February 2026 Brings Key Advances in Food Technology Standards for Oilseeds

Food technology professionals have new tools at their disposal with three critical standards published in February 2026. These standards bring precision, modern analytical methods, and improved comparability to oilseed processing and testing. Covering both the determination of oil content via automated Randall extraction and advanced analytics with near infrared spectrometry, they collectively enhance quality assurance and compliance throughout the food sector.

Overview / Introduction

The food technology sector is continuously shaped by evolving consumer expectations, regulatory changes, and advances in analytical science. Oilseeds, such as sunflower, rapeseed, and groundnut, are not only vital industrial raw materials but are also under increasing scrutiny for traceability, composition, and processing quality. This makes robust, internationally harmonized standards essential for accurate, efficient, and reproducible quality control.

This article highlights three new international standards for oilseed analysis published in February 2026. These standards detail the use of automated Randall extraction for oil content determination and establish reliable protocols for near infrared spectroscopy analysis. Readers will gain a clear understanding of the scope, requirements, and practical implications of these standards, and learn how their adoption can streamline laboratory operations, support regulatory compliance, and improve food product integrity.

Detailed Standards Coverage

CEN ISO/TS 21296:2026 - Oilseeds – Determination of Oil Content by Randall Extraction

Oilseeds - Determination of oil content by the Randall extraction method (ISO/TS 21296:2026)

This technical specification, developed by CEN in parallel with ISO, prescribes an automated laboratory process—the Randall extraction method—for determining the oil content of oilseeds used as industrial raw materials. The approach does not only speed up extractions compared to classical Soxhlet methods, but it also streamlines testing by minimizing solvent use and improving consistency.

Scope and Key Requirements:

• Uses automated Randall extraction to determine the mass fraction of oil (hexane or light petroleum extractable content) in seeds.
• Includes protocols for a variety of oilseeds: differentiated sample preparation and moisture determination steps for sunflower seed; tailored analyses for groundnuts (separating pure seeds, total fines, non-oleaginous and oleaginous impurities).
• Allows separate analysis of pure seeds and impurities, helping labs provide detailed composition results.

Implementation Impact:

• Replaces or supplements traditional oil content methods, offering faster throughput and automation compatibility for high-volume laboratories.
• Supports traceability by ensuring calculations and reporting are standardized, which is crucial for both domestic and export markets.
• Particularly relevant for oilseed processors, analytical laboratories, seed breeders, and regulatory inspection services.

Key highlights:

• Automated Randall extraction ensures rapid, accurate oil content analysis
• Differentiated protocols for sunflower, groundnut, and other oilseeds
• Enhanced reporting and separation of impurities for robust quality control

Access the full standard:View CEN ISO/TS 21296:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO/TS 21296:2026 - Oilseeds — Determination of Oil Content by the Randall Extraction Method

Oilseeds — Determination of oil content by the Randall extraction method

This ISO technical specification complements the CEN version, ensuring full international harmonization. The standard details each step of the automated extraction process, and is carefully aligned with regulatory and industry requirements for oilseed analysis workflows.

Key Requirements and Specifications:

• Describes in detail the automation steps: sample grinding, pre-drying (especially for sunflower), solvent selection (technical hexane, n-hexane, or light petroleum), and apparatus configuration (Randall extractor, cellulose thimbles, drying oven, and desiccator).
• Specifies detailed calculation methods, enabling oil content results to be expressed relative to the sample’s as-received state, dry matter, or other bases as required by trade or regulation.
• Cites normative references (e.g., ISO 658 for impurities, ISO 664 for sample preparation, ISO 665 for moisture content), embedding the method within the wider analytical framework for oilseeds.

Practical Implications:

• Provides precise and uniform oil content data essential for contractual agreements, labeling, and nutritional analysis.
• By harmonizing methods for a range of oilseed types, it minimizes laboratory error and facilitates benchmarking between facilities and across borders.
• Targeted at agrifood laboratories, process auditors, producers, commodity traders, and governmental authorities responsible for food standards enforcement.

