Overview
EN ISO 15151:2020 (ISO 15151:2018) specifies an analytical method for the quantitative determination of selected minerals and trace elements in milk, milk products, infant formula and adult nutritionals using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‑AES). The method covers sample preparation (including wet digestion), ICP‑AES measurement, calculation and reporting for Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, P, K, Na and Zn, and applies to liquid and dried dairy matrices (milk, milk powder, butter, cheese, whey, whey powder, infant formula and adult nutritionals) within the concentration ranges given in the standard.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Analytes covered: Calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc.
- Principle: Decomposition of organic matrix followed by ICP‑AES determination of elemental emission lines.
- Sample types: Fresh milk, dried milk, whey, whey powder, butter, cheese, infant formula and adult nutritional products.
- Sample prep: Test portion definitions, wet digestion (acid decomposition) procedures and blank tests to control contamination.
- Instrumentation: ICP‑AES setup and measurement parameters, choice of emission lines and calibration practice (details contained in the standard).
- Quality and data treatment: Calculation, expression of results, precision statements (repeatability and reproducibility) and required reporting elements.
- Supportive information: Annexes include precision data and notes on detection technique, spectral interferences and quantification issues.
Practical applications and users
This standard is intended for laboratories and organisations that need robust, traceable elemental analysis of dairy products:
- Food testing laboratories performing regulatory compliance and market surveillance.
- Dairy and infant formula manufacturers for quality control, ingredient verification and product development.
- Regulatory agencies and public health laboratories monitoring mineral content and safety.
- Research institutions studying nutrient composition or process effects on mineral levels.
Use cases include nutrition labelling verification, specification testing, raw material control, and investigations of contamination or fortification.
Related standards
- The method is published jointly by ISO and IDF and is equivalent to AOAC Official Method 2011.14 (Minerals and Trace Elements in Infant Formula).
- EN ISO 15151:2020 was adopted by CEN (European Standard) and should be used alongside relevant sampling and general analytical method standards referenced in the normative section of the document.
Keywords: EN ISO 15151:2020, ISO 15151:2018, ICP‑AES method, milk analysis, minerals and trace elements, infant formula testing, dairy product testing, calcium, iron, zinc, analytical standard.