SIST-TS CEN/TS 15606:2009
(Main)Foodstuffs - Determination of acesulfame-K, aspartame, neohesperidine-dihydrochalcone and saccharin - High performance liquid chromatographic method
- Abstract
This Technical Specification (prCEN/TS 15606:2009) specifies a high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the determination of acesulfame-K, aspartame, neohesperidine-dihydrochalcone and saccharin in foodstuffs. The method has been fully validated [1] for the dialysis procedure through collaborative trial, according to the IUPAC Harmonised Protocol [2], on the following analyte matrix combinations:
acesulfame-K and aspartame in water-based drink, fruit-based drink, cheesecake with biscuit base, canned soup and instant chocolate drink;
saccharin in water-based drink, fruit-based drink, cheesecake with biscuit base and canned soup;
neohesperidine-dihydrochalcone in water-based drink, fruit-based drink and canned soup.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 15-Nov-2009
- Technical Committee
- KŽP - Agricultural food products
- Current Stage
- 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 03-Nov-2009
- Due Date
- 08-Jan-2010
- Completion Date
- 16-Nov-2009
SIST-TS CEN/TS 15606:2009 is the Slovenian adoption of CEN/TS 15606:2009 from CEN. It specifies a high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method with ultraviolet (UV) detection for determining acesulfame-K, aspartame, neohesperidine-dihydrochalcone and saccharin in foodstuffs, so laboratories can identify and measure these intense sweeteners in drinks and processed foods.
What does SIST-TS CEN/TS 15606:2009 specify?
SIST-TS CEN/TS 15606:2009 specifies a test method for food analysis based on HPLC and UV detection. The document focuses on four sweeteners and gives the sample preparation, chromatographic conditions, calculation steps and precision data needed to run the method in practice.
The scope states that the method has been fully validated for the dialysis procedure through a collaborative trial using the IUPAC Harmonised Protocol. The validated matrix combinations are:
- acesulfame-K and aspartame in water-based drink, fruit-based drink, cheesecake with biscuit base, canned soup and instant chocolate drink
- saccharin in water-based drink, fruit-based drink, cheesecake with biscuit base and canned soup
- neohesperidine-dihydrochalcone in water-based drink, fruit-based drink and canned soup
The document is organized into clauses 1 to 9:
- Scope
- Normative references
- Principle
- Reagents
- Apparatus and equipment
- Procedure
- Calculations
- Precision
- Test report
| Annex | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Annex A | Normative example of chromatographic conditions proven to give satisfactory results |
| Annex B | Informative figures showing example chromatograms |
| Annex C | Informative precision data from inter-laboratory testing |
What are the key requirements of SIST-TS CEN/TS 15606:2009?
SIST-TS CEN/TS 15606:2009 gives two sample preparation routes, one without dialysis and one with dialysis, then quantifies the sweeteners by HPLC using calibration standards. In practice, the analyst chooses the preparation route that fits the matrix, then checks that the chromatographic separation and calibration are suitable before reporting results.
Sample preparation and clean-up
Clause 3 states that the sample is extracted or diluted with water. If needed, the sample solution is purified with Carrez reagents, or solid samples are made into a slurry in NaCl/HCl solution and the sweeteners are extracted by dialysis through cellulose acetate tubing with a molecular weight cut-off of about 12 000.
This matters because different food matrices behave differently. Clear drinks can often be prepared simply, while more complex foods need clarification or dialysis to remove substances that would interfere with the chromatogram.
Reagents and mobile phases
Clause 4 requires analytical-grade reagents for HPLC and water suitable for HPLC or at least grade 1 according to EN ISO 3696. The method also specifies methanol, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide, tetrapropylammonium hydrogensulphate (TPrA-HSO4) and prepared mobile phases adjusted to pH 3.5.
This matters because mobile-phase composition and pH control separation and retention. The document also requires the prepared solutions to be filtered and sonicated, which helps keep the system stable and the baseline clean.
Equipment and chromatographic performance
Clause 5 calls for standard laboratory equipment plus an HPLC system with a gradient-capable pump, autosampler, UV detector that works at 220 nm and 280 nm, and a recorder or integrator for peak heights and areas. The column is a reversed-phase column, with the example given in the document being 250 mm x 3.2 mm and 10 µm particle size.
