EN 14083:2003

Foodstuffs - Determination of trace elements - Determination of lead, cadmium, chromium and molybdenum by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) after pressure digestion

This Draft European Standard specifies a method for the determination of lead, cadmium, chromium and molybdenum in foodstuffs by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) after pressure digestion. Specific foodstuffs for which European Standards exist are excluded from the scope of this horizontal European Standard. The analyst shall review if vertical standards exist.

Lebensmittel - Bestimmung von Elementspuren - Bestimmung von Blei, Cadmium, Chrom und Molybdän mit Graphitofen- Atomabsorptionsspektrometrie (GFAAS) nach Druckaufschluss

Produits alimentaires - Dosage des éléments traces - Dosage du plomb,du cadmium,du chrome et molybdène par spectrométrie d'absorption atomique en four graphite après digestion sous pression

La présente Norme européenne spécifie une méthode de détermination du plomb, du cadmium, du chrome et du molybdène présents dans les aliments par spectrométrie d'absorption atomique en four graphite après digestion sous pression.
Les produits alimentaires spécifiques faisant l'objet de Normes européennes sont exclus du domaine d'application de la présente Norme européenne horizontale. Il incombe à l'analyste de contrôler l'existence de normes verticales.

Živila - Določevanje elementov v sledovih - Določevanje svinca, kadmija, cinka, kroma in molibdena z atomsko absorpcijo z grafitno kiveto (GFAAS) po »razklopu pod tlakom

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 01-Apr-2003
• 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 10 - Trace elements (heavy metals)
• Current Stage: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 17-Sep-2024
• Completion Date: 14-Apr-2025
• Ref Project: SIST EN 14083:2003 - Foodstuffs - Determination of trace elements - Determination of lead, cadmium, chromium and molybdenum by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) after pressure digestion

Overview

EN 14083:2003 (CEN) is a horizontal European standard for the determination of trace elements in foodstuffs. It specifies a laboratory method to measure lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and molybdenum (Mo) using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) after pressure digestion of samples. The standard targets routine and regulatory testing in food analysis laboratories and requires analysts to check for any existing vertical (food‑specific) standards before application.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and exclusions: Applies to general foodstuffs; specific food categories covered by separate European (vertical) standards are excluded.
• Sample preparation: Uses pressure digestion according to EN 13805 to produce the test solution suitable for GFAAS.
• Instrumentation:
  • Graphite furnace AAS with background correction (Zeeman recommended) and argon purging.
  • Graphite tubes (pyrolytically coated, L'vov platform recommended) and automatic sample injectors.
  • Element-specific lamps (hollow‑cathode or electrodeless discharge). Example analytical wavelengths given: Pb 283.3 nm, Cd 228.8 nm, Cr 357.9 nm, Mo 313.3 nm.
• Reagents and standards: Trace‑grade nitric and hydrochloric acids; certified stock solutions (1 000 mg/L examples shown). Calibration solutions must match the acid concentration of test solutions.
• Matrix modification: Use of modifiers (e.g., magnesium nitrate, palladium/magnesium, ammonium phosphate/magnesium, palladium/ascorbic acid) to reduce interferences and improve analyte stability.
• Calibration and quantification:
  • External calibration or standard addition methods; linear range must be established.
  • Zero member compensation and regular checks with blanks and calibration checks.
  • Calculation formula provided: w = (a × V × F) / m, where a = analyte concentration in test solution, V = final digestion volume, F = dilution factor, m = sample mass.
• Quality control and precision: Requires blanks, reference materials processed from digestion onward. Precision (repeatability and reproducibility) is supported by interlaboratory data in Annex A.
• Safety: The standard includes a general warning about hazardous reagents and operations; users are responsible for lab safety measures.

Applications and users

EN 14083:2003 is intended for:

• Food testing laboratories performing trace element analysis (GFAAS) for regulatory compliance or quality control.
• Public health and food safety authorities assessing metal contamination in foods.
• Research laboratories studying trace element content in food matrices.
• Manufacturers and contract testing services needing standardized methods for Pb, Cd, Cr and Mo reporting.

Practical benefits include harmonised test procedures, traceable calibration practices, and documented quality‑control requirements to support reliable reporting of trace metals in foods.

Related standards

• EN 13805 - Foodstuffs: Determination of trace elements - Pressure digestion (sample preparation referenced by EN 14083).
• EN 13804 - General considerations, performance criteria and sample preparation for trace element determination.

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Lebensmittel - Bestimmung von Elementspuren - Bestimmung von Blei, Cadmium, Chrom und Molybdän mit Graphitofen- Atomabsorptionsspektrometrie (GFAAS) nach DruckaufschlussProduits alimentaires - Dosage des éléments traces - Dosage du plomb,du cadmium,du chrome et molybdene par spectrométrie d'absorption atomique en four graphite apres digestion sous pressionFoodstuffs - Determination of trace elements - Determination of lead, cadmium, chromium and molybdenum by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) after pressure digestion67.050Splošne preskusne in analizne metode za živilske proizvodeGeneral methods of tests and analysis for food productsICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 14083:2003SIST EN 14083:2003en01-junij-2003SIST EN 14083:2003SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 14083April 2003ICS 67.050English versionFoodstuffs - Determination of trace elements - Determination oflead, cadmium, chromium and molybdenum by graphite furnaceatomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) after pressuredigestionProduits alimentaires - Dosage des éléments traces -Dosage du plomb,du cadmium,du chrome et molybdènepar spectrométrie d'absorption atomique en four graphiteaprès digestion sous pressionLebensmittel - Bestimmung von Elementspuren -Bestimmung von Blei, Cadmium, Chrom und Molybdän mitGraphitofen- Atomabsorptionsspektrometrie (GFAAS) nachDruckaufschlussThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 18 December 2002.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 14083:2003 ESIST EN 14083:2003

Results of the interlaboratory test.10Bibliography.14SIST EN 14083:2003

in water, add 0,05 g of Mg(NO3)2 × 6H2O and 1 mlnitric acid 4.3 and make up to 50 ml with water.4.7.5 Palladium/ascorbic acid solutionSolution A: add 500 ml of hydrochloric acid (4.2) to 1 ml of a palladium stock solution containing 10 g of palladiumper litre and make up to 10 ml.Solution B: dissolve 1 g ascorbic acid in 100 ml of water.Prepare the palladium/ascorbic acid solution by mixing one part by volume of solution A with one part by volume ofsolution B.5 Apparatus and equipment5.1 GeneralTo minimise the contamination, all apparatus which comes into direct contact with the sample and the solutionsshould be carefully pre-treated according to EN 13804.5.2 Atomic absorption spectrometerWith background correction (Zeeman correction is recommended), graphite furnace supplied with argon and with ameasurement recording system.5.3 Graphite tubesRecommendation, pyrolytically coated tubes with or without L'vov platform.SIST EN 14083:2003
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