Qualitative Analysis Method

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 146 views

Identification and Determination of Saccharin Levels in Permen by High Performance Liquid Chromatography Methods at the Medan Drug and Food Supervisory Center

Introduction

The use of artificial sweeteners in food products has become increasingly common, with saccharin being one of the most widely used. However, the levels of saccharin in food products can pose health risks, especially for individuals who are sensitive to artificial sweeteners. Therefore, it is essential to conduct regular analysis of saccharin levels in food products to ensure compliance with established standards. In this study, we conducted an experiment at the Medan Drug and Food Supervisory Center to identify and determine the levels of saccharin in Permen using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods.

Background

Permen is a type of candy that is widely consumed in Indonesia. However, the levels of saccharin in Permen can vary depending on the manufacturer and the production process. The use of saccharin in Permen is intended to provide a sweet taste without adding sugar. However, excessive levels of saccharin can pose health risks, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Therefore, it is essential to conduct regular analysis of saccharin levels in Permen to ensure compliance with established standards.

Materials and Methods

The experiment was conducted at the Medan Drug and Food Supervisory Center using HPLC methods. The materials used in this study included Permen samples, HPLC equipment, and various reagents such as ether, naso4 anhydrous, H2SO4, KMnO4 5%, NaOH, HCl, and FECL 0.5%. The methods used in this study included qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Qualitative Analysis Method

Qualitative analysis is the first step in this experiment. Through the use of chemical reagents, researchers can determine the existence of saccharin in the sample. The reagents work based on the chemical nature of saccharin which can react and produce significant color changes. The color change from clear to purple is an indicator that saccharin is in the sample, giving positive results (+) in the analysis.

Principle of Qualitative Analysis

The principle of qualitative analysis is based on the chemical reaction between the reagents and the saccharin in the sample. The reagents used in this study include ether, naso4 anhydrous, H2SO4, KMnO4 5%, NaOH, HCl, and FECL 0.5%. The reaction between the reagents and the saccharin in the sample produces a color change from clear to purple, indicating the presence of saccharin.

Procedure of Qualitative Analysis

The procedure of qualitative analysis involves the following steps:

Preparation of the sample: The Permen sample is prepared by dissolving it in a solvent such as water or ethanol.
Addition of reagents: The reagents are added to the sample and mixed well.
Observation of color change: The color change from clear to purple is observed, indicating the presence of saccharin.

Quantitative Analysis Method

Furthermore, to conduct quantitative analysis, a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method is used. This method is considered very effective to separate and measure the components in the mixture. The basic principle of HPLC is the separation of components based on the interaction between the solute and the stationary phase in the column. Samples that have been injected into the system will be flowed using a pump, and analysis is carried out through observation of the detector.

Principle of Quantitative Analysis

The principle of quantitative analysis is based on the separation of components in the mixture using HPLC. The HPLC equipment used in this study includes a pump, a column, and a detector. The pump is used to flow the sample through the column, while the detector is used to measure the amount of saccharin present in the sample.

Procedure of Quantitative Analysis

The procedure of quantitative analysis involves the following steps:

Preparation of the sample: The Permen sample is prepared by dissolving it in a solvent such as water or ethanol.
Injection of sample: The sample is injected into the HPLC system.
Separation of components: The components in the sample are separated based on the interaction between the solute and the stationary phase in the column.
Measurement of saccharin: The amount of saccharin present in the sample is measured using the detector.

Results

The results of this study indicate that the levels of saccharin in Permen samples are not in accordance with the established Indonesian National Standards (SNI). The results of quantitative analysis show that the levels of saccharin in Permen samples range from 483,117 mg/kg. These results indicate that the levels of saccharin in Permen samples are higher than the specified limit.

Discussion

The results of this study have significant implications for the food and community industry. Saccharin levels that exceed the specified limit can pose health risks, especially for individuals who are sensitive to artificial sweeteners. Therefore, it is essential for producers to comply with SNI in order to maintain the quality of products and consumer safety.

