,Chinese authorities have released a draft revision of the National Food Safety Standard for the food nutritional fortifier inositol (cyclohexanehexol) for public consultation. The document will replace the existing GB 1903.42?2020 standard once finalized and reflects Chinas continued efforts to refine technical requirements for food nutrition fortifiers.
The draft standard has been issued under the food safety national standards framework and aims to update the scope, analytical methods, and quality control provisions for inositol used in food applications.
Expanded Scope and Background
According to the preface, the revised draft replaces GB 1903.42?2020 and introduces several notable changes compared with the current standard. These include:
1.Removal of certain identification tests
2.Elimination of the gravimetric method for content determination
3.Revisions to descriptions used in the HPLC content determination method
4.Modifications to testing methods for chloride, sulfate, and loss on drying
These updates are intended to improve clarity, precision, and practical applicability for both manufacturers and testing laboratories.
Scope of Application-The draft standard applies to food nutritional fortifier inositol (cyclohexanehexol) produced through the hydrolysis of calcium?magnesium phytate (phytin) or potassium phytate. The standard defines the requirements for inositol intended for use in food fortification.
Chemical Identity and Basic Characteristics
The standard clearly defines the substance as:
1.Chemical name: Cyclohexanehexol (Inositol)
2.Molecular formula: C?H??O?
3.Relative molecular mass: 180.16 (based on 2022 international atomic weights)
The draft standard sets out detailed physicochemical indicators to ensure product quality and safety:
Inositol content (dry basis): 97.0%101.0%
Calcium (Ca): Must pass the prescribed test (applicable to products derived from calcium?magnesium phytate)
Chloride (as Cl): ? 0.005%
Sulfate (as SO?): ? 0.006%
Loss on drying: ? 0.5% (105C 2C, 4 hours)
Melting point: 224C227C
Residue on ignition: ? 0.1%
These parameters are designed to ensure both chemical purity and physical stability.
Heavy Metal Safety Limits
To safeguard consumer health, the draft establishes limits for toxic elements:
Lead (Pb): ? 1.0 mg/kg
Total arsenic (as As): ? 1.0 mg/kg
Once finalized, the revised standard will require manufacturers of food?grade inositol to review raw materials, production processes, quality control systems, and analytical validation to ensure compliance with the updated requirements. Testing laboratories may also need to adjust internal methodologies to align with the revised analytical descriptions.
Authorities have invited public and industry feedback during the consultation period. Comments from stakeholders such as manufacturers, laboratories, industry associations, and scientific institutions will help shape the final version of the standard.
The release of this draft revision highlights Chinas ongoing emphasis on improving the technical robustness and regulatory consistency of food nutrition and fortification standards, supporting safer and higher?quality fortified food products.
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