Preparation of Cigarettes, Cigarette Tobacco, Cigars, Kreteks, Bidis, Packaged Leaf Tobacco, Pipe Tobacco, and Smokeless Tobacco for Testing

Health Canada
T-402 December 31, 1999

Table of Contents

1. Scope Of Applications
2. Normative references
3. Definitions
4. Method Summary
5. Apparatus and Equipment
6. Sampling
7. Sample Processing
8. References

1 Scope Of Applications

1. This method is applicable to the preparation of a homogeneous sample of tobacco product for the purpose of analytical testing from the following:
   1. Cigarettes, cigarette tobacco, cigars, kreteks, bidis, packaged leaf tobacco, pipe tobacco, and smokeless tobacco products.

2 Normative References

1. Health Canada Test Method T-115 – Determination of Tar, Water, Nicotine and Carbon Monoxide in Mainstream Tobacco Smoke, 1999-12-31.

3 Definitions

1. Refer to T-115 for definitions of terms used in this document.

4 Method Summary

1. Tobacco from cigarettes, cigars, kreteks, and bidis, is first removed from the product as sold. The tobacco portion is then ground in a batch processor to obtain a homogeneous sample. To ensure a proper particle size ( < 4 mm), the ground sample is passed through a 4 mm sieve prior to testing.
2. A minimum sample size of 100 g of packaged leaf, loose leaf, pipe, twist and/or plug tobacco, is subject to grinding in a batch processor to obtain a homogeneous sample. To ensure a proper particle size ( < 4 mm), the ground sample is passed through a 4 mm sieve prior to testing.
3. Tobacco products that are of a fine particle size (e.g. < 4 mm) and appear to be homogeneous (dry snuff and moist snuff) are mixed thoroughly prior to analytical testing.
4. Smokeless tobacco that is contained in packaging (i.e. wet snuff portion packs) is separated from the packaging material. The packaging material is ground separately, then is combined with the wet snuff portion, where it is thoroughly mixed prior to analytical testing.
   
   Note: The testing and evaluation of certain products against this test method may require the use of materials and or equipment that could potentially be hazardous and this document does not purport to address all the safety aspects associated with its use.  Anyone using this test method has the responsibility to consult with the appropriate authorities and to establish health and safety practices in conjunction with any existing applicable regulatory requirements prior to its use.

5 Apparatus and Equipment

1. Utility Knife.
2. Scoopula or spatula.
3. Robot Coupe RSI 2V Batch Processor – variable speed to 3000 rpm (or equivalent).
4. USA Standard Testing Sieve (A.S.T.M.E.-11) – 4.00 mm (0.157”) No. 5.
5. Sample storage bags.
6. Top loading or analytical balance.

6 Sampling

1. The sampling of tobacco products for the purpose of this document shall be as specified in T-115.

7 Sample Processing

1. Tobacco from Cigarettes, Cigars, Kreteks and Bidis
   1. Separate the tobacco from the finished product by carefully removing all non-tobacco elements by dissection using a utility knife.
      
      Note: A minimum sample size of 100 g of tobacco is required for commercially available product. If this amount is not available, prepare an adequate amount of sample for all analytical testing to be conducted on the sample.
   2. Transfer the tobacco portion of the product to the Robot Coupe batch processor.
   3. Grind the sample at 2000 rpm until the particle size is approximately 4 mm to obtain a homogeneous sample.
      
      Note 1: The total grinding time to achieve this particle size should take no more than three minutes.
      
      Note 2: Reduce the rpm or stop grinding if the sample bowl becomes warm to the touch.
      
      Note 3: Pulse the batch processor, as needed, to complete the grinding.
   4. Sieve the ground tobacco through a 4 mm sieve to ensure the appropriate particle size.
   5. Transfer the sample to an appropriate sample storage bag.
   6. Re-mix the sample immediately prior to analytical testing.
2. Packaged Leaf, Loose Leaf, Pipe, Twist, and Plug Tobacco
   1. Transfer a minimum sample size of 100 g of tobacco to the Robot Coupe batch processor for grinding.
      
      Note 1: If this amount is not available, prepare an adequate amount of sample for all analytical testing to be conducted on the sample.
      
      Note 2: Pug tobacco must be broken or cut apart and added in portions to the grinder at 2000 rpm.
   2. Grind the sample at 2000 rpm until the particle size is approximately 4 mm to obtain a homogeneous sample.
      
      Note 1: The total grinding time to achieve this particle size should take no more than three minutes.
      
      Note 2: Reduce the rpm or stop grinding if the sample bowl becomes warm to the touch.
      
      Note 3: Pulse the batch processor, when needed, to complete the grinding.
   3. Sieve the ground tobacco through a 4 mm sieve to ensure the particle size.
   4. Transfer the sample to an appropriate sample storage bag.
   5. Re-mix the sample immediately prior to analytical testing.
3. Dry Snuff
   1. Since the product is a powder, grinding of the sample is not necessary.
   2. Using a scoopula (or spatula), thoroughly mix an adequate amount of sample for all analytical testing to be conducted on the sample.
   3. Transfer the sample to an appropriate sample storage bag.
   4. Re-mix the sample immediately prior to analytical testing.
4. Wet Snuff
   1. Grinding of the sample is not necessary.
   2. Using a scoopula (or spatula), thoroughly mix an adequate amount of sample for all analytical testing to be conducted on the sample.
   3. Transfer the sample to an appropriate sample storage bag.
   4. Re-mix the sample immediately prior to analytical testing.
5. Wet Snuff Portion Packs
   1. Separate the tobacco packaging material (the “pouch”) from the tobacco by cutting open the pouch using a utility knife.
      Note: Prepare an adequate amount of sample for all analytical testing to be conducted on the sample.
   2. Grinding of the tobacco contents is not necessary.
   3. Grind the “pouch” on the Robot Coupe batch processor to obtain a particle size of approximately 4 mm.
   4. Sieve the packaging material through a 4 mm sieve to ensure the particle size.
   5. Combine the ground packaging material with the previously separated tobacco.
   6. Using a scoopula (or spatula), thoroughly mix the combined sample.
   7. Transfer the sample to an appropriate sample storage bag.
   8. Re-mix the sample immediately prior to analytical testing.

8 References

1. Protocol to Measure the Quantity of Nicotine Contained in Smokeless Tobacco Products Manufactured, Imported, or Packaged in the United States, Federal Registrar, Vol. 62, No. 85, Friday, May 2, 1997. p. 24115 – 24117.