Major Food Technology Standards Released: September 2026 Updates

September 2026 brings significant advancements to the food technology sector with the publication of four new international standards. These standards focus on oilseed analysis, poultry meat authenticity, and precise terminology for oilseeds and vegetable oils. For professionals across food manufacturing, quality assurance, compliance, procurement, and research, these developments mark a pivotal step toward more reliable testing, transparent sourcing, and accurate labeling in the global food supply chain.

Overview / Introduction

Food technology is a rapidly evolving industry where precision and authenticity are paramount. Standards guide not only daily laboratory practices and inspection protocols but also the entire chain of custody from raw agricultural product through final packaged goods. Whether it’s rapid oil content determination, verifying poultry meat claims, or standardizing terminology, updated specifications are critical for compliance and consumer trust.

In this article, we explore four key standards published in September 2026:

• EN ISO 10565:2026 and ISO 10565:2026: Introduce a rapid pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) method for simultaneous determination of oil and water in oilseeds.
• EN 18179:2026: Outlines a robust spectrophotometric technique for detecting previously frozen poultry meat via HADH activity.
• ISO 5507:2026: Offers an updated nomenclature for oilseeds, vegetable oils, and fats, enhancing clarity in global trade and labeling.

Read on for detailed coverage, compliance insights, and industry impact.

Detailed Standards Coverage

EN ISO 10565:2026 – Simultaneous Determination of Oil and Water in Oilseeds

Oilseeds - Simultaneous determination of oil and water contents - Method using pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (ISO 10565:2026)

This harmonized European and ISO standard introduces a rapid and precise procedure for measuring both oil and water contents in oilseeds using pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry. It is applicable primarily to rapeseeds, linseeds, sunflower seeds (with moisture less than 10%), and soya beans (with moisture less than 14%). For higher water contents, sample drying is required before analysis.

Key requirements include:

• Use of calibrated pulsed NMR instruments under strict temperature conditions.
• Preparation and handling of representative, impurity-free seed samples.
• Parallel calibration with reference methods (ISO 659 for oil, ISO 665 for water) to ensure measurement accuracy.
• Assessment of reproducibility and instrument-specific calibration validation.

Targeted at laboratories, oilseed processors, exporters, and regulatory agencies, this standard enables:

• Faster, non-destructive testing compared to solvent extraction or drying methods.
• Improved efficiency in raw material assessment and process control.
• Enhanced quality control, especially during intake and pre-processing.

Notable updates:

• Clarified scope and application details
• Expanded procedural guidance for calibration and inter-laboratory consistency

Key highlights:

• Rapid simultaneous oil and water content determination by NMR
• Validated for major commercial oilseeds (can be adapted for others)
• Requires sample drying if water surpasses set thresholds

Access the full standard:View EN ISO 10565:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO 10565:2026 – Oilseeds: NMR-Based Rapid Oil and Water Content Determination

Oilseeds — Simultaneous determination of oil and water contents — Method using pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry

This global ISO standard closely parallels EN ISO 10565:2026, providing wide international harmonization. It details protocols for rapid, non-destructive oil and water analysis in a range of oilseeds using pulsed NMR technology.

Key requirements and provisions:

• Applicability to seeds with maximum water content limits; dried samples required above these levels.
• Use of at least three calibration samples to ensure curve robustness.
• Implementation of NMR instrument procedures according to manufacturer and standard guidelines.
• Reference calibration for accuracy verification (using ISO 659 & ISO 665).
• Interlaboratory test data to support reproducibility claims.

Target users include oilseed growers, crushers, commodity traders, inspection bodies, and R&D labs pursuing:

• Reliable oil content reporting for trade, contracts, and logistics
• Internal quality control for process optimization and efficiency gains
• Reduced chemical use and faster turnaround versus traditional methods

Improvements in this revision:

• Detailed annexes on equipment comparability and lab-to-lab reproducibility
• Expanded guidance on calibration curve management

Key highlights:

• Globally harmonized NMR method for rapid oil/water analysis
• Detailed calibration and precision protocols
• Practical validation for various seed types

Access the full standard:View ISO 10565:2026 on iTeh Standards

EN 18179:2026 – Detection of Previously Frozen Poultry Meat by HADH Activity

Food authenticity - Method for detecting previously frozen poultry meat by determination of HADH activity

This European standard responds to regulatory and consumer demands for transparency in poultry meat labeling. It establishes a robust laboratory procedure based on measuring hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase (HADH) enzyme activity via spectrophotometry.

