ISO 10520-1997 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 10520:1997 — Native starch — Determination of starch content — Ewers polarimetric method. This International Standard specifies the Ewers polarimetric procedure for determining the starch content of native (unmodified) starches, excluding starches with high amylose content and modified or pregelatinized (water‑soluble) starches.

Abstract

ISO 10520:1997 prescribes a polarimetric analytical method (the Ewers method) for measurement of starch content in native starch and starch‑containing products. The document defines scope, normative references, apparatus and reagents, sample preparation, measurement procedure, calculation of results and reporting requirements. The published standard is concise (8 pages) and is managed by ISO/TC 93 (starch and related products).

General information

• Status: Published — International Standard (confirmed).
• Publication date: 28 August 1997 (commonly listed as 1997‑09 in ISO records).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 67.180.20 (Starch and derived products).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 — 1997.
• Number of pages: 8.

Scope

The standard specifies a polarimetric method for determination of starch content in native starches, excluding starches with a high amylose content. It is not applicable to modified or pregelatinized (water‑soluble) starch. The procedure covers required apparatus, reagents and reference materials, sample preparation, polarimetric measurement (Ewers method), calculation of starch content and result reporting.

Key topics and requirements

• Principle: measurement of optical rotation of a prepared starch solution using the Ewers polarimetric technique.
• Scope and exclusions: native starches only; not for high‑amylose, modified or pregelatinized starches.
• Apparatus and reagents: polarimeter and accessories, thermostating where required, specified reagents and calibration substances.
• Sample preparation: weighing, dispersion/dissolution procedures, clarification/filtration as required by the method.
• Procedure and calculations: step‑by‑step measurement instructions and formulae to convert polarimetric readings into starch content (expressed as percentage or mass fraction).
• Reporting: required information about sample, method deviations, results and units.

Typical use and users

ISO 10520:1997 is used by industrial quality control laboratories in the starch and food ingredients sector, manufacturers of native starches, analytical testing laboratories, research institutions studying starch composition, and regulatory or standards bodies that require a standardized polarimetric assay for starch content.

Related standards

Standards commonly referenced together with ISO 10520 include other ISO methods for starch and derived products, for example ISO 1666 (moisture content, oven‑drying method), ISO 3593 (ash in starch), the ISO 11212 series (heavy metals in starch), and standards on laboratory water quality such as ISO 3696 which is often cited in analytical procedures. National or regional adoptions (EN/DIN versions) of ISO 10520 also exist.

Keywords

ISO 10520, native starch, Ewers method, polarimetry, starch content determination, starch analysis, ISO/TC 93, 67.180.20.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 10520:1997 is an International Standard that defines the Ewers polarimetric method for determining starch content in native starches.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the principle, apparatus, reagents, sample preparation, measurement procedure, calculations and reporting for a polarimetric assay of starch content. It explicitly excludes high‑amylose starches and modified or pregelatinized (water‑soluble) starches.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers of native starch, QC and analytical laboratories in the food and ingredient industry, research institutions, and standards/regulatory organizations involved with starch testing.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 1997 edition is published and—according to ISO records—was last reviewed and confirmed in 2024, so the 1997 edition remains the current, confirmed version. Users should consult ISO or their national standards body for any future revisions or national adoptions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: ISO 10520 is part of the body of ISO standards for starch and derived products overseen by ISO/TC 93 (ICS 67.180.20). It is commonly used alongside other ISO methods that address moisture, ash, heavy metals and related test methods for starch.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Ewers polarimetric method; native starch; starch content; polarimetry; ISO 10520; starch analysis; analytical method.