IMPROVEMENTS IN ANALYSIS OF VITAMINS IN FOOD

Objective

Some 12 vitamins are commonly determined in foodstuffs for nutritional purposes (dietary and epidemiological surveys) and for food labelling purposes. An intercomparison of chemical and microbiological methods for determination of commonly measured vitamins (retinol, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D3, beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol and niacin) in milk powder, haricot verts beans and pork muscle and a vitamin mixture has been carried out. The results for retinol, alpha-tocopherol, vitamin C, beta-carotene and niacin agreed well for most of the materials analysed. Indicative values for these vitamins in the reference materials (RM) recently certified for the major nutrients will be proposed if stability is proven.

Methodological problems identified for folates, vitamins B1, B2, and B6, and vitamin D are being studied. Reference materials specially formulated for vitamin use have been prepared (fortified milk powder, brussels sprouts, margerine and flour) and a mixed vegetable sample (primarily for carotenoids) is under preparation.
Some 12 vitamins are commonly determined in foodstuffs for nutritional purposes (dietary and epidemiological surveys) and for food labelling purposes. Vitamins are included in Council Directive on Nutritional Labelling of Foodstuffs (90/496/EEC). Little is known about the reliability of such measurements and there is currently no means of ensuring traceability. The project has the general aim of method improvement and preparation of reference materials.

Programme(s)

• FP2-BCR 4 - Research and development programme (EEC) in the field of applied metrology and chemical analysis (Community Bureau of Reference - BCR), 1988-1992

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

Institute of Food Research

Address

Norwich Laboratory Colney Lane
NR4 7UA Norwich
United Kingdom

Participants (18)

CSIC - Instituto del Frio

Spain

Address

Ciudad Universitaria
28040 Madrid

DUPHAR B.V.

Netherlands

Address

1380 DA Weesp

FEDERAL RESEARCH CENTRE FOR NUTRITION

Germany

Address

Haid-und-neu-strasse 9
76131 Karlsruhe

Federal Dairy Research Institute

Switzerland

Address

3097 Liebefeld-bern

Laboratory of the Government Chemist (LGC)

United Kingdom

Address

Queen's Road
TW11 0LY Teddington

National Food Administration

Sweden

Address

5,Hamnesplanaden
75126 Uppsala

National Food Agency of Denmark

Denmark

Address

19,Mörkhöj Bygade
2860 Söborg

Produits Roche

France

Address

94120 Fontenay Sous Bois

RIGB-Keuringsdienst van Waren

Netherlands

Address

6201 GA Maastricht

RIKILT

Netherlands

Address

6700 AE Wageningen

Steins Laboratorium

Denmark

Address

8,Hjaltesvej
7500 Holstebro

TNO Toxicology and Nutrition Institute

Netherlands

Address

3700 AJ Zeist

UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI PERUGIA

Italy

Address

06100 Perugia

UNIVERSITAET - GESAMTHOCHSCHULE PADERBORN

Germany

Address

Warburger Strasse 100
33098 Paderborn

Unilever UK Central Resources Ltd

United Kingdom

Address

Colworth House
MK44 1LQ Sharnbrook

University College of Cork

Ireland

Address

Cork

Università degli Studi di Perugia

Italy

Address

06100 Perugia

Universität Basel

Switzerland

Address

Vesalianum, Vesalgasse 1
4051 Basel