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Extraction of light filth from spirulina powders and tablets: collaborative study
M J Nakashima1, S Angold, B B Beavin
1Food and Drug Administration, Division of Microbiology, Washington, DC 20204.
Journal - Association of Official Analytical Chemists
|May 1, 1989
Summary
This study validated a new method for detecting light filth in spirulina powder and tablets. The approved technique ensures accurate identification of contaminants like insect fragments and rat hairs in food products.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Microbiology
Background:
- Spirulina is a nutrient-dense blue-green alga increasingly used in food products.
- Accurate detection of light filth is crucial for ensuring food safety and quality.
- Existing methods may not be optimized for spirulina matrices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To collaboratively study and validate a new method for extracting light filth from spirulina powder and tablets.
- To assess the efficiency and reliability of the proposed extraction technique.
Main Methods:
- A 50g sample of spirulina powder or tablets was dispersed in water and boiled with dilute hydrochloric acid.
- Light filth, including hairs and insect fragments, was isolated using wet sieving (No. 230 sieve), mineral oil flotation, and percolator washings.
- The method was tested by 12 collaborators using spiked samples.
Main Results:
- Average recoveries for rat hair spikes were 70.6% for tablets and 70.2% for powders.
- Average recoveries for insect fragment spikes were 68.3% for tablets and 84.4% for powders.
- The method demonstrated consistent and reliable performance across collaborators.
Conclusions:
- The developed method is effective for the extraction of light filth from spirulina products.
- The method has been approved as an interim official first action method.
- This validated method contributes to improved food safety testing protocols for spirulina.