October 2026 Releases: New Standards Advance Food Technology Quality

The food technology sector received a significant boost this October, with the publication of three critical international standards focused on ensuring product integrity and analytical rigour in the global food supply chain. These standards—covering dried oregano specifications and the determination of chlorophyll content in rapeseed—introduce comprehensive guidelines and harmonized methods aimed at quality managers, laboratory professionals, producers, and anyone involved in food safety compliance. This update captures the vital changes and what they mean for industry’s pursuit of excellence.

Overview / Introduction

Food technology bridges agricultural innovation with processing best practices, forming the backbone of quality and safety in all food products. In a sector where consumer confidence and regulatory alignment are paramount, international standards play an indispensable role. They ensure uniformity, promote fair trade, and safeguard public health by offering clear technical requirements for ingredients, processing, and testing methodologies.

This article examines the October 2026 releases of three pivotal standards:

• Updated specifications for dried oregano (ISO 7925:2026)
• Dual harmonized methods for chlorophyll determination in rapeseed (EN ISO 10519:2026 and ISO 10519:2026)

We will explore their scopes, requirements, compliance considerations, and practical implementation, alongside the broader implications for food industry professionals worldwide.

Detailed Standards Coverage

ISO 7925:2026 - Dried Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) — Whole or Ground Leaves — Specification

Dried oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) — Whole or ground leaves — Specification

This third edition of ISO 7925 details comprehensive quality requirements for processed or semi-processed dried oregano leaves (Origanum vulgare L., including subspecies), available whole or ground. It expressly excludes Origanum majorana L. (marjoram), which remains governed by ISO 10620. Producers, importers, exporters, quality control professionals, and suppliers dealing with dried oregano must comply with this revised specification.

Key Requirements and Scope:

• Specifies acceptable organoleptic characteristics (odour and flavour typical of oregano, free from foreign odours or tastes)
• Mandates freedom from insects, moulds, live/dead mites, and avoidable exogenous contaminants
• Limits for extraneous and foreign matter, including maximum allowable stem content and inert or non-plant-based impurities
• Sets chemical parameters (moisture content, ash content, volatile oil level)
• Lays out physical requirements, including particle size for ground oregano and cleanliness for all forms
• Details on packaging, storage, and marking, to ensure traceability and maintenance of quality during transportation and shelf life (Annex A provides additional guidance)

Notable revisions in this edition include clearer differentiation from marjoram, updated definitions ("processed" vs. "semi-processed"), and explicit criteria for extraneous and foreign matter.

Key highlights:

• Enhanced clarity between oregano and marjoram specifications
• Revised limits for extraneous matter and definition of contaminants
• Updated guidance on storage and transport to maintain product integrity

Access the full standard:View ISO 7925:2026 on iTeh Standards

EN ISO 10519:2026 - Rapeseed - Determination of Chlorophyll Content - Spectrometric Method (ISO 10519:2026)

Rapeseed - Determination of chlorophyll content - Spectrometric method (ISO 10519:2026)

This European-adopted version of ISO 10519 outlines the precision, steps, and quality controls required for quantifying chlorophyll content in rapeseed. Accredited to both CEN and ISO, this standard harmonizes testing procedures across Europe, ensuring results are consistent and comparable internationally.

What the Standard Covers:

• Specifies a spectrometric measurement principle whereby chlorophyll content is determined via absorption at ~665 nanometres (expressed as chlorophyll A)
• Applies to raw rapeseed; specifically excludes rapeseed oils
• Provides step-by-step protocols for sample preparation, reagent selection (anhydrous ethanol, iso-octane, n-heptane, or petroleum ether), and calibration
• Includes detailed instructions for instrument setup and operation, quality control, and reporting
• Incorporates two informative annexes on interlaboratory test results and calibration curve preparation ("k factor")

Applicability and Users:

• Essential for seed testing laboratories, oilseed processors, producers of rapeseed, and quality assurance chemists
• Supports supply chain traceability, seed quality validation, and regulatory compliance

Key highlights:

• Full alignment with ISO 10519:2026 for maximum international traceability
• Includes repeatability and reproducibility guidelines drawn from interlaboratory data
• Structured sample prep and solvent system for robust, defendable results

Access the full standard:View EN ISO 10519:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO 10519:2026 - Rapeseed — Determination of Chlorophyll Content — Spectrometric Method

Rapeseed — Determination of chlorophyll content — Spectrometric method

As the fourth edition, this ISO standard delivers a globally recognized, laboratory-validated procedure for measuring total chlorophyll content in rapeseed by spectrometry. Building on earlier versions, it introduces a new annex for calibration, ensuring even greater accuracy and reproducibility across testing facilities.