The system suitability requirement is practical: the four sweeteners must be resolved from one another and from matrix components, with particular attention to the critical pairs acesulfame-K/theobromine and aspartame/caffeine. That means the laboratory has to check separation before trusting the numbers.
Matrix-specific preparation
Clause 6 gives separate sample preparations for clear liquids, cloudy liquids, jams and preserves, semi-solid and solid products, and custard powder. The method uses dilution, Carrez clarification, filtration and, for some products, ultrasonic heating at 40 °C or lower because aspartame can degrade at higher temperature.
For very complex matrices, the document allows additional solid-phase extraction to protect the column. It also gives a dialysis route for solid and semi-solid samples and for fruit juice, with different dialysis times depending on the matrix.
HPLC analysis and calibration
Clause 6.3 gives gradient programs and states that acesulfame-K, aspartame and saccharin are monitored at 220 nm, while neohesperidine-dihydrochalcone is monitored at 280 nm. The method also allows an isocratic mode if only the first three sweeteners are being analysed.
Clause 6.4 identifies each sweetener by retention time against standards run in the same batch, then measures peak area response. If a sample peak is above the highest standard, the sample extract is diluted and reanalysed. Calibration is built from standard solutions, and linearity is used to calculate the concentration in the sample extract.
Calculation and recovery correction
Clause 7 gives the calculation from peak area, calibration slope, intercept and dilution factor, and it allows results to be corrected for recovery. For dialysis preparations, recovery is determined with a fortified sample analysed alongside the test samples.
This matters because the method expects laboratories to account for losses during preparation. The test report should state whether results have been corrected for recovery and give the recovery values used.
Precision evidence
Clause 8 and Annex C provide repeatability and reproducibility data from inter-laboratory testing. The values are tied to the matrices and concentration ranges studied, so they serve as performance evidence for the validated use cases in the document.
What terms does SIST-TS CEN/TS 15606:2009 define?
- High performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method - A separation method that uses a liquid mobile phase and a packed column to separate the sweeteners before detection.
- Ultraviolet (UV) detection - Detection based on absorbance of UV light, used here at 220 nm and 280 nm to measure the analytes.
- Carrez solution - A pair of clarification reagents used to remove matrix components before HPLC analysis.
- Dialysis - A sample preparation step in which sweeteners pass through cellulose acetate tubing while larger matrix components are retained.
- Calibration chart - A graph of standard concentration against peak area used to calculate analyte levels in samples.
- Repeatability limit r - The limit within which two results from the same laboratory are expected to agree under repeatability conditions.
- Reproducibility limit R - The limit within which results from different laboratories are expected to agree under reproducibility conditions.
Who uses SIST-TS CEN/TS 15606:2009?
SIST-TS CEN/TS 15606:2009 is used by food testing laboratories, quality control teams and analysts who measure intense sweeteners in foodstuffs. It is relevant to producers and contract labs working with water-based drinks, fruit-based drinks, cheesecake with biscuit base, canned soup, instant chocolate drink and similar products.
It is also useful for buyers or quality managers who need a documented laboratory method for routine control, method validation or verification of sweetener content in finished products.
Which standards are used with SIST-TS CEN/TS 15606:2009?
SIST-TS CEN/TS 15606:2009 names EN ISO 3696 as the water quality reference for analytical work. It contributes the specification for laboratory water used in reagent preparation and sample handling.
The document also relies on the IUPAC Harmonised Protocol for the design, conduct and interpretation of method-performance studies. That protocol underpins the collaborative-trial validation and the precision data presented in Annex C.
What does the SIST-TS CEN/TS 15606:2009 document contain?
SIST-TS CEN/TS 15606:2009 contains the full analytical workflow, from sample preparation to reporting. It includes example calibration preparations, two HPLC gradient programs, and an isocratic option for a reduced analyte set.
Annex A gives a worked example of chromatographic conditions, including the column type, flow rate, injection volume, detection wavelength sequence and mobile-phase approach. Annex B shows example chromatograms for a standard solution and a caffeine-containing drink, which helps users recognize the separation pattern and critical interferences.
