EN 12857:1999

Overview

EN 12857:1999 (CEN) specifies a high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the determination of sodium cyclamate in foodstuffs. The standard defines a validated analytical procedure for detecting and quantifying cyclamate in a range of food matrices. The method was validated through an inter-laboratory study in accordance with ISO 5725:1986, demonstrating reproducibility and suitability for routine food analysis.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope: HPLC-based determination of cyclamate (sodium cyclamate) in food products.
• Method validation: Inter-laboratory validation performed per ISO 5725:1986, ensuring method accuracy, repeatability and reproducibility across laboratories.
• Sample matrices validated: Lemonade, orange juice beverage, fruit yogurt and spray cream. Additional practical experience shows applicability to other foods such as gherkins, canned morello cherries, pineapple, orange nectar and apricot jam.
• Analytical components (general - as specified by the standard): sample preparation/extraction, chromatographic separation, preparation of calibration standards, quantification and quality control procedures.
• Quality assurance: Use of calibration curves, system suitability checks and appropriate QA/QC practices to ensure reliable results consistent with the standard.
• Documentation: Requirements for recording results, method conditions and validation data to support compliance and traceability.

Applications

• Routine food safety testing and regulatory compliance checks for permitted levels of cyclamate in foods and beverages.
• Quality control in food and beverage manufacturing (e.g., soft drinks, dairy products, canned fruit, pickles and jams) to monitor sweetener usage and label accuracy.
• Analytical laboratories performing contract testing for producers, retailers and public health agencies.
• Research laboratories evaluating sweetener occurrence and behavior in different food matrices.

Who should use this standard

• Analytical chemists and laboratory managers implementing HPLC methods for sweetener analysis.
• Food technologists and quality assurance teams in the beverage, dairy, preserves and canned goods industries.
• Regulatory authorities and official control laboratories responsible for enforcement of food additive rules.
• Accreditation bodies and proficiency testing organizers seeking validated, reproducible test methods.

Related standards

• ISO 5725:1986 - Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results (used for validation).
• National or regional food additive regulations that set maximum levels and labeling requirements for cyclamate.

Keywords: EN 12857:1999, cyclamate, sodium cyclamate, HPLC method, foodstuffs, CEN standard, food analysis, ISO 5725 validation, high performance liquid chromatography.