Overview
ISO 11052:1994, published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), specifies a method for the determination of yellow pigment content in durum wheat flour and semolina (Triticum durum L.). The yellow pigment, mainly composed of extractable carotenoids from the endosperm, is a crucial quality attribute for raw materials used in pasta production. This standard outlines precise laboratory procedures to measure yellow pigments, expressed as milligrams of β-carotene per 100 grams of dry matter.
Adherence to this standard ensures harmonized and reliable assessment of yellow pigment content, supporting quality control, industry consistency, and international trade in cereal products.
Key Topics
- Yellow Pigment Content: Evaluation of carotenoids, determining visual and nutritional quality in durum wheat flour and semolina.
- Scope and Purpose: Applicable to durum wheat products used in the food industry, particularly for pasta manufacturing.
- Analytical Method: Extraction of carotenoids using water-saturated n-butanol, followed by photometric measurement against β-carotene standard solutions at 440 nm.
- Sample Preparation: Guidelines for sample grinding, handling, and avoiding contamination or pigment degradation.
- Accuracy and Precision: Provides details on the repeatability and reproducibility of test results to ensure that yellow pigment measurements are consistent across laboratories.
- Reporting Requirements: Clear test reporting to facilitate traceability and comparability.
Applications
ISO 11052:1994 is widely leveraged in agricultural and food industries to:
- Quality Assurance in Pasta Production: The yellow pigment index is essential for pasta producers sourcing raw materials with consistent color and nutritional profile.
- Raw Material Evaluation: Millers and traders use the standard to benchmark the quality of durum wheat flour and semolina when grading batches.
- Product Development: Food technologists reference the pigment content to formulate pasta and other durum-based products with desired visual and nutritional qualities.
- Compliance and Certification: Ensures compliance with industry and export requirements where color quality of wheat-based products is critical.
- Scientific Research: Used in academic and industry research for cereal crop quality analysis.
Related Standards
When applying ISO 11052:1994, the following related standards may also be relevant:
- ISO 712:1985: Cereals and cereal products - Determination of moisture content (Routine reference method). Accurate moisture determination is essential for expressing pigment content on a dry matter basis.
- ISO 2170:1980: Cereals and pulses - Sampling of milled products. Provides recommendations for sample collection to maintain representativity.
- ISO 5725:1986: Precision of test methods - Statistical methods for determining repeatability and reproducibility via inter-laboratory tests.
Keywords: durum wheat, semolina, yellow pigment, carotenoids, β-carotene, flour quality, food standards, pasta production, ISO 11052, cereal product testing, laboratory methods, sample analysis, food color measurement.