Annex C provides precision tables from inter-laboratory trials for the four sweeteners in the studied matrices. The test report clause lists the data that must be recorded, including sample identification, dates, results, observations and any optional or non-specified operations that could affect the outcome.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
SIST-TS CEN/TS 15606:2009 is a technical specification published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Foodstuffs - Determination of acesulfame-K, aspartame, neohesperidine-dihydrochalcone and saccharin - High performance liquid chromatographic method". This standard covers: This Technical Specification (prCEN/TS 15606:2009) specifies a high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the determination of acesulfame-K, aspartame, neohesperidine-dihydrochalcone and saccharin in foodstuffs. The method has been fully validated [1] for the dialysis procedure through collaborative trial, according to the IUPAC Harmonised Protocol [2], on the following analyte matrix combinations: acesulfame-K and aspartame in water-based drink, fruit-based drink, cheesecake with biscuit base, canned soup and instant chocolate drink; saccharin in water-based drink, fruit-based drink, cheesecake with biscuit base and canned soup; neohesperidine-dihydrochalcone in water-based drink, fruit-based drink and canned soup.
This Technical Specification (prCEN/TS 15606:2009) specifies a high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the determination of acesulfame-K, aspartame, neohesperidine-dihydrochalcone and saccharin in foodstuffs. The method has been fully validated [1] for the dialysis procedure through collaborative trial, according to the IUPAC Harmonised Protocol [2], on the following analyte matrix combinations: acesulfame-K and aspartame in water-based drink, fruit-based drink, cheesecake with biscuit base, canned soup and instant chocolate drink; saccharin in water-based drink, fruit-based drink, cheesecake with biscuit base and canned soup; neohesperidine-dihydrochalcone in water-based drink, fruit-based drink and canned soup.
SIST-TS CEN/TS 15606:2009 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 67.050 - General methods of tests and analysis for food products. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
SIST-TS CEN/TS 15606:2009 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN ISO 3696:1998. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
SIST-TS CEN/TS 15606:2009 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2009
äLYLOD'RORþHYDQMH.DFHVXOIDPDDVSDUWDPDQHRKHVSHULGLQGLKLGURNDOFRQDLQ
VDKDULQD0HWRGDWHNRþLQVNHNURPDWRJUDILMHYLVRNHORþOMLYRVWL
Foodstuffs - Determination of acesulfame-K, aspartame, neohesperidine-
dihydrochalcone and saccharin - High performance liquid chromatographic method
Lebensmittel - Bestimmung von Acesulfam-K, Aspartam, Neohesperidin-Dihydrochalcon
und Saccharin - Hochleistungs-flüssigchromatographisches Verfahren
Produits alimentaires - Dosage de l'acésulfame-K, de l'aspartame, de la saccharine et de
la néohespéridine dihydrochalcone - Méthode par chromatographie liquide haute
performance
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CEN/TS 15606:2009
ICS:
67.050 Splošne preskusne in General methods of tests and
analizne metode za živilske analysis for food products
proizvode
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
CEN/TS 15606
SPÉCIFICATION TECHNIQUE
TECHNISCHE SPEZIFIKATION
September 2009
ICS 67.050
English Version
Foodstuffs - Determination of acesulfame-K, aspartame,
neohesperidine-dihydrochalcone and saccharin - High
performance liquid chromatographic method
Produits alimentaires - Dosage de l'acésulfame-K, de Lebensmittel - Bestimmung von Acesulfam-K, Aspartam,
l'aspartame, de la saccharine et de la néohespéridine Neohesperidin-Dihydrochalcon und Saccharin -
dihydrochalcone - Méthode par chromatographie liquide Hochleistungsflüssigchromatographisches Verfahren
haute performance
This Technical Specification (CEN/TS) was approved by CEN on 20 June 2009 for provisional application.
The period of validity of this CEN/TS is limited initially to three years. After two years the members of CEN will be requested to submit their
comments, particularly on the question whether the CEN/TS can be converted into a European Standard.
