Overview
EN 18198:2026 is a European standard developed by CEN for the measurement of nitrogen content and calculation of protein content in microalgae and macroalgae using the Kjeldahl and Dumas methods. The standard aims to provide analytical guidance for algae producers and users of algae-derived products to support accurate quality assessment, labeling, and compliance with relevant food and feed regulations. Initially, the standard’s methods were validated using the algae species Nannochloropsis sp. and Palmaria palmata, and they can be applied to other algae species as well.
Key Topics
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Nitrogen Content Measurement: The standard details the procedures for determining nitrogen in algae samples using two widely accepted analytical techniques:
- Kjeldahl Method: Involves digestion with sulfuric acid, distillation, and titration, primarily measuring organic nitrogen.
- Dumas Method: Involves combustion of the sample and detection of total nitrogen using a thermal conductivity detector, measuring all nitrogen forms.
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Protein Content Calculation: Protein content is estimated by multiplying measured nitrogen values by a nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor, commonly 6.25, following regulatory requirements. The standard also provides guidance on establishing more accurate, matrix-specific conversion factors when needed.
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Analytical Validation and Precision: The standard outlines repeatability, reproducibility, and requirements for interlaboratory tests to ensure data reliability.
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Application Scope: While validated through two representative algae species, the methodologies can be used for a wide variety of other microalgae and macroalgae.
Applications
EN 18198:2026 is directly relevant to:
- Food and Feed Industries: Producers of algae-based foods, dietary supplements, animal feed, and feed additives can use these standardized nitrogen and protein determination methods for nutrition labeling, ingredient quality control, and regulatory compliance.
- Algae Biomass Producers: Facilitates accurate biomass composition analysis to determine product quality and efficiency in algae cultivation or processing.
- Nutritional Research: Supports studies on the nutritional value of emerging algae species by providing robust measurement protocols.
- Industrial Processing: Ensures reliable assessment of starting materials and finished algae-based products in sectors such as biofertilizers, biostimulants, cosmetics, biopolymers, and biofuels.
- Quality Assurance Laboratories: Enables accredited testing for nitrogen and protein content in algae to support certification, customer requirements, and supply chain confidence.
Related Standards
Implementing EN 18198:2026 may also require referring to the following documents:
- EN 17399: Algae and algae products - Vocabulary
- EN 17605: Algae and algae products - Methods of sampling and analysis - Sample treatment
- EN ISO 5983-1:2005: Animal feeding stuffs - Determination of nitrogen content and calculation of crude protein content (Kjeldahl method)
- EN ISO 16634-2:2016: Food products - Determination of total nitrogen content by combustion (Dumas principle) and calculation of crude protein content
- prEN 18197: Algae and algae products - Determination of the amino acid profile (relevant for specific conversion factors)
Practical Value
Standardizing methods for nitrogen and protein analysis in algae ensures:
- Benchmarking and Consistency: Laboratories and producers across Europe and internationally can benchmark results using harmonized procedures.
- Regulatory Readiness: Supports compliance with EU nutrition labeling (EU No 1169/2011) and feed regulations, which require standardized, defensible protein values.
- Market Confidence: Strengthens industry and consumer trust in the nutritional and functional quality of algae and algae products, boosting commercialization and adoption.
- Innovation Enablement: Provides a foundation for innovation in the bioeconomy by facilitating reliable analytical support for new algae-based applications.
Adopting EN 18198:2026 helps organizations maintain high standards in algae processing, supports reliable protein estimation, and fosters a sustainable, transparent supply chain in the growing algae sector.