Evaluation of some methods of determination of starch for legislative purposes in the European Community.

A newly developed enzymic method for starch purity determination has been designed in response to the search by the European ty (EC) for reliable and accurate official method for direct total high purity starches. This new method, the Birmingham method, utilizes a multi-enzyme regime, consisting of an alpha-amylase (E.C. 3.2.1.1), a glucoamylase (E.C. 3.2.1.2) and a pullulanase (E.C. 3.2.1.41), for the complete and specific hydrolysis of starch to glucose. Greater than 99.5% conversion of most starches to glucose is achieved which is higher than that afforded by other enzymic methods being considered for adoption. In this communication the reliability and accuracy of this method are assessed and demonstrated. Also, some results during its development are presented. Advantages and drawbacks of the other methods for starch purity measurement being investigated/assessed for permanent adoption as an official method of the EC are also discussed.