Determination of Hexane in Foods: Analysis Methods and Health Risk

ISO 9289: Oilseed residues - Determination of released hexane

Hexan and Food Safety

Hexane is commonly used to extract oil from oilseeds. The use of hexane as a solvent during oil extraction helps to extract the oil with high efficiency. However, not all of the solvent is usually completely removed from the oil after this process. This can result in residual hexane in food products. Since free hexane can be harmful to human health, the determination of these residues in food products is critical for food safety.

Purpose and Importance of ISO 9289 Standard

The ISO 9289 standard describes a test method developed to accurately detect hexane residues in oils derived from oilseeds. This standard provides food manufacturers with a method to determine whether the level of released hexane in oils is within safe limits.

Residues of hexane should not be present in food products because it can cause health problems through prolonged exposure. Inhalation or ingestion of hexane can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and adverse effects on the nervous system. Therefore, the ISO 9289 standard protects the health of consumers by helping to limit hexane residues to certain levels.

What are the Application Areas of ISO 9289?

ISO 9289 is particularly essential for food manufacturers and processors. It is an essential part of quality control processes for oilseed processing plants and industrial machinery used in oil production. It is also used in food safety audits. Listed below are some of the areas where this standard can be applied:

• Oil Production Plants: Facilities that produce oil from oilseeds use ISO 9289 to control the levels of hexane released in their production processes.
• Food Laboratories: Laboratories that inspect oils for compliance with food safety standards use this test to measure the amount of free hexane.
• Food Inspection Organizations: Food inspection organizations monitor chemical residues in food products using this standard to protect consumer health.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Hexane Determination in Foods. We also provide services in Dioxin Analysis.

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