Core features:

• Distinguishes fresh from previously frozen chicken breast meat (other types require validation)
• Involves direct analysis of both ‘as received’ and ‘laboratory-frozen’ subsamples
• Employs the rate of decrease in absorbance at 340 nm as a marker for HADH activity
• Defines correct classification rates (96.6% with one pressing, 99.9% with three)

Practicalities for implementation:

• Offers enforcement agencies and food processors a scientific basis for verifying ‘fresh’ vs. ‘frozen/thawed’ claims
• Helps ensure regulatory compliance with EU and national marketing standards
• Not applicable to minced or processed poultry preparations

Key highlights:

• Specific, validated method for chicken (breast) authenticity
• High accuracy classification using enzyme activity ratios
• Supports honest product labeling and consumer protection

Access the full standard:View EN 18179:2026 on iTeh Standards

ISO 5507:2026 – Oilseeds, Vegetable Oils and Fats — Nomenclature

Oilseeds, vegetable oils and fats — Nomenclature

The revised ISO 5507:2026 provides a comprehensive, globally harmonized listing of the botanical names and corresponding common names for oilseeds, raw materials, and oils/fats—both edible and non-edible varieties included.

Key elements:

• Updated and expanded table covering a wide range of commercial oilseed species and derivatives
• Clear linkage between botanical name, seed/crop common name, and oil or fat product
• Alphabetical index for user-friendly reference, aiding clarity in international documentation and trade

This nomenclature is essential for:

• Food and feed manufacturers, import/export agencies, procurement teams, and certifiers who require precise identification in labeling, contracts, and traceability systems
• Preventing confusion or misrepresentation of product identity in international commerce
• Supporting compliance with labeling regulations and facilitating global market access

Key updates:

• Addition of new species and naming clarifications
• Streamlined index and usability improvements

Key highlights:

• Standardized, up-to-date oilseed and oil/fat nomenclature
• Crucial for accurate labeling, customs documentation, and product specification
• Covers both edible and non-edible oils and fats

Access the full standard:View ISO 5507:2026 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

Food businesses, laboratories, and regulatory agencies must keep pace with the 2026 standards to maintain product quality, ensure labeling transparency, and mitigate compliance risks. Key impact factors include:

• Operational Efficiency: Rapid NMR-based testing in EN ISO/ISO 10565:2026 streamlines intake, process control, and certification workflows, reducing analysis time and hazardous chemical use.
• Market Integrity: EN 18179:2026 helps verify poultry authenticity—critical for consumer trust, public health, and market competitiveness.
• Labeling and Trade: ISO 5507:2026 underpins correct labeling and contract language for international trade, reducing mislabeling disputes and protecting brand reputation.

Compliance tips:

• Establish calibration and proficiency validation routines in line with new NMR analysis standards.
• Train staff in the application of new poultry authenticity testing methods.
• Update labeling and documentation systems using the harmonized oilseed nomenclature.
• Monitor transition dates and regulatory deadlines to avoid enforcement penalties.

Benefits of adopting these standards:

• Enhanced analytical accuracy and measurement confidence
• Streamlined, future-proof quality control processes
• Improved compliance with food safety and consumer protection legislation
• Competitive differentiation through transparency and scientific rigor

Risks of non-compliance:

• Potential regulatory action, fines, or loss of market access
• Increased costs due to retesting, product recalls, or shipment delays
• Damage to consumer and partner trust

Technical Insights

Common technical requirements:

• Calibration and Validation: All analytical standards emphasize using reference methods (e.g., ISO 659, ISO 665) for calibration and validation, ensuring result credibility.
• Sample Handling: Representative and impurity-free samples are a prerequisite for all tests, as sample integrity directly impacts accuracy.
• Environmental Controls: For NMR and enzyme-based tests, maintaining temperature and other environmental factors is crucial for reproducibility.
• Equipment Specifications: NMR instruments, spectrophotometers, balances, and associated labware must adhere to manufacturer and standard requirements, including verification of their performance.

Best practices for implementation:

1. Review existing lab and process protocols to align with new standard specifications.
2. Conduct internal audits to identify necessary training or equipment upgrades.
3. Participate in proficiency testing and interlaboratory comparisons to validate new methods.
4. Document all procedures and calibration routines for audit readiness.

Testing and certification considerations:

• Where external certification is required (e.g., for export markets), ensure that accredited laboratories are equipped and trained on the new standard methods.
• Remain vigilant for national adoption and possible regional variations of international standards.

Conclusion / Next Steps

September 2026’s suite of food technology standards sets a higher bar for analytical accuracy, speed, and supply chain transparency. Organizations involved in oilseed processing, poultry meat production, regulatory oversight, or food trade are strongly encouraged to:

• Acquire and implement the latest standards via iTeh Standards to stay at the forefront of best practices
• Invest in training and calibration to unlock the benefits of rapid, reliable analysis
• Update quality management and labeling systems to align with global requirements
• Monitor ongoing standards development for future enhancements in food technology regulation

By integrating these standards, companies and laboratories will not only ensure compliance but also safeguard product quality, strengthen consumer trust, and elevate their role in the international food supply chain.

Explore these standards and stay informed with iTeh Standards—your partner for authoritative and timely food technology specifications.