EN 12014-7:1998

Overview

EN 12014-7:1998 is a European Standard developed by CEN that specifies a continuous flow method (CF-method) for determining the nitrate content in vegetables and vegetable products. This method focuses on the analysis of nitrates after a cadmium reduction process, ensuring accurate quantification within a specific concentration range. The standard is primarily applied for nitrate contents between 900 mg/kg and 5200 mg/kg, calculated as nitrate ion, but it can also be used for lower levels exceeding 50 mg/kg.

This method is essential for food safety and quality control, supporting producers, laboratories, and regulatory bodies in monitoring nitrate levels to comply with food safety regulations and ensure public health.

Key Topics

• Continuous Flow Method (CF-method)
  Utilizes automated flow analysis for efficient and reproducible measurement of nitrate content in foodstuffs.

• Cadmium Reduction Principle
  Involves chemical reduction of nitrate to nitrite using cadmium, facilitating precise colorimetric detection.

• Applicable Food Samples
  Specifically tailored for vegetables and derived products with nitrate content within defined concentration limits.

• Concentration Range
  Effective for nitrate levels from 900 mg/kg up to 5200 mg/kg, also adaptable for contents above 50 mg/kg.

• Accuracy and Reproducibility
  Ensures standardized results suitable for compliance testing and quality assurance.

• European Standardization
  Harmonizes testing procedures across European laboratories, supporting trade and consumer safety.

Applications

• Food Quality Control
  Enables routine testing in food production facilities to monitor nitrate residues in vegetables and vegetable products.

• Regulatory Compliance
  Supports adherence to national and European limits on nitrate content in foodstuffs, contributing to consumer protection.

• Research and Development
  Provides a reliable method for scientific studies on nitrate accumulation in agricultural products.

• Public Health Monitoring
  Assists in evaluating dietary nitrate exposure and reducing potential health risks associated with high nitrate consumption.

• Laboratory Standard Methodology
  Facilitates uniform testing protocols across testing and certification laboratories, ensuring comparable results.

Related Standards

• EN 12014 Parts 1-6 – Covers various other methods for the determination of nitrate and nitrite in foodstuffs, complementing Part 7.

• ISO 6635 – International standards for nitrate and nitrite determination in foods, offering alternative analytical approaches.

• EN 14111 – Specifies colorimetric methods for nitrate content determination, often used in conjunction with or as alternatives to continuous flow methods.

• CEN/TC 275 – European technical committee responsible for standardization in the field of food analysis methodologies.

By adhering to EN 12014-7:1998, food industry professionals can ensure accurate measurement of nitrate in vegetables, enhancing food safety, regulatory compliance, and consumer confidence. This standardized continuous flow method with cadmium reduction represents a critical tool in modern food analysis laboratories.