SIST EN 12014-5:1999

Overview

SIST EN 12014-5:1999 is a European Standard developed by CEN that specifies a precise enzymatic method for determining the nitrate content in vegetable-containing foods specifically designed for babies and infants. This standard addresses the need for accurate nitrate quantification due to the sensitivity of the target consumer group and the potential health implications of nitrate ingestion at high levels. The method is applicable to nitrate concentrations ranging from 50 mg/kg to 200 mg/kg, ensuring reliable detection within typical content levels in these food products. The enzymatic approach facilitates specificity and sensitivity critical for baby and infant nutrition safety assessments.

Key Topics

• Enzymatic determination method: Utilizes enzymes to specifically measure nitrate content, offering high selectivity compared to chemical methods.
• Applicable food samples: Designed for vegetable-containing foods aimed at babies and infants, where vegetable components may introduce varying nitrate levels.
• Concentration range: Suitable for nitrate contents between 50 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, aligning with typical nitrate concentrations found in relevant food products.
• Commercial test kits: The standard supports the use of commercially available enzymatic test kits, recommending strict adherence to manufacturer instructions for accurate results.
• Food safety focus: Ensures monitoring aligns with nutritional safety standards by controlling nitrate levels in vulnerable populations.
• European compliance: Provides a harmonized testing protocol to meet European regulatory and quality assurance requirements.

Applications

This standard is essential for laboratories, food manufacturers, and regulatory bodies involved in:

• Quality control of baby and infant foods: Ensuring nitrate levels are within safe limits to protect young consumers.
• Nutritional safety testing: Monitoring nitrate content in vegetable-rich baby food formulations to comply with health regulations.
• Product development and validation: Supporting formulation adjustments through reliable nitrate content data.
• Regulatory compliance: Meeting European regulations for prepackaged and processed baby foods.
• Research and development: Providing a foundation for scientific studies on nitrate exposure in infants through diet.

Related Standards

SIST EN 12014-5:1999 forms part of a broader family of standards for food nitrate and nitrite determination, including:

• EN 12014-1 series: Covers general methods for nitrate and nitrite analysis in various foodstuffs.
• Other parts of EN 12014: Address alternative chemical and instrumental determination techniques for nitrate and nitrite in food products.
• European regulations on food additives and contaminants: Standards harmonize testing methods to ensure regulatory adherence regarding allowable nitrate levels.
• International standards on infant food safety: Complementary guidelines that emphasize the necessity for stringent testing protocols in baby food manufacturing.

Adopting SIST EN 12014-5:1999 supports accurate nitrate content measurement in baby foods, helping safeguard infant health and complying with European food safety standards.