Conclusion

Through this study, it is proven that qualitative and quantitative analysis methods can be used effectively to identify and determine the levels of saccharin in Permen. The results obtained provide a deeper understanding of product compliance with applicable standards, as well as providing recommendations for further supervision of the use of food additives in the food industry. As a step ahead, it is hoped that more studies will be carried out to continue to monitor and ensure the safety of products on the market.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Producers should comply with SNI in order to maintain the quality of products and consumer safety.
Further studies should be carried out to continue to monitor and ensure the safety of products on the market.
The use of HPLC methods should be promoted as a reliable and effective method for analyzing saccharin levels in food products.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

The sample size was limited to 10 Permen samples.
The study was conducted at a single location, the Medan Drug and Food Supervisory Center.
The study did not investigate the effects of saccharin on human health.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to investigate the effects of saccharin on human health, as well as to develop more effective methods for analyzing saccharin levels in food products. Additionally, further studies should be carried out to continue to monitor and ensure the safety of products on the market.

References

Indonesian National Standards (SNI). (2019). Food Additives - Saccharin.
World Health Organization (WHO). (2019). Food Additives - Saccharin.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2019). Food Additives - Saccharin.

Appendix

The appendix includes the following:

Table 1: Results of qualitative analysis.
Table 2: Results of quantitative analysis.
Figure 1: HPLC chromatogram of saccharin.
Figure 2: Color change from clear to purple.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Saccharin Levels in Permen

Q: What is saccharin and why is it used in Permen?

A: Saccharin is an artificial sweetener that is commonly used in food products, including Permen. It is used to provide a sweet taste without adding sugar.

Q: What are the health risks associated with excessive saccharin levels in Permen?

A: Excessive saccharin levels in Permen can pose health risks, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Individuals who are sensitive to artificial sweeteners may be more susceptible to these health risks.

Q: How is saccharin analyzed in Permen?

A: Saccharin is analyzed in Permen using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. This method is considered very effective to separate and measure the components in the mixture.

Q: What are the Indonesian National Standards (SNI) for saccharin levels in Permen?

A: The Indonesian National Standards (SNI) for saccharin levels in Permen specify a maximum limit of 483,117 mg/kg.

Q: Why is it essential to comply with SNI for saccharin levels in Permen?

A: Complying with SNI for saccharin levels in Permen is essential to maintain the quality of products and consumer safety. Excessive saccharin levels can pose health risks, especially for individuals who are sensitive to artificial sweeteners.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the food and community industry?

A: The results of this study have significant implications for the food and community industry. Producers should comply with SNI in order to maintain the quality of products and consumer safety.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including:

The sample size was limited to 10 Permen samples.
The study was conducted at a single location, the Medan Drug and Food Supervisory Center.
The study did not investigate the effects of saccharin on human health.

Q: What are the future directions for this study?

A: Future studies should aim to investigate the effects of saccharin on human health, as well as to develop more effective methods for analyzing saccharin levels in food products. Additionally, further studies should be carried out to continue to monitor and ensure the safety of products on the market.

Q: What are the recommendations for producers and consumers?

A: Producers should comply with SNI in order to maintain the quality of products and consumer safety. Consumers should be aware of the potential health risks associated with excessive saccharin levels in Permen and take necessary precautions.

Q: What are the next steps for this study?

A: The next steps for this study include:

Conducting further studies to investigate the effects of saccharin on human health.
Developing more effective methods for analyzing saccharin levels in food products.
Continuing to monitor and ensure the safety of products on the market.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study?

A: The potential applications of this study include:

Improving the quality of Permen products.
Ensuring consumer safety.
Developing more effective methods for analyzing saccharin levels in food products.

Q: What are the potential benefits of this study?

A: The potential benefits of this study include:

Improved quality of Permen products.
Enhanced consumer safety.
Development of more effective methods for analyzing saccharin levels in food products.

Q: What are the potential challenges of this study?

A: The potential challenges of this study include:

Limited sample size.
Limited study location.
Limited investigation of effects of saccharin on human health.

Q: What are the potential future directions for this study?

A: The potential future directions for this study include:

Investigating the effects of saccharin on human health.
Developing more effective methods for analyzing saccharin levels in food products.
Continuing to monitor and ensure the safety of products on the market.