EN 12014-1:1997

Foodstuffs - Determination of nitrate and/or nitrite content - Part 1: General considerations

This European Standard provides a summary of each scope and principle and describes general considerations for the applicability of the following parts of EN 12014.

Lebensmittel - Bestimmung des Nitrat- und/oder Nitritgehaltes - Teil 1: Allgemeines

Dieser Teil von prEN 12014:1995 listet die Anwendungsbereiche und Prinzipien der anderen Teile auf und gibt somit allgemeine Hinweise zur Anwendbarkeit der folgenden Teile dieser Reihe.

Produits alimentaires - Détermination de la teneur en nitrates et/ou en nitrites - Partie 1: Considérations générales

La présente partie du projet de norme européenne prEN 12014:1995 donne un résumé de chaque domaine d'application et principe et, par conséquent, décrit les considérations générales pour l'applicabilité des parties suivantes de cette série.

Živila - Določevanje vsebnosti nitratov in/ali nitritov - 1. del: Splošna navodila

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 22-Apr-1997
• ICS: 67.040 - Food products in general
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 275 - Food analysis - Horizontal methods
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 275/WG 7 - Nitrate, nitrite
• Current Stage: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 28-Oct-2020
• Completion Date: 23-Sep-2025
• Ref Project: SIST EN 12014-1:1999 - Foodstuffs - Determination of nitrate and/or nitrite content - Part 1: General considerations

Relations

• Amended By: EN 12014-1:1997/A1:1999 - Foodstuffs - Determination of nitrate and/or nitrite content - Part 1: General considerations
• Effective Date: 22-Dec-2008

Overview

EN 12014-1:1997 (CEN) - Foodstuffs: Determination of nitrate and/or nitrite content - Part 1: General considerations provides the foundational framework for the EN 12014 series. This Part 1 summarizes the scope and principle of the series and sets out the general considerations that determine when and how the subsequent parts of EN 12014 should be applied. It is a guidance document supporting the consistent, reliable determination of nitrate and nitrite content in foodstuffs.

Key Topics

The standard focuses on high-level, practical elements common to all analytical approaches for nitrate and nitrite analysis, including:

• Scope and applicability - defining which food matrices and testing situations the EN 12014 series covers and how Part 1 should be used alongside specific method parts.
• Principles of analysis - overview of methodological approaches without prescribing a single technique, allowing selection of the most appropriate validated method for the matrix.
• Sampling and sample handling - general considerations for representative sampling, preservation, and storage prior to analysis to avoid changes in nitrate/nitrite levels.
• Method selection and applicability - guidance on choosing a suitable analytical method based on food type, required sensitivity, and laboratory capability.
• Quality assurance and validation - requirements for method validation, calibration, internal controls, and performance characteristics to ensure reliable results.
• Interferences and matrix effects - discussion of common analytical interferences and the need to address matrix-specific issues during method implementation.
• Expression and reporting of results - conventions for units, limits of quantification, and presentation of findings consistent with regulatory and industry needs.

Applications

EN 12014-1:1997 is used to ensure a consistent approach to nitrate and nitrite testing across different laboratories and industries. Typical users include:

• Food testing and analytical laboratories implementing nitrate/nitrite assays
• Regulatory agencies and food safety authorities developing monitoring programs
• Food manufacturers and processors performing quality control and compliance testing
• Research institutions studying nitrate/nitrite levels across food matrices

Applying the general considerations helps improve comparability of results, supports method selection and validation, and strengthens laboratory quality systems for nitrate/nitrite analysis.

Related Standards

• EN 12014 series - subsequent parts provide detailed analytical methods and procedural requirements (Part 1 provides the overarching guidance).
• ICS 67.050 - General methods of tests and analysis for food products (context for standard classification).
• National adoptions (example): SIST EN 12014-1:1999 (Slovenian adoption).

Keywords: EN 12014-1:1997, nitrate determination, nitrite content, foodstuffs, analytical methods, CEN standard, general considerations, food analysis, quality assurance.

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Lebensmittel - Bestimmung des Nitrat- und/oder Nitritgehaltes - Teil 1: AllgemeinesProduits alimentaires - Détermination de la teneur en nitrates et/ou en nitrites - Partie 1: Considérations généralesFoodstuffs - Determination of nitrate and/or nitrite content - Part 1: Gene
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