Overview - ISO 24683:2022 (High fructose syrup)
ISO 24683:2022 specifies chemical, physical and microbiological requirements and associated test methods for high fructose syrup (HFS). It covers product definitions (notably HFS 42 and HFS 55), acceptance limits for quality and contaminants, and standardized analytical procedures - from pH and Brix to chromatographic determination of fructose and glucose, and HPLC measurement of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Requirements for high fructose syrup composition and laboratory test methods.
- Product types: HFS 42 (≈42% fructose) and HFS 55 (≈55% fructose).
- Physical indices: Transparent appearance; colour ≤ 20 IU; no off-odour/taste; free of foreign material.
- Chemical indices (examples):
- Brix: Min 69 (HFS 42), Min 74 (HFS 55) (ISO 1743).
- pH: 3.3–4.5.
- Sulfate ash: ≤ 0.1% dry matter.
- Sulfur dioxide: ≤ 3 mg/kg (ISBT method).
- Fructose / glucose (dry weight): Fructose ≥ 42% or 55%; glucose ≤ 52% or 42% respectively.
- HMF: ≤ 75 mg/kg (HPLC method).
- Electrical conductivity: ≤ 70 µS/cm.
- Contaminant limits: Arsenic ≤ 1 mg/kg; Lead ≤ 0.1 mg/kg; Chloride ≤ 50 mg/kg; Copper specified for HFS 55 (≤ 1.5 mg/kg).
- Microbial limits: Mould and yeast ≤ 10 CFU/g; Total plate count ≤ 20 CFU/g (ISO 21527-2, ISO 4833).
- Test methods: pH by standardized electrode; sulfur dioxide by ISBT method; fructose/glucose by ion-exchange chromatography with a metal ion-modified cation-exchange column and differential refractometer (flow 0.5 mL/min; column temp 80 °C; detector 45 °C); HMF by HPLC with defined eluents.
Applications - who uses ISO 24683:2022
- Food ingredient manufacturers and syrup producers ensuring product compliance for HFS 42 and HFS 55.
- Quality control and analytical laboratories performing acceptance testing and routine QA/QC.
- Beverage and food formulators (soft drinks, processed foods, breakfast cereals) verifying raw-material specifications.
- Regulatory agencies and procurement teams establishing supply specifications and safety limits.
- R&D groups developing processing, purification and stability studies for sweeteners.
Related standards
ISO 24683:2022 provides a practical, standardized framework for specification, testing and compliance of high fructose syrup used across the food and beverage industry.