Codex CAC/GL 97 Multi-Residue Analysis in International Trade
The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is a joint Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) organization responsible for ensuring that food standards, guidelines, and codes are consistent with international trade requirements. One of its key publications is CAC/GL 97, which provides harmonized methods for multi-residue analysis in food commodities.
The primary objective of this standard is to support member countries in effectively monitoring pesticide residues in agricultural products. It aims at ensuring that foods entering international markets meet the safety and quality standards set by Codex Alimentarius. This service ensures compliance with global regulatory requirements, providing peace of mind for companies navigating complex international trade landscapes.
Our laboratory adheres strictly to CAC/GL 97 guidelines, offering comprehensive multi-residue analysis services across a broad spectrum of agricultural commodities. Our expertise lies in analyzing samples from various stages of the supply chain—farm to table—to ensure that they comply with Codex standards. This service is pivotal for maintaining high-quality food products and ensuring consumer safety.
The process involves meticulous sample preparation, which includes homogenization, extraction, purification, and quantification using advanced analytical techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). These methods are chosen for their precision and reliability in detecting even trace amounts of pesticides.
The acceptance criteria for these analyses strictly follow CAC/GL 97. Our laboratory ensures that all results meet the specified limits set by this standard, which vary depending on the commodity type and intended use. For instance, certain crops may have zero tolerance levels for specific pesticide residues, while others might allow a permissible limit. Understanding and adhering to these criteria is crucial in ensuring accurate and reliable results.
In addition to meeting regulatory standards, our service also helps companies stay ahead of emerging trends and requirements. As global regulations evolve, it’s essential for businesses to adapt their practices accordingly. Our team keeps abreast of any changes or updates to CAC/GL 97 and ensures that we provide the most up-to-date services.
The multi-residue analysis offered by our laboratory is not just limited to detecting pesticides but also includes other contaminants such as mycotoxins, heavy metals, and veterinary drug residues. This holistic approach helps in maintaining a comprehensive quality control system within food supply chains.
Our expertise extends beyond mere compliance; we offer strategic advice on how to mitigate risks associated with non-compliance. By leveraging our deep understanding of CAC/GL 97 regulations, we help clients navigate the complexities of international trade and ensure they are well-prepared for any future challenges.
Applied Standards
The Codex Alimentarius Commission's GL 97 standard is widely recognized as a cornerstone in the field of food safety. It specifies a harmonized approach to multi-residue analysis, which involves multiple steps from sample preparation through to final reporting. The standard emphasizes accuracy, precision, and reproducibility throughout these processes.
The methods outlined in CAC/GL 97 are designed to be versatile enough to accommodate different types of food commodities while maintaining consistent results across laboratories worldwide. This is achieved by providing detailed procedural steps along with quality control measures intended to minimize variability between analyses conducted at various locations.
Our laboratory strictly follows these guidelines, ensuring that every aspect of the testing process adheres closely to CAC/GL 97 requirements. By doing so, we guarantee that our clients receive reliable and accurate data that can be used confidently in international trade negotiations or internal quality assurance audits.
Industry Applications
| Commodity Type | Pesticide Residues Tested |
|---|---|
| Cereals and Grains | Aldicarb, Diazinon, Endosulfan |
| Fruits and Vegetables | Chlorpyrifos, Dieldrin, Dicofol |
| Potatoes | Aldicarb, Chloropyrifos, Diazinon |
| Root Crops | Diazinon, Endosulfan, Dichlorvos |
The Codex CAC/GL 97 multi-residue analysis is applicable across a wide range of agricultural products. From cereals and grains to fruits and vegetables, our laboratory can provide comprehensive testing services tailored specifically for each commodity type.
- Cereals and Grains: Aldicarb, Diazinon, Endosulfan
- Fruits and Vegetables: Chlorpyrifos, Dieldrin, Dicofol
- Potatoes: Aldicarb, Chloropyrifos, Diazinon
- Root Crops: Diazinon, Endosulfan, Dichlorvos
These pesticides are commonly used in agriculture but their residues must be monitored closely to ensure public health and safety. Our laboratory plays a critical role in this monitoring process by providing accurate data that helps regulatory bodies enforce strict limits.
Use Cases and Application Examples
Case Study 1: Exporting Cereals to Europe
A leading cereal exporter wanted to ensure its products met European Union (EU) import requirements regarding pesticide residues. By using our laboratory for Codex CAC/GL 97 multi-residue analysis, the company gained confidence that their exports would pass inspection without delay.
Case Study 2: Domestic Certification of Produce
An organic produce supplier needed certification from a third-party auditor to verify compliance with international standards before listing its products on global markets. Our laboratory conducted rigorous multi-residue analysis, providing detailed reports that supported their application for certification.
Case Study 3: Supplier Verification
A large food processing company sought assurance about the quality and safety of raw materials supplied by various vendors. By partnering with our laboratory, they could implement a robust supplier verification program based on CAC/GL 97 criteria.
These real-world examples illustrate just how versatile and valuable our Codex CAC/GL 97 multi-residue analysis service is for navigating the complexities of international trade.
