Applications

This Bulletin describes potentiometric titration methods for the determination of the acidity in milk and yoghurt according to DIN 10316, ISO/TS 11869, IDF/RM 150, ISO 6091 and IDF 86, the chloride content in milk, butter and cheese according to EN ISO 5943, IDF 88, ISO 15648, IDF 179, ISO 21422, and IDF 242. Additionally the determination of the sodium content in milk using the thermometric titration is described. The determination of the oxidation stability of butter in accordance to AOCS Cd 12b-92, ISO 6886 and GB/T 21121 as well as the determination of lactose in lactose free milk by ion chromatography is also described.For the determination of the pH value in dairy products see Application Bulletin AB-086 and for the determination of calcium and magnesium see Application Bulletin AB-235.

As the determination of the exact content of individual glycerides in fats and oils is difficult and time-consuming, several fat sum parameters or fat indices are used for the characterization and quality control of fats and oils. Fats and oils are not only essential for cooking, they are also an important ingredient in pharmaceuticals and personal care products, such as ointments and creams. Consequently, several norms and standards describe the determination of the most important quality control parameters. This Application Bulletin describes eight important analytical methods for the following fat parameters in edible oils and fats:Determination of water content in accordance with the Karl Fischer method; Oxidation stability in accordance with the Rancimat method; Iodine value; Peroxide value; Saponification value; Acid value, free fatty acids (FFA); Hydroxyl number; Traces of nickel using polarography; Special care is taken to avoid chlorinated solvents in these methods. Also, as many of the mentioned methods as possible are automated.

This document outlines Rancimat testing for both liquid and solid food samples, including direct and PEG methods, for oxidation stability QC in the food industry.

Oxidation of sweet almond oil can occur over time, affecting its organoleptic characteristics. This Application Note describes the reproducible and accurate determination of oxidation stability of sweet almond oil using the 892 Professional Rancimat.

Some samples, such as cosmetics and food, cannot be measured directly with the Rancimat as no evaluable induction time is obtained. There are many reasons for this, for example a high water content, a too low fat content or various matrix effects. However, using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as carrier material, many of these samples can be directly and reproducibly measured without sample preparation. This is due to the antioxidants that are naturally present in the sample matrix, and which stabilize the induction time of the PEG. The induction time can therefore be directly related to the oxidation stability of the sample.Furthermore, with a standard addition it is possible to measure the content of antioxidants (AOC) such as vitamin E, vitamin C or an equivalent of it. The decrease of the antioxidants over time (for example, during storage of the sample) can thus be measured and evaluated. In addition, this method eliminates a costly sample preparation. A reproducible and accurate determination of the oxidation stability using the 892 Professional Rancimat can be realized.

The oxidation stability is an important factor for the quality of cosmetics. It also provides information about the long-term and storage stability of the product. Most cosmetic formulations cannot be measured directly with the Rancimat as no evaluable induction time is obtained. There are many reasons for this, for example a high water content, a too low fat content or various matrix effects. However, using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as carrier material, many of these samples can be directly and reproducibly measured without sample preparation. This is due to the antioxidants that are naturally present in the sample matrix, and which stabilize the induction time of the PEG. The induction time can therefore be directly related to the oxidation stability of the sample.In addition, this method eliminates a costly sample preparation. A reproducible and accurate determination of the oxidation stability using the 892 Professional Rancimat can be realized. In this Application Notes the oxidation stability of body care cream, moisturizer, body milk, body lotion, and toothpaste is determined in this way. More information on the Rancimat method can be found on the Metrohm website.

Oxidation stability is an important quality criterion of chocolate as it provides information about the long-term stability of the product. Cocoa contains various flavonoids that act as antioxidants. The most important and common flavonoids are catechin, epicatechin, and procyanidin. Although the flavonoid content may vary amongst chocolate type, it can be said, the greater the cocoa content in the chocolate, the greater the antioxidant effect.Chocolate cannot be measured directly with the classical Rancimat method, as no evaluable induction time is obtained. There are many reasons for this, for example a too low fat content or various matrix effects. Traditionally, extraction of the fat from the chocolate using e.g., petroleum ether is therefore necessary.In this Application Note, the oxidation stability of white, milk and dark chocolate with varying cacao content is determined in without extraction. Instead, polyethylene glycol is used as conducting medium. More information on the Rancimat method can be found on the Metrohm website.

Oxidation stability is an important parameter to assess the quality of animal feed. It provides information about the long-term resistance to degradation of the fatty acids, which can predict the storage stability of the product. Oxidation stability of many animal feeds can be directly and reproducibly measured by the Rancimat method, if polyethylene glycol (PEG) is used as the carrier material.No sample preparation is required for this application. This Application Note describes the determination of oxidation stability of fish food and dog treats. More information on the Rancimat method can be found on the Metrohm website.

Oxidation stability is an important parameter defining the quality of tea. It also provides information about the long-term stability of the naturally included antioxidants and thus the stability of the product. However, tea cannot be measured directly with the Rancimat method, as no evaluable induction time is obtained. The reason for this is that no measurable oxidation product is formed. However, using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as carrier material, many of these samples can be directly and reproducibly measured without any sample preparation. This is due to the antioxidants that are naturally present in the sample matrix, which stabilize the induction time of the PEG. The induction time can therefore be directly related to the oxidation stability of the sample.A reproducible and accurate determination of the oxidation stability is feasible using the 892 Professional Rancimat. In this Application Notes the oxidation stability of different teas is determined in this way. More information on the Rancimat method can be found on the Metrohm website.

The freshness as well as the smell and taste of coffee depend, among other things, on the content of antioxidants. The antioxidant content is critical to set a retail price and therefore it is of great interest for manufacturers and distributors to determine it. Classically, this parameter is determined via long-term storage tests. Oxidation stability offers a fast, alternative method, which can define the quality of coffee.Using the modified Rancimat method, the oxidation stability of coffee can be determined quickly and reliably. The sample is analyzed together with polyethylene glycol (PEG). The antioxidants present in the sample matrix stabilize the induction time of the PEG. The induction time can therefore be related directly to the oxidation stability and antioxidant content of the sample.This Application Note demonstrates the feasibility of the modified Rancimat method. Using the 892 Professional Rancimat, reproducible and accurate determination of the oxidation stability of different coffees is possible.