EN 1785:2003
(Main)Foodstuffs - Detection of irradiated food containing fat - Gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric analysis of 2-alkylcyclobutanones
General Information
- Abstract
This draft European Standard specifies a method for identification of irradia- tion treatment of food containig fat. It is based on the mass spectrometric (MS)detection of radiation-induced 2-alkylcyclobutanones after gas chromatographic (GC) separation 1 to 3. The method has been successfully tested in interlabora- tory tests on raw chicken, pork, and liquid whole egg, 4 to 6.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 05-Aug-2003
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 275 - Food analysis - Horizontal methods
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 275/WG 8 - Irradiated foodstuffs
- Current Stage
- 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 17-Sep-2024
- Completion Date
- 23-Sep-2026
Overview
EN 1785:2003 - published by CEN - specifies a validated analytical method for the identification of irradiation treatment in fat-containing foodstuffs. The procedure is based on gas chromatographic separation followed by mass spectrometric (GC‑MS) detection of radiation‑induced 2‑alkylcyclobutanones (notably 2‑dodecylcyclobutanone (DCB) and 2‑tetradecylcyclobutanone (TCB)). The standard was approved in 2003, superseding EN 1785:1996, and was validated through interlaboratory trials on products such as raw chicken, pork, liquid whole egg, salmon and Camembert.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Target markers: 2‑alkylcyclobutanones formed by cleavage of triglyceride acyl‑oxygen bonds during irradiation (DCB from palmitic acid; TCB from stearic acid).
- Sample focus: Preferentially sample high‑fat parts (e.g., chicken skin); liquid whole egg requires thorough mixing or drying.
- Extraction & cleanup: Typical fat extraction by Soxhlet with n‑hexane (n‑pentane may be used if equivalence is demonstrated). Lipid extracts are fractionated using Florisil® column chromatography; alternative approaches (SFE, argentation, LC‑GC‑MS) are noted but not validated by interlaboratory trials.
- Instrumentation: Capillary GC coupled to MS; helium carrier gas; MS operated in selected ion monitoring (SIM) targeting m/z 98 and m/z 112.
- Identification criteria: Both ions (m/z 98, 112) must be present at correct ion‑intensity ratios (approx. 4.0–4.5:1 for DCB; approx. 3.8–4.2:1 for TCB). Signal‑to‑noise for each ion should exceed 3:1; relative ion intensities must be within ±20% of standards run the same day.
- Quantitation & QC: Use an internal standard (2‑cyclohexylcyclohexanone), calibration around sample concentrations, spiking/recovery checks and routine blanks. Standard storage and solvent purity requirements (e.g., water per EN ISO 3696) are specified.
Applications and who uses it
- Official control laboratories conducting regulatory screening for irradiated foods.
- Food industry quality control teams verifying ingredient provenance and processing claims.
- Accredited testing labs performing routine or forensic detection of food irradiation.
- Research groups studying irradiation effects on lipids and food safety markers.
Practical uses include surveillance of processed meats, eggs, fish and dairy for undeclared irradiation and verification following food safety incidents.
Related standards and references
- EN 1785:2003 supersedes EN 1785:1996 and was prepared by CEN/TC 275.
- Normative reference: EN ISO 3696:1995 (water for analytical laboratory use).
- The standard cites interlaboratory validation literature and describes annex material (GC conditions, spectra, chromatograms) useful for method transfer and implementation.
Keywords: EN 1785:2003, detection of irradiated food, 2‑alkylcyclobutanones, GC‑MS, food irradiation analysis, DCB, TCB, Florisil chromatography.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 22-Dec-2008
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 1785:2003 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Foodstuffs - Detection of irradiated food containing fat - Gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric analysis of 2-alkylcyclobutanones". This standard covers: This draft European Standard specifies a method for identification of irradia- tion treatment of food containig fat. It is based on the mass spectrometric (MS)detection of radiation-induced 2-alkylcyclobutanones after gas chromatographic (GC) separation 1 to 3. The method has been successfully tested in interlabora- tory tests on raw chicken, pork, and liquid whole egg, 4 to 6.
This draft European Standard specifies a method for identification of irradia- tion treatment of food containig fat. It is based on the mass spectrometric (MS)detection of radiation-induced 2-alkylcyclobutanones after gas chromatographic (GC) separation 1 to 3. The method has been successfully tested in interlabora- tory tests on raw chicken, pork, and liquid whole egg, 4 to 6.
EN 1785:2003 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 67.040 - Food products in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 1785:2003 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 1785:1996, EN ISO 3696:1995. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 1785:2003 is associated with the following European legislation: Standardization Mandates: M/029. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
EN 1785:2003 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.DDLebensmittel - Nachweis von bestrahlten fetthaltigen Lebensmitteln - Gaschromatographisch / massenspektrometrische Untersuchung auf 2-AlkylcyclobutanoneProduits alimentaires - Détection d'aliments ionisés contenant des lipides - Analyse par chromatographie en phase gazeuse / Spectrométrie de masse des 2-alkylcyclobutanonesFoodstuffs - Detection of irradiated food containing fat - Gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric analysis of 2-alkylcyclobutanones67.050Splošne preskusne in analizne metode za živilske proizvodeGeneral methods of tests and analysis for food productsICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 1785:2003SIST EN 1785:2003en01-november-2003SIST EN 1785:2003SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST EN 1785:19981DGRPHãþD
EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 1785August 2003ICS 67.050Supersedes EN 1785:1996English versionFoodstuffs - Detection of irradiated food containing fat - Gaschromatographic/mass spectrometric analysis of 2-alkylcyclobutanonesProduits alimentaires - Détection d'aliments ioniséscontenant des lipides - Analyse par chromatographie enphase gazeuse / Spectrométrie de masse des 2-alkylcyclobutanonesLebensmittel - Nachweis von bestrahlten fetthaltigenLebensmitteln - Gaschromatographisch /massenspektrometrische Untersuchung auf 2-AlkylcyclobutanoneThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 20 June 2003.CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such nationalstandards may be obtained on application to the Management Centre or to any CEN member.This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translationunder the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same status as the officialversions.CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and UnitedKingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
B-1050 Brussels© 2003 CENAll rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.Ref. No. EN 1785:2003 ESIST EN 1785:2003
Figures.11Bibliography.15SIST EN 1785:2003
1)n-Hexane was the solvent used to validate the method. However, it is also possible to use n-pentane on healthgrounds provided it can be shown to lead to the same result.2)Contact the National Standardization Organizations for the availability of reference standards3)Florisil® is an example for a suitable product available commercially. This information is given for the convenience ofusers of this standard and does not constitute an endorsement by CEN of this product.SIST EN 1785:2003
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