Abstract

This work aimed to develop a method for sodium determination in Brazilian light and nonlight powdered instant soups by flame photometry using the dry decomposition sample preparation. The analytical curve presented linear correlation coefficient (r) higher than 0.99. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.16 and 0.49 mg L^-1 Na, respectively. The instrumental precision (n=10) was 3.0%. Recoveries of 97% were obtained in the addition and recovery tests, with relative standard deviations (RSD %) lower than 16%. The Na concentrations determined in the samples by the proposed method did not show significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) when compared with the results obtained by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The simplicity, low cost, accuracy and precision suggest that the proposed method is an alternative for sodium determination in powdered instant soups. The results of this study also indicate that excess consumption of instant soup should be avoided, especially by individuals with hypertension because it can be a significant source of Na in the diet.

Keywords: FAES, food safety, sodium, soups.