CEN members are required to announce the existence of this CEN/TS in the same way as for an EN and to make the CEN/TS available
promptly at national level in an appropriate form. It is permissible to keep conflicting national standards in force (in parallel to the CEN/TS)
until the final decision about the possible conversion of the CEN/TS into an EN is reached.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2009 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. CEN/TS 15606:2009: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
Foreword .3
1 Scope .4
2 Normative references .4
3 Principle .4
4 Reagents .4
5 Apparatus and equipment .7
6 Procedure .8
7 Calculations . 11
8 Precision . 12
9 Test report . 14
Annex A (normative) Example for chromatographic conditions which have been proven to lead to
satisfactory results . 15
Annex B (informative) Figures . 16
Annex C (informative) Precision data . 18
Bibliography . 21
Foreword
This document (CEN/TS 15606:2009) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 275 “Food
analysis - Horizontal methods”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to announce this Technical Specification: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
1 Scope
This Technical Specification (CEN/TS 15606:2009) specifies a high performance liquid chromatographic
(HPLC) method with UV-detection for the determination of acesulfame-K, aspartame, neohesperidine-
dihydrochalcone and saccharin in foodstuffs. The method has been fully validated [1] for the dialysis
procedure through collaborative trial (see 8.2, 8.3 and Annex C), according to the IUPAC Harmonised
Protocol [2], on the following analyte matrix combinations:
acesulfame-K (from 86 mg/l to 331 mg/l) and aspartame (from 97 mg/kg to 610 mg/l)in water-based drink,
fruit-based drink, cheesecake with biscuit base, canned soup and instant chocolate drink
saccharin (from 70 mg/l to 97 mg/kg) in water-based drink, fruit-based drink, cheesecake with biscuit
base and canned soup;
neohesperidine-dihydrochalcone (from 27 mg/l to 57 mg/kg)in water-based drink, fruit-based drink and
canned soup.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
EN ISO 3696, Water for analytical laboratory use — Specification and test methods (ISO 3696:1987)
3 Principle
The sample is extracted or diluted with water. If necessary, the sample solution with the intense sweeteners is
purified with Carrez reagents. Alternatively, solid samples are slurried in NaCl/HCl solution and the
sweeteners extracted by dialysis using cellulose acetate (molecular weight cut-off of approximately 12 000).
The purified extract is analysed by ion-pair reversed-phase HPLC with UV detection.
4 Reagents
4.1 General
During the analysis, unless otherwise stated, use only reagents of recognised analytical grade for HPLC
analysis and water suitable for HPLC or of at least grade 1 as defined in EN ISO 3696. When preparing
solutions, the purity of the substances shall be taken into account.
4.2 Methanol, HPLC grade.
4.3 Hydrochloric acid, w(HCl) ≈ 36 % .
4.4 Phosphoric acid, c(H PO ) = 5 mol/l .
3 4
w is the mass fraction.
c is the substance concentration.
4.5 Sodium hydroxide, c(NaOH) = 5 ol l.
m /
4.6 Saccharin, w(C H NO S): 98,0 % to 101,0 %. or w(C H NNaO S x 2H O): 99,0 % to 101,0 %.
7 5 3 7 4 3 2
4.7 Neohesperidine-dihydrochalcone, w(C H O ) ≥ 99,0 %.
28 34 15
4.8 Acesulfame-K, w(C H KNO S) ≥ 99,0 %.
4 4 4
4.9 Aspartame, w(C H N O ) ≥ 98 %.
14 18 2 5
4.10 Sodium chloride
4.11 Tetrapropylammonium hydrogensulphate (TPrA-HSO )
4.12 HPLC mobile phases
4.12.1 Mobile phase 1 (5 % methanol in water)
Pipette (5.4) 50 ml of methanol (4.2) into a 1 l volumetric flask (5.2). Make up to the mark with water. Add
0,24 g ± 0,01 g of TPrA-HSO (4.11) and shake. Adjust to pH 3,5 with drop-wise addition of either 5 mol/l
sodium hydroxide (4.5) or 5 mol/l phosphoric acid (4.4).
4.12.2 Mobile phase 2 (75 % methanol in water)
Transfer 750 ml methanol (4.2) from a measuring cylinder into a 1 l volumetric flask (5.2) and make up to the
mark with water. Add 0,24 g ± 0,01 g TPrA-HSO (4.11) and shake. Adjust to pH 3,5 with drop-wise addition of
either a 5 mol/l sodium hydroxide (4.5) or 5 mol/l phosphoric acid (4.4).
4.12.3 Isocratic elution mobile phase (15 % methanol in water)
Transfer 150 ml of methanol (4.2) from a measuring cylinder into a 1 l volumetric flask (5.2) and make up to
the mark with water. Add 0,24 g ± 0,01 g of TPrA-HSO (4.11) and shake. Adjust to pH 3,5 with drop-wise
addition of either 5 mol/l of sodium hydroxide (4.5) or 5 mol/l of phosphoric acid (4.4).
Filter (5.5) the solutions and sonicate (5.9) for 30 min.
