Sulfated Ash Analysis: Purity Testing in Food and Chemical Products

Sulfated Ash in Food Additives

Sulfated ash analysis is a method used in food, agricultural, pharmaceutical and chemical products to determine the removal of organic matter by incineration and the remaining mineral content. It is an important test for impurity control and quality assurance, especially in refined foods and pure chemical products.

Definition and Importance of Sulfated Ash Analysis

Sulfated ash is the residue obtained after incineration of a sample and measurement of its mineral content by sulfation.

• Calcination and Sulfation Process: The organic components in the sample are removed by incineration, followed by treatment of the mineral residues with sulfuric acid to convert them into fixed ash.

Importance of Sulfated Ash Analysis

1. Purity Analysis:
• Detection of impurities in products such as food additives (e.g. sugar, salt, starch).
• Verification of the degree of refining of chemical products.
2. Quality Control:
• Identification of unwanted mineral additives (e.g. heavy metals) in products.
3. Compliance with Standards:
• The sulfated ash ratio determines whether the products comply with international quality standards.

Uses of Sulfated Ash Analysis

a) Food Products:

1. Refined Sugar and Salt:
• Detection of mineral impurities in processed sugar and salt.
2. Food Additives:
• For example, in the impurity analysis of modified starches or gelatins.
3. Oil and Fat Products:
• To control the amount of fixed minerals remaining in the oil.

b) Chemical Products

1. Pharmaceuticals: Determination of impurities and mineral residues in pharmaceutical raw materials.
2. Industrial Chemicals: Purity analysis of acids, bases and solvents.
3. Cosmetic Products: Determination of mineral additives.

c) Agricultural Products: Mineral analysis of fertilizers and agricultural additives.

Related Regulations and Standards

The following regulations and standards are taken into consideration for sulfated ash analysis:

1. Turkish Food Codex (TGK): Sets out the rules to be applied in the purity analysis of food products.
2. ISO 928:1997: International standard for the determination of ash content in food products.
3. USP (United States Pharmacopeia): Details this method of analysis for pharmaceuticals and food supplements.
4. AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists): Determines the methods used in chemical analysis procedures.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Sulfated Ash Analysis. We also provide services in Dioxin Analysis.

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