BS ISO 20639:2015

Overview

BS ISO 20639:2015 provides a method for the determination of pantothenic acid in infant formula and adult nutritional products using ultra high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). This standard is crucial for ensuring the nutritional quality and safety of food products intended for vulnerable populations, such as infants and adults requiring specialized nutrition.

Key Requirements

The standard outlines specific requirements for the analytical procedure, ensuring that laboratories can accurately measure pantothenic acid levels. Key aspects include:

• Sample Preparation: Detailed protocols for the extraction and preparation of samples to ensure accurate results.
• Instrumentation: Specifications for the UHPLC-MS/MS equipment, including calibration and maintenance guidelines.
• Method Validation: Requirements for validating the method to ensure reliability and reproducibility of results.
• Reporting Results: Guidelines on how to report findings, including units of measurement and acceptable limits for pantothenic acid content.

Implementation Benefits

Adopting BS ISO 20639:2015 offers several practical benefits for manufacturers and compliance professionals:

• Quality Assurance: Ensures that products meet nutritional claims, thereby enhancing consumer trust.
• Regulatory Compliance: Aligns with regulatory requirements for food safety and nutritional standards, reducing the risk of non-compliance.
• Market Access: Facilitates entry into markets that require adherence to international standards, broadening business opportunities.
• Enhanced Testing Accuracy: Utilising advanced UHPLC-MS/MS technology improves the precision of pantothenic acid measurements.

Compliance Value

Compliance with BS ISO 20639:2015 is essential for manufacturers of infant formula and adult nutritionals. The standard provides a framework for:

• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating risks associated with nutritional deficiencies in target populations.
• Consumer Safety: Ensuring that products are safe and meet the nutritional needs of consumers, particularly vulnerable groups.
• Reputation Management: Upholding brand integrity by demonstrating commitment to quality and safety through compliance with recognised standards.

In summary, BS ISO 20639:2015 is a vital standard for the food technology sector, particularly for those involved in the production of infant formula and adult nutritional products. By implementing this standard, organisations can ensure compliance, enhance product quality, and ultimately contribute to better health outcomes for consumers.