4.13 Dialysing solution, 1,71 mol/l NaCl and 0,01 mol/l HCl, optional.
Dissolve 100 g of NaCl (4.10) and 1 ml of concentrated HCl (4.3) to 1 l in a volumetric flask (5.2) with water.
4.14 Dialysate solution, 0,01 mol/l HCl, optional.
Dissolve 1 ml of concentrated HCl (4.3) to 1 l in a volumetric flask (5.2) with water.
4.15 Stock solutions of acesulfame-K, aspartame, saccharin and neohesperidine-
dihydrochalcone
Prepare 1 000 mg/l solutions of acesulfame-K (4.8) and aspartame (4.9) in water. Prepare a solution of
saccharin (4.6) equivalent to 1 000 mg/l free imide (e.g. 1 126 mg/l of anhydrous sodium salt) in water and a
1 000 mg/l solution of neohesperidine-dihydrochalcone (4.7) in a mixture of 50 % methanol (4.2) and 50 %
water.
4.16 Mixed calibration solutions containing acesulfame-K, aspartame, saccharin and
neohesperidine-dihydrochalcone
From the stock solutions (4.15) prepare a series of mixed standards containing the sweeteners at
concentrations equivalent to a maximum level of 150 % of the appropriate limit (for example, those given in
Commission Directives 94/35/EC and 96/83/EC, as amended) whilst taking the dilution steps within the
procedure into account.
EXAMPLE Calibration standards for measurement of sweeteners in a dairy-based dessert.
The present EU limits for the four sweeteners in dairy-based desserts are:
− acesulfame-K 350 mg/kg;
− saccharin 100 mg/kg (free imide);
− aspartame 1 000 mg/kg;
− neohesperidine dihydrochalcone 50 mg/kg.
150 % of the limits are:
− acesulfame K 525 mg/kg;
− saccharin 150 mg/kg (free imide);
− aspartame 1 500 mg/kg;
− neohesperidine-dihydrochalcone 75 mg/kg.
Sweeteners from 20 g of sample are extracted in 200 ml of dialysate (10:1 dilution). Thus, calibration should
be carried out for extracts containing up to the following concentrations of sweetener:
− acesulfame-K 50 mg/l;
− saccharin 15 mg/l (free imide);
− aspartame 150 mg/l;
− neohesperidine-dihydrochalcone 7 mg/l.
For a seven point calibration, take the volumes as given in Table 1 from the 1 000 mg/l stock solutions (4.15)
and make up to 50 ml with water in volumetric flasks (5.2).
Table 1 — Preparation of the calibration graph
Acesulfame-K Saccharin Aspartame Neohesperidine-
dihydrochalcone
ml ml
µl
µl
1 0,25 75 0,75 50
2 0,50 150 1,50 100
3 0,75 225 2,25 150
4 1,00 300 3,00 200
5 1,50 450 4,50 250
6 2,00 600 6,00 300
7 2,50 750 7,50 350
Table 2 details the concentration of sweeteners in each calibration standard following dilution:
Table 2 — Concentration of sweeteners in each calibration solution
Acesulfame-K Saccharin Aspartame Neohesperidine-
(free imide) dihydrochalcone
mg/l mg/l
mg/l mg/l
1 5 1,5 15 1
2 10 3 30 2
3 15 4,5 45 3
4 20 6 60 4
5 30 9 90 5
6 40 12 120 6
7 50 15 150 7
4.17 Blank and fortified samples for determination of recovery
If the sample preparation is carried out by dialysis, a homogenised sample of the same type as the test
sample should be prepared. Divide the sample into two portions. Add a known quantity of sweeteners to one
portion (gravimetrically as solid or volumetrically in solution as appropriate).
4.18 Carrez solution No 1
Dissolve 15 g potassium hexacyanoferrate (II) (K [Fe(CN) ] · 3 H O) in water and dilute to 100 ml.
4 6 2
4.19 Carrez solution No 2
Dissolve 30 g zinc sulfate (ZnSO · 7 H O) in water and dilute to 100 ml.
4 2
5 Apparatus and equipment
5.1 General
Usual laboratory equipment and glassware. The following items are also required.
