Overview
EN ISO 30024:2024 (ISO 30024:2024) - published by CEN/ISO - specifies a laboratory method for the determination of phytase activity in animal feeding stuffs. The standard covers feed raw materials of plant origin, complete and complementary compound feeds (including mineral feeds), premixtures and feed additives. It replaces EN ISO 30024:2009 and extends the scope to include mineral feeds, premixtures and feed additives. The method quantifies phytase expressed as phytase units (U) where 1 U = 1 µmol inorganic phosphate released per minute under the method’s reaction conditions (acetate buffer, pH 5.5, 37 °C).
Key Topics
- Scope and applicability: Validated for complete feeds, complementary feeds (including mineral feeds), premixtures and feed additives; also applicable to plant-origin feed materials.
- Non‑discrimination: The method does not distinguish between added phytase (feed additive) and endogenous phytase present in materials.
- Not a measure of in vivo efficacy: Results quantify activity in vitro and are not predictive of biological performance in animals.
- Analytical principle: Enzymatic hydrolysis of phytate (phytic acid) and quantification of released inorganic phosphate under defined conditions. Phytic acid (phytate substrate) specifications are included.
- Procedures covered: Sampling and sample preparation, extraction protocols for different feed types, blank controls, standards (phosphate standard, phytase level control), construction of standard curves, calculation of activity, and corrections (e.g., phytic acid purity, water content).
- Performance characteristics: Sections on limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), repeatability and reproducibility, and interlaboratory study results (informative annexes).
Applications
Who uses EN ISO 30024:2024:
- Feed manufacturers and formulators - quality control of phytase inclusion rates in compound feeds and premixtures.
- Feed additive producers - product quantification and batch verification of phytase activity.
- Analytical testing laboratories - standardized method for regulatory or customer testing of animal feeding stuffs.
- Regulators and certification bodies - harmonized reference for compliance testing and trade.
- Research organizations - measuring in vitro phytase activity in feed ingredient studies (with caveat: not a proxy for in vivo efficacy).
Practical benefits:
- Enables consistent, comparable measurement of phytase activity across laboratories and markets.
- Supports feed quality assurance, labeling claims and traceability for feed additives, premixtures and compound feeds.
Related Standards
- Supersedes EN ISO 30024:2009.
- Cross‑referenced standards and definitions (e.g., ISO 20588 for premixture terminology).
- Developed by ISO/TC 34 (Food products) in collaboration with CEN/TC 327 (Animal feeding stuffs).
Keywords: EN ISO 30024:2024, ISO 30024:2024, phytase activity, animal feeding stuffs, feed additives, premixtures, compound feeds, phytic acid, phytase unit.