AOAC 2021.04 Antibiotic Screening in Honey-Based Foods
The AOAC International Standard Method 2021.04 is a widely recognized protocol for screening antibiotic residues in honey-based foods, ensuring that these products meet safety and regulatory standards worldwide. This method is particularly relevant in the food and feed testing sector, where ensuring the absence of prohibited or unapproved veterinary drugs is critical to maintaining consumer confidence and regulatory compliance.
Antibiotic residues can arise from various sources including improper use, illegal administration, and cross-contamination during production, processing, storage, or transportation. The presence of these residues in honey-based foods poses significant risks not only to human health but also to the reputation of food producers and distributors. Regulatory agencies around the globe have implemented stringent measures to control antibiotic contamination.
The AOAC 2021.04 method provides a robust framework for laboratories equipped with the necessary expertise and instruments to perform accurate screening. This method is based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which offers high sensitivity and selectivity, enabling the detection of even trace levels of antibiotics in complex matrices such as honey.
Our laboratory specializes in providing comprehensive testing services using this standard protocol. By leveraging our state-of-the-art LC-MS/MS technology and experienced technical staff, we ensure that every sample undergoes rigorous analysis to meet international standards. Our approach not only guarantees accurate results but also helps food producers and distributors comply with regulatory requirements.
The method involves several critical steps, including sample preparation, extraction, cleanup, and final analysis by LC-MS/MS. Each step is meticulously executed to ensure the integrity of the data produced. The AOAC 2021.04 protocol covers a wide range of antibiotics commonly found in honey-based foods, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Our laboratory adheres strictly to this method, providing reliable results that can be trusted by our clients. We offer detailed reports outlining all findings and recommendations for corrective actions if necessary. This service is invaluable for quality managers, compliance officers, R&D engineers, and procurement teams who rely on accurate data to make informed decisions.
By employing the AOAC 2021.04 method, we not only meet but exceed regulatory requirements set by various international standards such as ISO, ASTM, EN, and IEC. Our commitment to excellence ensures that our clients can trust the results they receive from us.
Industry Applications
| Application of AOAC 2021.04 Method in Honey-Based Foods | |
|---|---|
| Detection Limits | The method can detect antibiotics at levels as low as 0.5 ng/kg, ensuring comprehensive coverage. |
| Sample Preparation | Includes homogenization of samples followed by extraction and cleanup to remove interfering compounds. |
| Data Analysis | Involves LC-MS/MS analysis with accurate mass determination for precise identification of antibiotics. |
| Common Antibiotics in Honey-Based Foods | |
|---|---|
| Antibiotic | Description |
| Azithromycin | A macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. |
| Erythromycin | A macrolide antibiotic often used in veterinary medicine. |
| Oxytetracycline | A tetracycline antibiotic commonly used in livestock. |
| Spectinomycin | Used for treating infections in poultry and other animals. |
Eurolab Advantages
At Eurolab, we pride ourselves on offering superior quality assurance and reliability in our testing services. Our team of highly skilled professionals ensures that every sample undergoes thorough analysis using the most advanced technology available.
We offer a range of additional services beyond just AOAC 2021.04 testing, including but not limited to microbiological testing, allergen detection, and pesticide residue screening. These comprehensive offerings enable our clients to gain a holistic understanding of their products' safety and compliance status.
Our commitment to excellence is further reflected in the certifications and accreditations we hold from leading international bodies such as ISO/IEC 17025:2017, ISO/IEC 17020:2012, and EU ELA. These credentials underscore our capability to deliver accurate, consistent, and reliable results.
We also offer customized testing packages tailored to the specific needs of our clients, ensuring that they receive the exact information required for their unique situations. This flexibility allows us to support a diverse range of industries within the food sector, including honey-based products.
Our laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge instruments and software, which are regularly updated to ensure compliance with evolving standards and technologies. This continuous investment in our facilities and personnel ensures that we remain at the forefront of analytical science.
Quality and Reliability Assurance
At Eurolab, ensuring the highest level of quality and reliability is paramount. We have implemented robust quality management systems (QMS) based on ISO/IEC 17025:2017 to guarantee that all our processes are standardized, controlled, and traceable.
We employ rigorous internal audits and external reviews by independent bodies to verify compliance with these standards. Our technicians undergo regular training and certification to maintain their proficiency in using the latest analytical techniques and instruments.
Our laboratories adhere strictly to international guidelines such as ISO/IEC 17025:2017, ensuring that our results are accepted worldwide. We also participate in proficiency testing programs organized by recognized bodies to validate our methods and improve our performance continuously.
The use of advanced technology in our laboratory enhances the precision and accuracy of our tests. Our commitment to quality is reflected in the detailed reports we provide, which include all relevant data points and recommendations for any necessary corrective actions.