Key Aspects & Scope:

• Core principle: Extraction from rapeseed followed by spectrometric absorbance reading at 665 nm; final value expressed in mg/kg
• Chemical and sample handling requirements, including solvents and apparatus specifications
• Sampling procedures that minimize contamination or loss of analyte
• Guidance for preparing and maintaining calibration curves (new for 2026, see Annex B)
• Detailed sections dedicated to test precision, including defined repeatability and inter-lab reproducibility thresholds
• Instructions for systematic reporting of results and full traceability

Target Audience:

• Laboratory scientists, analysts in seed and grain testing, food industry QA departments
• Producers and traders of rapeseed seeking to validate quality or address regulatory requirements

Key highlights:

• Calibration annex introduced for traceable and harmonized results
• Compatible with international trade, regulatory, and procurement requirements
• Emphasis on method validation and standardized reporting

Access the full standard:View ISO 10519:2026 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

The publication of these standards marks an important advance for businesses involved in food ingredient production, procurement, and quality assurance.

• For dried oregano (ISO 7925:2026), importers and processors can standardize on clear, harmonized requirements that facilitate global trade, reduce disputes, and strengthen brand integrity.
• For rapeseed and associated products, harmonized spectrometric protocols (EN ISO 10519:2026, ISO 10519:2026) help companies verify crop quality, contract compliance, and conformance to export regulations.

Compliance Considerations and Timelines

• Immediate relevance: Organizations sourcing or trading oregano or rapeseed should adopt these standards as soon as possible to align with international best practices.
• Regulatory and certification bodies may reference these updated documents for audits, market access, and product certification.
• Delayed adoption can lead to noncompliance risks, rejections, or reputational loss in international markets.

Benefits of adopting these standards:

• Consistent product quality and safety across global supply chains
• Stronger regulatory compliance and market access
• Reduced risk of contamination, fraud, and labeling disputes

Risks of non-compliance:

• Potential trade barriers, product recalls, and compliance penalties
• Loss of consumer and business trust
• Operational inefficiencies and increased costs due to rejected shipments or testing failures

Technical Insights

Common technical requirements across these standards reflect an increased focus on analytical rigor and product homogeneity:

• Standardized Sampling and Testing: Mandatory use of precise sampling tools, suitable solvents, and specialized lab apparatus (balances, grinders, calibrated spectrometers)
• Measurement Accuracy: Emphasis on repeatability/reproducibility in lab testing—critical for validating certifications and meeting contractual obligations
• Traceability and Reporting: Uniform documentation and reporting protocols to ensure traceable product provenance and defendable quality claims

Implementation Best Practices

1. Training: Ensure laboratory and quality staff are trained on the revised standard methods and equipment calibrations.
2. Documentation: Update internal protocols to mirror the latest requirements and maintain clear audit trails for sampling, processing, and reporting.
3. Collaboration: Work closely with supply chain partners to ensure all stakeholders understand and implement these standards—this is especially vital for businesses operating globally.

Testing and Certification

• Consider accredited third-party conformity assessment where available, especially for high-value supply chains or regulated export markets.
• Regularly review and participate in proficiency testing schemes to monitor lab performance against these updated protocols.

Conclusion / Next Steps

The October 2026 update to critical food technology standards provides food industry stakeholders with robust, scientifically validated tools for ensuring product quality, safety, and regulatory alignment. From the spice supply chain to oilseed trading and processing, these standards deliver clarity, market confidence, and a foundation for continuous improvement.

Key recommendations:

• Review and adopt ISO 7925:2026 for all dried oregano procurement and processing operations
• Align laboratory test procedures with EN ISO 10519:2026 and ISO 10519:2026 for rapeseed chlorophyll content
• Engage with suppliers, auditors, and certifiers to ensure seamless compliance and operational excellence

Stay ahead in food technology: explore these standards in detail on the iTeh Standards platform, integrate their requirements into your processes, and strengthen your business’s quality edge.