Salt dosage (chlorides)

Salt determination, mainly in the form of sodium chloride (NaCl) , is an essential analysis in many industrial sectors. Performed by ion exchange chromatography or argentometric titration (Mohr method) , this measurement makes it possible to determine the total chloride content in food products, plant extracts, nutraceutical formulations or environmental matrices.

This analysis is essential for quality control , regulatory compliance and nutritional labeling , particularly for products intended for human or animal consumption.

The role of salt and chlorides in formulations

Sodium chloride plays several roles depending on the type of product:

• Preservative : Limits microbial growth in foodstuffs.
• Nutritional element : Regulates osmotic pressure and water balance in humans and animals.
• Taste corrector : improves the organoleptic profile of food or nutraceutical formulations.
• Technological parameter : influences the texture, fermentation or stability of certain products (cold meats, cheeses, fermented products, etc.).

In the food industry , salt measurement helps ensure compliance with nutritional labeling regulations. In the nutraceutical and animal nutrition , it helps balance mineral intake and control enriched or low-sodium formulations.

Objectives and interest of chloride dosage

Salt (chloride) dosage meets several analytical needs:

• Quality control and formulation : verification of NaCl content in foods, powders, drinks, extracts or supplements.
• Regulatory compliance : compliance with limits set for “reduced salt” or “no added salt” products.
• Monitoring of industrial processes : control of chloride concentrations in process water, brines or technical solutions.
• Conservation assessment : correlation between salt content and microbiological stability of foodstuffs.

Commonly analyzed matrices include:

• Processed food products (cold meats, cheeses, sauces, preserves)
• Plant products or dry extracts
• Food supplements in powder or tablet form
• Animal feed
• Process water or technical saline solutions

Analytical methods used

Two main approaches are used depending on the precision and nature of the matrix:

• Argentometric titration (Mohr method) : based on the precipitation of chloride ions by silver (AgNO₃), this method is simple and reliable for products with moderate salt content.
• Ion chromatography (IC) : a more advanced method for separating and quantifying chloride, sulfate, and nitrate ions. It is particularly suitable for complex matrices (water, plant extracts, enriched products).

These techniques can be combined with complementary analyses such as sodium dosage for a complete assessment of the mineral profile, or potassium dosage for low sodium products.

Industrial applications

The dosage of salt and chlorides finds applications in:

• Food industry : nutritional labeling, formulation of low-salt products, control of brines and preserves.
• Nutraceuticals : mineral balancing of supplements or isotonic formulations.
• Animal nutrition : control of salinity in feed and additives for livestock.
• The environment : monitoring of effluents, discharge water and industrial brines.
• Plant products : measurement of residual salt in concentrated extracts or natural formulations.

Carrying out analyses at YesWeLab

YesWeLab works with a network of partner laboratories specialized in physicochemical analyses, accredited according to the ISO 17025 standard. The methods applied (ion chromatography, argentometric titration) are chosen according to the type of sample and the client's requirements.

Each analysis report includes the measured concentration of NaCl or chloride ions, the method used and an interpretation in relation to regulatory thresholds or technical specifications.

Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting manufacturers in the food, plant and nutraceutical sectors with their analytical needs, by centralizing requests via its digital platform for simple, rapid monitoring that complies with quality requirements.