Foodstuffs - Detection of irradiated foodstuff containing crystalline sugar by ESR spectroscopy

This document specifies a method for the detection of foodstuff containing crystalline sugars which have been treated with ionizing radiation, by analysing the electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrum, also called electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum, of the foodstuff, see [1] to [7].
Interlaboratory studies have been successfully carried out on dried figs, dried mangoes, dried papayas and raisins, see [1] to [3].

Lebensmittel - ESR-spektroskopischer Nachweis von bestrahlten Lebensmitteln, die kristallinen Zucker enthalten

Dieses Dokument legt ein Verfahren zum Nachweis von mit ionisierender Strahlung behandelten Lebensmitteln, die kristallinen Zucker enthalten, fest. In diesem Verfahren wird das ESR-(Elektronen Spin Resonanz ), auch bekannt als EPR (Elektronen-Paramagnetische-Resonanz)-Spektrum des Lebensmittels analysiert, siehe [1] bis [7].
Ringversuche wurden erfolgreich an getrockneten Feigen, getrockneten Mangos, getrockneten Papayas und Rosinen geprüft, siehe [1] bis [3].

Produits alimentaires - Détection par spectroscopie RPE d’aliments ionisés contenant des sucres cristallisés

Le présent document spécifie une méthode de détection de traitement ionisant appliquée à des aliments contenant des sucres cristallisés, par analyse du spectre de résonance de spin électronique (RSE) aussi appelé spectre de résonance paramagnétique électronique (RPE) des aliments ; voir [1] à [7].
Des essais interlaboratoires ont été réalisés sur des figues, des mangues, des papayes et des raisins déshydratés ; voir [1] à [3].

Živila - Določevanje obsevanosti živil, ki vsebujejo kristalni sladkor, s spektroskopijo ESR

Ta evropski standard določa metodo za določevanje živil, ki vsebujejo kristalni sladkor in so bila obdelana z ionizirajočim sevanjem. Določevanje poteka z analizo elektronske spin resonančne spektroskopije (ESR), imenovane tudi elektronske paramagnetne resonance (EPR), živil.
Medlaboratorijske študije so bile uspešno izvedene na suhih figah, suhih mangih, suhih papajah in rozinah.

General Information

Status
Published
Public Enquiry End Date
19-Dec-2019
Publication Date
12-May-2022
Current Stage
6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
Start Date
05-May-2022
Due Date
10-Jul-2022
Completion Date
13-May-2022

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SIST EN 13708:2022

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Effective Date
01-Jun-2022

Overview

SIST EN 13708:2022 specifies a standardized method for the detection of irradiated foodstuffs containing crystalline sugars by analyzing their electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra. This Slovenian standard, identical to EN 13708:2022, details how ESR spectroscopy - also called electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy - can be used to prove if food products such as dried fruits were treated with ionizing radiation. The method is particularly relevant for food safety laboratories, ensuring transparency and consumer protection regarding food irradiation.

Key Topics

  • Scope and Purpose
    • Focuses on detecting irradiation in foodstuffs that contain crystalline sugars.
    • Established for dried products like figs, mangoes, papayas, and raisins, with validation in multiple interlaboratory studies.
  • Principle of ESR Spectroscopy
    • Radiation generates paramagnetic centers (radicals) in crystalline sugars.
    • ESR spectrometers detect the resulting spectra differences, which indicate if irradiation occurred.
    • Characteristic multi-component spectra mark irradiated samples; non-irradiated samples either show no signal or a simple spectrum.
  • Sample Preparation and Procedure
    • Samples should be prepared without grinding to prevent artificial signal generation.
    • Proper drying is critical; excessive heat can reduce signal strength.
    • ESR analysis occurs at ambient temperature using standardized glass tubes and calibrations.
  • Limitations
    • Reliable only if sufficient crystalline sugar is present in the sample.
    • Not applicable to pure crystalline sugars due to similar artifacts from grinding.
    • Absence of signal does not guarantee the sample was not irradiated, due to variable sugar content and crystallinity.