5.2 Volumetric flasks, e.g. 50 ml and smaller.
5.3 HPLC vials, clear, 2 ml.
5.4 Pipette, 50 ml and smaller.
5.5 Mobile phase glass filter equipment
5.6 Screw cap bottles, 250 ml.
5.7 Glass funnels
5.8 Homogeniser, Ultra Turrax ® or equivalent.
5.9 Ultrasonic bath
5.10 Magnetic stirrer, multi-place preferred (or roller mixer, or some other means of mixing the dialysate).
5.11 Mini-magnets
5.12 Membrane syringe filters, 13 mm, 0,45 µm (PVDF or equivalent).
5.13 Mobile phase filters, diameter 4,8 cm, pore size 0,45 µm.
5.14 Dialysis tubing, cellulose acetate, planar width 4,8 cm; molecular weight cut-off approximately
12 000, optional.
5.15 pH meter
5.16 High performance liquid chromatograph, equipped with an analytical column (5.17), a pump
system (gradient capability), an autosampler, an ultraviolet (UV) detector (capable of operating at a
wavelength of 220 nm and 280 nm, preferably a diode array detector) and equipped with a recorder and/or
integrator which allows the measurement of peak heights and peak areas.
5.17 HPLC-reversed phase column, e.g. ODS3 10 µm; 250 mm x 3,2 mm or equivalent (10 µm
particle size 250 mm x 3,2 mm).
NOTE Column dimensions other than those specified in this Technical Specification can be used (e.g. of diameter
3,0 mm to 4,6 mm, length 100 mm to 250 mm). Separation parameters (flow, injection volume) should be adapted to
guarantee equivalent results.
5.18 HPLC System suitability
Sweeteners acesulfame K, saccharin, aspartame and neohesperidine-dihydrochalcone should be resolved (R
s
= 1,3) from each other and from other components of the matrix. Two commonly encountered 'critical pairs'
are (a) acesulfame-K and theobromine; and (b) aspartame and caffeine.
6 Procedure
6.1 Sample preparation without dialysis
6.1.1 Clear liquid products such as lemonades, cola or beverages
Dilute 20 ml of the sample in a 100 ml volumetric flask with water. Filter the solution through a membrane filter
of pore size 0,45 µm before injection.
6.1.2 Cloudy liquid products such as juices or flavoured milk drinks
Dilute 20 ml of the homogenised sample in a 100 ml volumetric flask with 50 ml water, add 2 ml of Carrez
solution No 1 (4.18), mix and add 2 ml of Carrez solution No 2 (4.19). Shake vigorously and allow the solution
to stand at room temperature for 10 min. Dilute to the mark with water. Filter through a fluted filter paper
discarding the first 10 ml of the filtrate. Pass the filtrate through a membrane filter of pore size 0,45 µm before
injecting the sample test solution into the HPLC system.
To make allowance for the volume of any precipitate, if the fat free insoluble matter in the sample volume
(here 20 ml) exceeds approximately 3 g, it is advisable to centrifuge the clarified sample mixture for 10 min at
at least 1 400 g before filtering it quantitatively into the 100 ml volumetric flask. Wash the settled matter twice
with water and centrifuge again, collect each of the supernatants in the 100 ml volumetric flask and then dilute
the solution to the mark with water. This procedure may also be followed when the amount of insoluble matter
is less than 3 g.
6.1.3 Jams, preserves, marmalades and related products except fruit curds
Weigh, to the nearest 1 mg, about 20 g of homogenised sample into a 100 ml volumetric flask. Add about
60 ml of water and place the flask in an ultrasonic bath at 40 °C for 20 min. The temperature shall not exceed
40 °C since aspartame can be degraded.
Cool the solution to room temperature. Add 2 ml of Carrez solution No 1 (4.18), mix and then add 2 ml of
Carrez solution No 2 (4.19). Shake vigorously and allow the solution to stand at room temperature for 10 min.
Dilute to the mark with water. Filter the solution through a fluted filter paper discarding the first 10 ml of the
filtrate. Pass the filtrate through a membrane filter of pore size 0,45 µm before injecting the sample test
solution into the HPLC system.
To make allowance for the volume of any precipitate, if the fat free insoluble matter in the initial sample mass
exceeds approximately 3 g, it is advisable to centrifuge the clarified sample mixture for 10 min at a centrifugal
acceleration of at least 1 400 g before filtering it quantitatively into the 100 ml volumetric flask. Wash the
settled matter twice with water and centrifuge again, collect each of the supernatants in the 100 ml volumetric
flask and then dilute the solution to the mark with water. This procedure may also be followed when the
amount of insoluble matter is l
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