Key highlights:

• Universal, internationally aligned protocol for automated oil extraction
• Built-in flexibility for various oilseed species and sample conditions
• Integrates with global standards ecosystem for comprehensive compliance

Access the full standard:View ISO/TS 21296:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO 18419:2026 - Oilseeds — Application of Near Infrared Spectrometry

Oilseeds — Application of near infrared spectrometry

This pivotal standard defines how near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can be employed for rapid, non-destructive quantitative prediction of critical parameters within oilseeds and their meals. NIRS enables the simultaneous analysis of multiple constituents, providing a powerful platform for routine quality screening and process optimization.

Scope and Features:

• Application of NIRS for predicting main constituents: moisture, fat (oil), protein, and minor parameters like total glucosinolates.
• Includes comprehensive methodology covering calibration, validation (cross-validation, bias correction, performance statistics), and routine use of NIR spectrometers.
• Specifies the construction and maintenance of robust prediction models based on reference methods (e.g., ISO 659 for oil and ISO 665 for moisture).

Implementation and Utility:

• Suitable for industrial QA/QC labs, oilseed crushing facilities, feed manufacturers, and trading entities needing rapid compositional analysis within supply chains.
• Enhances efficiency—no chemicals or lengthy sample preparation required, and results are achieved in seconds.
• Supports networked NIRS instrument standardization and model updates, vital for multi-site operations or global quality programs.

Key highlights:

• Enables rapid, multi-component analysis of oilseeds and meals
• Detailed protocols for calibration, validation, and data interpretation
• Drives process optimization and traceability in food supply chains

Access the full standard:View ISO 18419:2026 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

The introduction of these three standards marks a significant advance in analytical reliability, traceability, and efficiency for the food technology sector, particularly those processing or trading oilseeds. Implementation ensures:

• Compliance with global requirements: Laboratories and companies that test, process, or trade oilseeds can assure clients and regulators that their analysis meets internationally recognized methods, minimizing risks in cross-border trade and procurement.
• Improved data comparability: Consistent methods mean that data can be directly compared across laboratories and regions, critical for audits, certifications, and customer confidence.
• Quality and safety assurance: Standardized oil content and composition testing support more accurate product labeling, process control, and identification of adulteration or impurities.

Compliance considerations:

• Labs should transition methods and validate them in accord with these standards.
• Regular proficiency testing and method verification are required for accredited operations.
• Suppliers and contract processors should specify these methods in purchasing and sales documentation.
• Awareness and training for technical staff are essential to avoid misapplication or non-compliance.

Non-compliance can result in misreported values, contract disputes, regulatory penalties, loss of certification, and compromised product quality.

Technical Insights

Common technical requirements:

• Use of analytical-grade solvents and certified reference materials
• Precision in sample preparation: grinding, moisture control, and homogeneous mixing
• Calibration and validation procedures for equipment (e.g., NIR spectrometers)
• Correct calculation, documentation, and interpretation of results

Best practices for implementation:

1. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Align laboratory protocols with the standards, ensuring traceability and repeatability.
2. Routine performance checks: Carry out regular instrument maintenance, calibrations, and control charting (especially for NIR methodology).
3. Staff training: Ensure analysts and technical managers are proficient in both the theory and practical execution of new methods.
4. Certification and audit readiness: Prepare comprehensive documentation and participate in inter-laboratory proficiency tests to demonstrate compliance.

Testing and certification:

• Emphasize validation of results through reference methods during initial adoption.
• Where applicable, participate in ring trials or round robins to benchmark performance and pinpoint discrepancies.

Conclusion / Next Steps

The standards released in February 2026 signal a major stride toward harmonized, high-throughput, and scientifically robust oilseed analysis across the food sector. By implementing these updated protocols, organizations can expect improved confidence in product quality, smoother regulatory interactions, and increased satisfaction for both trading partners and end customers.

Key takeaways:

• Incorporate these methods into laboratory quality systems without delay to ensure compliance with international norms.
• Stay attuned to future updates that may further refine methods or add digitalization/automation requirements.
• Engage with platforms like iTeh Standards to monitor new publications and access full documents for in-depth implementation.

For professionals looking to enhance analytical workflows, reduce risk, and support sustainable, compliant food systems, the time to update your approach is now.