EN 1784:2003

Foodstuffs - Detection of irradiated food containing fat - Gas chromatographic analysis of hydrocarbons

This European Standard specifies a method for the identification of irradiation treatment of food which contains fat. It is based on the gas chromatographic detection of radiation-induced hydrocarbons (HC). The method has been tested in interlaboratory tests on raw chicken, pork and beef (1) to (4) as well as on camembert, avocado, papays and mango 5, 6.

Lebensmittel - Nachweis von bestrahlten fetthaltigen Lebensmitteln - Gaschromatographische Untersuchung auf Kohlenwasserstoffe

Diese Europäische Norm legt ein Verfahren für die Identifizierung einer Strahlenbehandlung von fetthaltigen Lebensmitteln fest. Das Verfahren basiert auf dem gaschromatographischen (GC) Nachweis strahleninduzierter Kohlenwasserstoffe (KW). Es wurde in Ringversuchen erfolgreich an rohem Hähnchen-, Schweine- und Rindfleisch geprüft [1] bis [4] wie auch an Camembert, Avocado, Papaya und Mango [5], [6].
Andere Untersuchungen haben gezeigt, dass das Verfahren für viele andere Lebensmittel anwendbar ist [7] bis [28].

Produits alimentaires - Détection d'aliments ionisés contenant des lipides - Analyse par chromatographie en phase gazeuse des hydrocarbures

La présente Norme Européenne indique une méthode pour l'identification du traitement ionisant des aliments contenant des lipides. Elle repose sur la détection par chromatographie en phase gazeuse (CPG) des hydrocarbures volatils (HC) radio-induits. La méthode a été soumise avec succès à des essais interlaboratoires sur de la viande de poulet, de porc et de b�uf crues, [1] à [4], ainsi que sur le camembert, l'avocat, la papaye et la mangue, [5], [6].
D'autres études montrent que la présente méthode s'applique à une large gamme de produits alimentaires, [7] à [28].

Živila - Prepoznavanje obsevane hrane, ki vsebuje maščobo - Plinska kromatografska analiza ogljikovodikov

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 05-Aug-2003
• Withdrawal Date: 28-Feb-2004
• ICS: 67.050 - General methods of tests and analysis for food products
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 275 - Food analysis - Horizontal methods
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 275/WG 8 - Irradiated foodstuffs
• Current Stage: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 05-Jun-2023
• Completion Date: 14-Apr-2025
• Mandate: M/029 - Irradiated foodstuffs
• Ref Project: SIST EN 1784:2003 - Foodstuffs - Detection of irradiated food containing fat - Gas chromatographic analysis of hydrocarbons

Relations

• Replaces: EN 1784:1996 - Foodstuffs - Detection of irradiated food containing fat - Gas chromatography of hydrocarbons
• Effective Date: 22-Dec-2008

Overview

EN 1784:2003 (CEN) - "Foodstuffs - Detection of irradiated food containing fat - Gas chromatographic analysis of hydrocarbons" - specifies a validated laboratory method to identify irradiation treatment of fat-containing foods. The procedure is based on the gas‑chromatographic (GC) detection of radiation‑induced hydrocarbons (HC) formed by radiolysis of fatty acids. This 2003 revision supersedes EN 1784:1996 and was developed and interlaboratory‑tested across multiple EU/EFTA laboratories.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Analytical principle: Radiation breaks specific fatty‑acid bonds producing characteristic hydrocarbons (Cn-1, Cn-2:1 etc.). Identification relies on detecting these HC by GC.
• Sample types validated: Raw chicken, pork, beef, Camembert, avocado, papaya and mango; method applicability has been demonstrated for a wider range of foods.
• Sample preparation:
  • Preferential sampling of high‑fat portions (e.g., chicken skin).
  • Fat isolation options: melting out, solvent extraction (n‑hexane, n‑pentane/2‑propanol), Soxhlet or reflux extraction.
  • Fat quantification procedures (several methods provided) to ensure sufficient lipid for analysis.
• Purification: HC fraction obtained by adsorption chromatography (e.g., Florisil, deactivated), with alternatives (SPE, SFE, argentation chromatography) noted as used successfully but not fully interlaboratory‑validated within this standard.
• Instrumentation and detection:
  • Gas chromatograph with flame ionization detector (FID) or mass spectrometer (MS).
  • Capillary columns with appropriate performance (see Annex B in standard).
  • Use of internal standards (e.g., n‑eicosane) and HC standard mixes for identification and semi‑quantitative assessment.
• Quality controls:
  • Reagent/solvent blanks for every analysis series to monitor contamination (Florisil, solvents, filter papers known sources).
  • Defined reagent grades (EN ISO 3696 referenced for water).
  • Specific apparatus and operational conditions (e.g., centrifugation at ~900 g, water bath 50 °C ±5 °C) described.

Practical applications and users

• Who uses EN 1784:2003:
  • Official food control laboratories and regulatory agencies verifying claims of non‑irradiation or monitoring irradiated imports.
  • Commercial testing labs providing certification for producers, processors and importers.
  • Food manufacturers and quality teams performing supplier audits or ingredient screening.
  • Research labs studying irradiation effects on lipids.
• Use cases:
  • Detecting irradiation treatment in meats, dairy and high‑fat fruits.
  • Enforcement of labelling rules, import control and forensic food authenticity testing.
  • Method transfer and validation in laboratory accreditation programs.

