Determination of nitrogen contents in food additives by combustion method

Abstract

In this study, we examined whether the combustion method, which is simple and rapid, can be used as an alternative to the conventional Kjeldahl method for nitrogen determination of food additives in Japan’s Specifications and Standards for Food Additives. We compared the nitrogen contents from the combustion method and Kjeldahl method using six food additives: Casein, Sodium Casein, Caramel III, Carob Bean Gum, Thaumatin, and Macrophomopsis Gum. As a result, the combustion method was validated as an alternative method to the Kjeldahl method without changing the current specifications.