The analysis can also be used for iron in products such as cocoa powder and flour.
Rigaku EDXRF application note #1491 describes the performance of its NEX QC+ analyzer to measure iron in powdered milk.
Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) is an analytical technique for the qualitative and quantitative determination of major and minor atomic elements in a variety of sample types and provide non-destructive, multi-element analyses.
Milk is dried by evaporation to form powdered milk as way to preserve it, giving a much longer shelf life without refrigeration. Nutrients, including iron, may be controlled or added at specific levels.
In production of powdered milk, the iron content is of particular significance and is monitored throughout the process to ensure proper content in the final product, said Rigaku.
Monitoring iron levels is useful in detecting contamination from the milling process, it added.
To demonstrate the method, measurements were performed using the NEX QC+ EDXRF analyzer, to monitor iron composition.
Rigaku said results indicate given good sample preparation and proper reference standards for calibration, the NEX QC+ spectrometer can measure iron in powdered milk and similar products.
The report has to be requested and includes details regarding sample preparation, calibration and repeatability.