Related standards

• EN ISO 3696 (water for analytical use) - referenced for reagent water quality.
• The standard includes normative Annex A (tables) and informative Annex B (figures) and a bibliography for further reading.

Keywords: EN 1784:2003, irradiated food detection, gas chromatographic analysis, hydrocarbons, GC‑FID, GC‑MS, food irradiation, fat‑containing foods, Florisil, sample preparation, food safety standard.

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.NDLebensmittel - Nachweis von bestrahlten fetthaltigen Lebensmitteln - Gaschromatographische Untersuchung auf KohlenwasserstoffeProduits alimentaires - Détection d'aliments ionisés contenant des lipides - Analyse par chromatographie en phase gazeuse des hydrocarburesFoodstuffs - Detection of irradiated food containing fat - Gas chromatographic analysis of hydrocarbons71.040.50Fizikalnokemijske analitske metodePhysicochemical methods of analysis67.050Splošne preskusne in analizne metode za živilske proizvodeGeneral methods of tests and analysis for food productsICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 1784:2003SIST EN 1784:2003en01-november-2003SIST EN 1784:2003SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST EN 1784:19981DGRPHãþD

EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 1784August 2003ICS 67.050Supersedes EN 1784:1996English versionFoodstuffs - Detection of irradiated food containing fat - Gaschromatographic analysis of hydrocarbonsProduits alimentaires - Détection d'aliments ioniséscontenant des lipides - Analyse par chromatographie enphase gazeuse des hydrocarburesLebensmittel - Nachweis von bestrahlten fetthaltigenLebensmitteln - Gaschromatographische Untersuchung aufKohlenwasserstoffeThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 20 June 2003.CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such nationalstandards may be obtained on application to the Management Centre or to any CEN member.This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translationunder the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same status as the officialversions.CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and UnitedKingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
B-1050 Brussels© 2003 CENAll rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.Ref. No. EN 1784:2003 ESIST EN 1784:2003

Tables.13Annex B (informative)
Figures.14Bibliography.20SIST EN 1784:2003

and ß positions with respect to the carbonyl groups resulting in therespective Cn-11) and the Cn-2:12) HC. To predict these chief radiolytic products, the fatty acid composition ofsamples has to be known (see tables A.1 and A.2).
1)Cn-1: HC which has one carbon atom less than the parent fatty acid.SIST EN 1784:2003

2)Cn-2:1: HC which has two carbon atoms less than the parent fatty acid and an additional double bond in position 1.3)Florisil® is an example of a suitable product available commercially. This information is given for the convenience of users ofthis standard and does not constitute an endorsement by CEN of this product.SIST EN 1784:2003

4)n-Hexane was the solvent used to validate the method. However, it is also possible to use n-pentane on health groundsprovided it can be shown to lead to the same results.5)The National Standardization Organizations inform on the availability of 1,7-16:2 and 8-17:1SIST EN 1784:2003

or in fat-free metal foil. Foils having a wax coating or packing materials made ofpolyethylene should not be used.7 Procedure7.1 Reagent blankPrepare a reagent blank for every analysis series.The impurities which are encountered are mainly saturated HC, which have been detected in particular in Florisil®,solvent, filter paper and extraction thimbles (for Soxhlet extraction). To remove impurities, wash filter paper andextraction thimbles of cellulose with solvent until no impurities can be detected. Solvent blank solutions should beconcentrated before analysing them for contamination. Plastics materials should not be used for the analyses. Onlythoroughly clean glassware should be used.SIST EN 1784:2003

lipid extract of the flask into a stoppered graduated cylinder(5.8) and dilute to a known volume with more solvent. Add approximately 5 g to 10 g of sodium sulfate (4.2),stopper the cylinder, mix gently and leave until sodium sulfate is sedimented.7.2.1.5 Extraction with n-hexane under refluxMix 20 g of homogenized sample (7.2.1.1) with 20 g of sodium sulfate (4.2). For samples of high water content theamount of sodium sulfate should be increased to bind all the water. For foodstuffs having a low fat content, it maybe necessary to increase the size of the test sample and quantity of anhydrous sodium sulfate accordingly.Transfer the mixture into a flask (5.7) and reflux with 100 ml of n-hexane (4.5) for 60 min. Add 5 g of sodiumsulfate, mix gently and filter the solution after 15 min through decontaminated filter paper. Wash the flask and thesodium sulfate once with 25 ml of additional n-hexane. Combine the filtered solutions and remove n-hexane byrotary evaporation (5.17) to a volume of less than 100 ml. Transfer the solution to a stoppered graduated cylinder(5.8) and dilute to a known volume (e. g. 50 ml up to 100 ml) by adding n-hexane. Add approximately 5 g to 10 g ofsodium sulfate, stopper the cylinder, mix gently and leave at room temperature overnight.SIST EN 1784:2003
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