RECENT SRMS FOR ORGANIC AND INORGANIC NUTRIENTS IN FOOD MATRICES

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has recently introduced several reference materials for organic and inorganic nutr ients in food matrices to assist the food industry in complying with n utrition labeling laws; the food industry and other government agencie s have collaborated with NIST in this endeavor. Two food-matrix SRMs w ere issued in 1996: SRM 1544, Fatty Acids and Cholesterol in Frozen Fo od Composite; and SRM 1846, Infant Formula. Concentration values in SR M 1544 are provided for six fatty acids, cholesterol, and proximates ( fat, protein, carbohydrate, etc.). Values are assigned for proximate a nd caloric content as well as the concentrations of sixteen vitamins a nd nine minerals and trace elements in SRM 1846. In 1997, NIST expects to issue two additional food-matrix SRMs: SRM 1548a, Typical Diet, an d SRM 2383, Baby Food Composite. SRM 1548a will replace SRM 1548, Tota l Diet, and will have values assigned for proximates, major and minor inorganic nutrients, and toxic trace elements. SRM 2383 will have valu es assigned for proximates, vitamins, carotenoids, and inorganic nutri ents.