Development of Reference Material for White Granulated Sugar

Abstract Background White granulated sugar, a significant commodity in bulk trade and a widely used raw material, plays a crucial role in the food, energy, and medicine industries. A certified reference material (CRM) for white granulated sugar provides a valuable tool for monitoring and maintaining the safety and quality of white granulated sugar and other related products. The colorimetric value, conductivity ash, sucrose content, and reducing sugar content serve as essential factors that determine the quality of white granulated sugar. Objective A CRM for grade one white granulated sugar was developed. A comprehensive study was carried out to assess its homogeneity and stability, and then the designated property values were determined. Methods Collaborative certification across 11 laboratories was applied to validate its property values and evaluate corresponding uncertainties. Results The designated property values and expanded uncertainties (k = 2) were determined to be 75.6 ± 2.8 IU, 0.0100 ± 0.0004 g/100g, 99.71 ± 0.08 g/100g, and 0.0226 ± 0.0024 g/100g for colorimetric value, conductivity ash, sucrose content, and reducing sugar content, respectively. Conclusion The reference material (RM) was sufficiently homogeneous between and within bottles and remained stable for up to 20 months. Highlights The developed CRM of sugar could be an effective support for method validation, capability validation, QC, and metrological traceability in the sugar and food industries.