iTeh Standards).
  • Industry webinars and technical workshops for technology-intensive standards (especially for LF-NMR adoption).
  • Consultation with national standards agencies for regulatory alignment.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways from May 2025

The standards published in May 2025 collectively advance the Food Technology sector’s capabilities in safeguarding quality, ensuring consumer protection, and streamlining operational efficiency across food, water, and product safety domains. The move toward rapid, harmonized testing methods, pragmatic process controls, and robust specifications for processed foods reflects the sector’s ongoing evolution and the increasing expectations of global markets.

Professionals are encouraged to:

• Prioritize understanding and adopting these standards within their specific operational context
• Invest in staff training for new analytical and sampling protocols
• Coordinate with supply chain partners to ensure full compliance throughout the value chain

Remaining up to date with these and future standards is more than a regulatory necessity—it strengthens your organization’s reputation, supports access to global markets, and underpins long-term consumer trust.

Explore all Food Technology standards published in May 2025 and stay ahead in compliance and quality with iTeh Standards.