Dextran content in sugar is a major concern for end users such as candy manufacturers. Contamination of the sugar with dextran, above a certain ppm level, will affect hard candy processing. The impact is measured in changes in candy thickness/weight and is related to dextran content in sugar. We report on the monitoring of dextran in refined sugar, over the course of several months, using the Midland Sucrotest monoclonal antibody method. We correlate dextran content in refined sugar with changes in hard candy weight and geometry. Data suggest that dextran content in refined sugar is related to the amount in raw sugar used in refining. Estimates of dextran removal during the refining process are given.
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