Skimmed milk, whey and buttermilk; Determination of fat content; Gravimetric method (Reference method)

This document establishes a globally recognized reference method for determining fat content within defatted milk, whey, and cheese products. It outlines the gravimetric analysis procedure, which serves as the primary standard against which other measurement techniques are validated and calibrated. The methodology provides detailed instructions for sample preparation, extraction, and weighing to ensure high precision and reproducibility across different laboratories and geographic regions. By specifying the necessary equipment, reagents, and step-by-step operational protocols, the standard facilitates consistent quality control in the dairy industry. It addresses the critical need for accurate fat quantification, which is essential for product labeling, nutritional assessment, and process optimization. The approach defined herein is designed to minimize variability and errors inherent in alternative methods, thereby ensuring that results obtained from this procedure can be reliably compared internationally. This technical specification plays a fundamental role in maintaining the integrity of dairy product specifications and supporting fair trade practices globally.