Applications

  • Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance
    • Laboratories and food inspectors use this method to verify compliance with food irradiation regulations.
    • Useful in customs, import/export quality control, and retail surveillance.
  • Authenticity Testing
    • Valuable for confirming food origin and processing history.
  • Consumer Confidence
    • Detecting previously irradiated food supports transparent labeling practices.
  • Product Validation
    • Enables food producers to prove process adherence or validate supplier claims.
  • Research and Development
    • Supports R&D in food processing and preservation, helping evaluate the effects of irradiation treatments.

Related Standards

  • EN 13708:2022
    • The European standard equivalent to the SIST version.
  • EN 1787
    • Specific standard referenced for harmonization of ESR spectrometer parameters and evaluation methods.
  • ISO, IEC, and CEN Standards
    • Connected to broader sets of food testing, electromagnetic analysis, and food irradiation standards maintained by international organizations.
  • Other ESR/EPR Methods
    • Several protocols and scientific literature references exist (such as works by Raffi J. and others), especially concerning dried fruits and crystalline sugars.

For those involved in food analysis and regulatory enforcement, SIST EN 13708:2022 represents an essential tool to ensure that food irradiation practices are correctly disclosed and monitored, thereby maintaining both food safety and consumer trust.

Keywords: irradiated food detection, ESR spectroscopy, crystalline sugar, food irradiation, electron spin resonance, food safety standards, dried fruit testing, food authenticity, EN 13708, EPR spectra, food analysis methods.

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SIST EN 13708:2022

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Frequently Asked Questions

SIST EN 13708:2022 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Foodstuffs - Detection of irradiated foodstuff containing crystalline sugar by ESR spectroscopy". This standard covers: This document specifies a method for the detection of foodstuff containing crystalline sugars which have been treated with ionizing radiation, by analysing the electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrum, also called electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum, of the foodstuff, see [1] to [7]. Interlaboratory studies have been successfully carried out on dried figs, dried mangoes, dried papayas and raisins, see [1] to [3].

This document specifies a method for the detection of foodstuff containing crystalline sugars which have been treated with ionizing radiation, by analysing the electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrum, also called electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum, of the foodstuff, see [1] to [7]. Interlaboratory studies have been successfully carried out on dried figs, dried mangoes, dried papayas and raisins, see [1] to [3].

SIST EN 13708:2022 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 67.050 - General methods of tests and analysis for food products. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

SIST EN 13708:2022 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN 13708:2002. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

SIST EN 13708:2022 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2017/625, 882/2004. 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.

SIST EN 13708:2022 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)


SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-junij-2022
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 13708:2002
Živila - Določevanje obsevanosti živil, ki vsebujejo kristalni sladkor, s
spektroskopijo ESR
Foodstuffs - Detection of irradiated foodstuff containing crystalline sugar by ESR
spectroscopy
Lebensmittel - ESR-spektroskopischer Nachweis von bestrahlten Lebensmitteln, die
kristallinen Zucker enthalten
Produits alimentaires - Détection par spectroscopie RPE d’aliments ionisés contenant
des sucres cristallisés
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 13708:2022
ICS:
67.050 Splošne preskusne in General methods of tests and
analizne metode za živilske analysis for food products
proizvode
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 13708
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
March 2022
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 67.050 Supersedes EN 13708:2001
English Version
Foodstuffs - Detection of irradiated foodstuff containing
crystalline sugar by ESR spectroscopy
Produits alimentaires - Détection par spectroscopie Lebensmittel - ESR-spektroskopischer Nachweis von
RPE d'aliments ionisés contenant des sucres bestrahlten Lebensmitteln, die kristallinen Zucker
cristallisés enthalten
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 14 February 2022.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC 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
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2022 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 13708:2022 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definitions . 4
4 Principle . 4
5 Apparatus and equipment . 5
6 Procedure. 5
7 Evaluation . 6
8 Limitations . 8
9 Validation . 8
10 Test report . 9
Annex A (informative) Example Figures . 10
Bibliography . 12
European foreword
This document (EN 13708:2022) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 275 “Food
analysis - Horizontal methods”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by September 2022, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by September 2022.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 13708:2001.
The predecessor of this document was elaborated on the basis of a protocol developed following a
concerted action supported by the Commission of European Union (XII C.). Experts and laboratories from
E.U. and EFTA countries, contributed jointly to the development of this protocol.
In comparison with the previous edition, the entire document was editorially revised according to
current rules. Additionally, the following technical modifications have been made:
a) clause “Normative references” was added;
b) clause “Terms and Definitions” was added;
c) former 3.2 was scientifically refined and converted into a footnote;
d) section “Sample preparation” was slightly extended and modified by conversion of the NOTE and
WARNING into main text;
e) section “Spectrometer settings” was scientifically refined, its normative character (i.e. provisions set
out) modified towards more exemplary/suggestive expressions of provision and aligned with
EN 1787;
f) clause “Evaluation” was amended by restructuring the subsections (subsection “G-value calculation”
became 7.1 and “Identification of irradiated samples” 7.2), including refinement of the given
information, designations and abbreviations including the alignment with the Annexes and EN 1787;
g) clause “Limitations” was extended;
h) layout of Figures A.1 to A.4 were revised and Figures A.5 to A.7 for irradiated fructose, glucose and
saccharose were added including alignment of the given information with the main text and EN 1787;
i) the Bibliography was updated and extended by entry [8], [9] and [10].
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North
Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United
Kingdom.
1 Scope
This document specifies a method for the detection of foodstuff containing crystalline sugars which have
been treated with ionizing radiation, by analysing the electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrum, also called
electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum, of the foodstuff, see [1] to [7].
Interlaboratory studies have been successfully carried out on dried figs, dried mangoes, dried papayas
and raisins, see [1] to [3].
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
4 Principle
ESR spectroscopy detects paramagnetic centres (e.g. radicals). They are either due to irradiation or to
other compounds present. An intense external magnetic field produces a difference between the energy
levels of the electron spins m = +½ and m = -½, leading to resonance absorption of an applied
s s
microwave beam in the spectrometer. ESR spectra are conventionally displayed as the first derivative of
the absorption with respect to the applied magnetic field.
The magnetic field and microwave frequency values depend on the experimental arrangements (sample
size and sample holder), while their ratio (i.e. g value) is an intrinsic characteristic of the paramagnetic
centre and its local co-ordination. For further information, see [1] to [7].
Radiation treatment produces radicals, which can be mostly detected in solid and dry parts of the
foodstuff. The intensity of the signal obtained increases with the concentration of the paramagnetic
compounds and thus with the applied dose.
5 Apparatus and equipment
Usual laboratory apparatus and, in particular, the following.
5.1 Commercially available X-Band ESR spectrometer including magnet, microwave bridge, console
with field-controller and signal-channel, rectangular or cylindrical cavity .
®2
5.2 ESR tubes, with an internal diameter of about 4,0 mm (e.g. Suprasil quartz tubes).
5.3 Balance, accuracy of 1 mg (optional).
5.4 Laboratory vacuum oven, or freeze dryer.
5.5 Scalpel.
6 Procedure
6.1 Sample preparation
Prepare suitable pieces (50 mg to 100 mg) of the fruits, e.g. using a scalpel. Avoid grinding of samples.
Various parts of the fruits can contain different quantities of crystalline sugars. It can be advantageous to
take the test sample from the outer parts of the fruits.
Transfer a test portion directly into the ESR tube (5.2) and start the measurement.
Difficulties in tuning the spectrometer cavity can be experienced if the sample is insufficiently dry. In this
case either reduce the sample quantity or dry it further. Samples should be dried in a laboratory vacuum
oven at approximately 40 °C under reduced pressure or in a freeze-dryer.
Temperatures significantly higher than 40 °C can reduce the signal.
6.2 ESR Spectroscopy
6.2.1 Spectrometer settings
The parameters shown in Table 1 have been found to be successful in interlaboratory tests (see Clause 9).
The values shown (Table 1) are gi
...