/ RAW MATERIALS / Adjuncts

R-100.04.042 [2016-03] Protein Content of Adjuncts – DUMAS Combustion Method

The use of adjuncts is allowed for the production of beer which is not brewed according to the beer purity law – as long as they comply with national guidelines for beer production [1].

The analysis methods listed below are suitable for all types of starch products added during the mashing process (rice, corn grits, etc., in various processed forms such as flakes or grits), as well as for sugar and syrup samples which are added during wort boiling.

Those using corn or corn products as adjuncts in the brewing process should be aware of the possibility that they could receive genetically modified material in their adjuncts due to lack of monitoring or testing or through accidental or unplanned mixture. In Europe, professional brewing organizations in each member state have developed procedures to help prevent contamination with these materials, designed to ensure that only non-GMO products enter grain mills or breweries. For related quality control testing and fulfillment of defined quality standards, qualitative and quantitative PCR analysis methods are performed in special, accredited laboratories at the individual production stages between agricultural producers and breweries.

References

MEBAK Band Mikrobrauereien, Selbstverlag der MEBAK, S. 101–124, Freising 2015, ISBN: 978-3-9815960-5-2

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Application/Purpose

This method describes how the protein content in adjuncts is determined.

Scope of Application

Unmalted grains, such as rice, corn (maize), sorghum, barley or starch products, subjected to various degrees of processing (e.g., grits, flakes), which are to be added at certain points in the processes of beer or other beverage production

Principle

from R-110.41.042 Nitrogen Content in Barley – DUMAS Combustion Method

The sample is combusted in a pure oxygen atmosphere at approx. 1000 °C. The resulting mix of gases comes into contact with a CuO/Pt catalyst and is thereby completely oxidized and subsequently freed of all by-products which could potentially interfere with analysis.

After the nitrogen oxides formed in the combustion process are reduced upon contact with tungsten, all nitrogen compounds in the sample are reduced to elemental nitrogen (N₂). The elemental nitrogen is then detected by means of a thermal conductivity detector (TCD), the signal of which is quantitatively evaluated by a dedicated integrator.