AOAC 2016.13 Coccidiostat Residue Testing in Poultry Meat
The AOAC Official Method 2016.13 provides a comprehensive approach to detecting coccidiostat residues in poultry meat, ensuring compliance with international food safety and quality standards. This method is particularly crucial for the food & feed testing sector as it supports regulatory requirements and helps maintain public health.
Coccidiostats are antimicrobial agents used in animal feed to control coccidial infections in poultry. Residue levels must be controlled to prevent harmful effects on humans consuming the meat. This method allows for accurate quantification of these residues, ensuring that products meet regulatory limits set by organizations like the European Commission (EC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The AOAC 2016.13 procedure involves several critical steps: sample preparation, extraction using a solvent, clean-up process to remove interfering compounds, and finally, analysis via gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The method specifies the use of specific solvents, temperatures, and times for each step to ensure consistent results.
Sample preparation is key to obtaining accurate residue levels. Poultry meat samples are first homogenized to achieve a uniform mixture. This ensures that all parts of the sample contribute equally to the analysis. The sample is then extracted using hexane or another specified solvent, followed by evaporation and derivatization with N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl) trifluoroacetamide (MSTFA).
The extract obtained from this process undergoes clean-up procedures involving solid-phase extraction cartridges. These cartridges help in removing any interfering compounds that could affect the accuracy of the GC-MS analysis. After thorough cleaning, the sample is ready for injection into the GC-MS instrument.
GC-MS provides high sensitivity and selectivity necessary for detecting low levels of coccidiostat residues. The method specifies operating conditions such as column temperature ramp rates, ionization voltage settings, and mass selection ranges to optimize detection. This ensures that even trace amounts of the coccidiostat can be identified.
The AOAC 2016.13 method also includes detailed instructions for calibration curves and quality control samples. Calibration is performed using certified reference materials (CRMs) with known concentrations of the coccidiostat. Quality control involves regular checks throughout the testing process to ensure consistency in results.
Results are reported according to established guidelines, typically as parts per million (ppm). Compliance with regulatory limits can then be assessed easily by comparing these values against set thresholds. This method is widely accepted and used globally for its reliability and accuracy.
The AOAC 2016.13 procedure ensures that food safety standards are met, protecting both consumers and producers from potential health risks associated with excessive coccidiostat residues in poultry meat. By adhering to this method, laboratories can provide reliable data supporting product quality control and regulatory compliance.
- Sample preparation: Homogenization of the sample followed by extraction using hexane.
- Clean-up process: Solid-phase extraction cartridges are used to remove interfering compounds.
- Analytical technique: Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for precise residue detection.
Applied Standards
The AOAC 2016.13 method is officially recognized and used by several international bodies, including the European Commission (EC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), World Health Organization (WHO), and others. It aligns with ISO standards for food safety and quality assurance.
Adhering to these standards ensures that laboratories providing this service meet stringent requirements set forth by regulatory authorities worldwide. Compliance with such standards not only enhances credibility but also helps in maintaining consistent results across different testing environments.
Industry Applications
- Poultry meat processors: Ensuring compliance with international food safety regulations.
- Retailers and distributors: Maintaining product quality control throughout the supply chain.
- Regulatory bodies: Monitoring coccidiostat levels to protect public health.
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Our laboratory offers unparalleled expertise in AOAC 2016.13 testing for coccidiostat residues, ensuring precision and reliability. With state-of-the-art instrumentation and highly trained professionals, we provide accurate results that meet or exceed international standards.
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