Overview
EN ISO 12872:2022 (ISO 12872:2022) specifies a laboratory method for determining the content, expressed as a percentage mass fraction, of 2‑glyceryl monopalmitate (2‑GMP) in olive oils and olive‑pomace oils that are liquid at ambient temperature (20 °C). The method is based on enzymatic partial hydrolysis with pancreatic lipase, followed by silylation and analysis by capillary gas chromatography (GC). This European adoption supersedes the 2014 edition and aligns with IOC procedures (COI/T.20/Doc. No 23/Rev.1:2017).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope & expression of results: Reports the 2‑GMP content as a percentage of the monoacylglycerol fraction.
- Principle: Specific hydrolysis of triacylglycerols at positions 1 and 3 by pancreatic lipase yields 2‑monoacylglycerols; 2‑GMP is quantified after derivatization and GC separation.
- Sample handling: Sampling and preparation refer to ISO 661 (Preparation of test sample).
- Separation & cleanup:
- Column chromatography on silica gel (prepared with ~5% water after drying at 160 °C) or ready‑to‑use silica SPE cartridges.
- Solvent options include n‑hexane or iso‑octane (2,2,4‑trimethylpentane) as alternatives (iso‑octane added in the 2022 revision).
- Enzymatic hydrolysis: Uses pancreatic lipase (activity 2–10 units/mg; preparation and activity details provided in annexes).
- Derivatization & GC: Monoacylglycerols are silylated then separated and quantified by capillary GC; identification and quantitative procedures, operating conditions and chromatograms are included.
- Quality & precision: Method precision (repeatability and reproducibility) and interlaboratory results are reported in annexes; safety and reagent purity requirements are specified.
Applications and practical value
- Routine quality control and authenticity testing of virgin, refined and pomace olive oils.
- Regulatory and trade compliance testing where 2‑GMP content helps distinguish oil categories (e.g., lampante virgin vs. crude pomace oils).
- Use in laboratories performing compositional analysis, research institutions studying oil processing effects, and producers implementing product specifications.
- Applicable when accurate monoacylglycerol profiling is required for labeling, standards compliance or fraud detection.
Who should use this standard
- Food and oil analysis laboratories
- Olive oil producers and refiners
- Regulatory bodies and conformity assessment labs
- Research and academic institutions focused on lipid analysis
Related standards
- ISO 661 - Preparation of test sample (referenced normative document)
- ISO/CEN methods for fats and oils analysis and relevant IOC documents (COI/T.20/...).
Keywords: EN ISO 12872:2022, ISO 12872:2022, 2‑glyceryl monopalmitate, olive oil analysis, olive‑pomace oils, pancreatic lipase, capillary gas chromatography, silica SPE, iso‑octane.
