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 nutrients in food matrices to assist the food industry in complying with nutrition labeling laws; the food industry and other government agencies have collaborated with NIST in this endeavor. Two food-matrix SRMs were issued in 1996: SRM 1544, Fatty Acids and Cholesterol in Frozen Food Composite; and SRM 1846, Infant Formula. Concentration values in SRM 1544 are provided for six fatty acids, cholesterol, and proximates (fat, protein, carbohydrate, etc.). Values are assigned for proximate and caloric content as well as the concentrations of sixteen vitamins and nine minerals and trace elements in SRM 1846. In 1997, NIST expects to issue two additional food-matrix SRMs: SRM 1548a, Typical Diet, and SRM 2383, Baby Food Composite. SRM 1548a will replace SRM 1548, Total Diet, and will have values assigned for proximates, major and minor inorganic nutrients, and toxic trace elements. SRM 2383 will have values assigned for proximates, vitamins, carotenoids, and inorganic nutrients.