75 Years of "Standardized Methods"

75 Years of DGF Standardized Methods – Invitation to the workshop of the German Society for Fat Science (DGF) and the Joint Committee for Fats (GA Fett) on March 23 and 24, 2026 in Fulda

For 75 years, the German Society for Fat Science (DGF) has been the authoritative body for standardizing and validating analytical methods in the field of oils and fats in Germany. In 1950, the work of the "Scientific Center for Oil and Fat Research" (WIZOEFF) on standardizing fat and oil specifications, which had been interrupted by the war, was resumed. The goal at that time was to examine various investigation methods in this field and establish binding standard methods. This would help unify the numerous and diverse methods for addressing a single issue and provide the growing fat and oil market with standardized methods to improve product quality. This work resulted in the "German Standard Methods for the Examination of Fats, Fat Products, and Related Materials," which still form the basis of quality assurance in this field today. This workshop is an opportunity to review what has been achieved, but more importantly, to demonstrate the significance of standardized (one-size-fits-all) methods for various fields.

In 1982, a significant milestone was achieved in the continuous development of standard methods: the DGF's "Department of Analysis and Standardized Methods" merged with the "Fats Working Committee" of the DIN Standards Committee to form the joint DIN/DGF Committee, known as GA Fett. This led to the creation of a group of internationally recognized experts, who are sustainably involved in European and global standardization work. Today, GA Fett is a driving force in the development and harmonization of analytical methods – from national to European and ISO standards.

The standard methods are currently divided into seven sections and cover a wide range, extending from raw materials, oils, and fats to by-products. These methods include tests for major and minor components, physical properties, and key figures. In the face of new challenges – from methodological issues to environmental and health aspects – their continuous development is now more important than ever.

The workshop in March 2026 aims to highlight the current importance of DGF standard methods in quality assurance and the examination of edible fats and oils, and to demonstrate their role in national and international standardization. The following topics will be addressed, among others:

• DGF's Interlaboratory studies.
• Requirements for accredited testing laboratories.
• The role of proficiency tests in practice.
• Current and future challenges in fat and oil analysis.
• Evaluation of analysis results.

The workshop acknowledges GA Fett's successful work in developing standard methods and also provides an excellent overview of the application of these methods. The workshop targets all those who deal with standard methods or international standards in their daily work, especially users, testing laboratories, and industry representatives. The workshop also provides an excellent platform for discussion, exchange of experiences, and collaborative learning.

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