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Falling Number Test

  • 80 per analysis
    • |
  • 7-9 Business Days
    • |
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Falling Number Test
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Technical data sheet

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Method description

Sprouting of the grain seed causes the release of a number of enzymes, including alpha-Amylase. A slurry is made with the ground grain and water and heated in a tube to gelatinize the starch. The time required for a weight to drop through the slurry is then measured. If alpha-Amylase is present, some of the starch will be broken down and the viscosity of the slurry will drop. This causes the weight to fall through the slurry faster, resulting in a lower Falling Number.

Acceptable matrices

Designed specifically for wheat and wheat flours. Other starchy flours can also be tested.

Unacceptable matrices

Soy flour, flax seed

Method reference

AACC 56-81B

Reportable unit

Falling number

Sample size requirements

25 grams

Information required by submitter

The Falling Numbers instrument is used to measure the relative amount of sprout damage in wheat and other cereal grains, or flours made from those grains. Samples with Falling Numbers >400 are considered to have an insignificant amount of sprout damage.

*Prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.

Common Falling Number Test Testing Questions

While our sales and customer service team are happy to answer general testing questions, consultations typically start at a rate of $250 per 30 minutes regarding the interpretation of reported test results or questions about our test methods. We cannot consult on regulations, tolerance limits, or claims.

We make every effort to keep our methods and detection limits up to date according to the latest standards and qualifications. If you have any questions regarding the limit of detection/quantification or method references, please contact our Customer Service team at 1-800-245-5615.

Our standard turnaround time is 10 business days for most assays. There are some assays that require a longer turnaround time. We also offer a RUSH service that is half the time of the standard turnaround time of the assay at double the cost of the assay. A few assays that we provide cannot be rushed due to the nature of the test. Please check the specific assay you are interested in regarding the ability to RUSH the turnaround time.

Medallion Labs, a division of General Mills, offers multiple areas of expertise for analytical testing and product evaluation for the food and ingredient industry. Our areas of expertise include Chemical Analysis, Nutritional Analysis, Food Safety, Shelf Life Studies, Microbiology, Specialty Fibers, Physical Testing, Allergen Testing, as well as Product Evaluation (which includes Product Performance and Sensory Evaluation) and Technical Consulting/Method Development. Our methods are developed for the testing of food products and ingredients.

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