EN 13192 Pesticide Analysis in Oils and Margarine
The European standard EN 13192 specifies a method for determining pesticide residues, particularly organophosphorus pesticides (OPs), in oils and margarines. This service is crucial for ensuring the safety of food products by identifying any potential contamination that may compromise consumer health.
The test involves multiple steps to ensure accurate detection of residues. Initially, the sample undergoes extraction using a solvent capable of dissolving the target pesticides. The extract is then subjected to gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for identification and quantification. This approach ensures high sensitivity and selectivity necessary for detecting minute amounts of pesticides.
The importance of this service cannot be overstated, especially in light of increasing public awareness regarding food safety. The European Union's stringent regulations mandate compliance to protect both consumers and producers from harmful residues. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties including product recall and market exclusion.
Our laboratory adheres strictly to EN 13192 guidelines, ensuring that our results are reliable and legally defensible. This service is particularly relevant for companies involved in the production or distribution of vegetable oils, margarines, and similar products. By leveraging this standard, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to quality and compliance.
To prepare a sample according to EN 13192, it involves precise handling to avoid cross-contamination. The specimen is typically weighed accurately before extraction with an appropriate solvent. The extraction process should be conducted in a controlled environment to minimize errors. After extraction, the solution undergoes cleanup and concentration steps before being analyzed by GC-MS.
The acceptance criteria for this service are stringent, ensuring that any detected residues fall below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) specified by relevant international standards such as ISO 18047 and EN 12697. The MRLs vary depending on the specific pesticide involved and the type of food product being tested.
Our laboratory uses state-of-the-art instruments, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), to achieve precise measurements. This technology allows for accurate quantification even when dealing with very low concentrations of residues.
In real-world applications, this service is widely used by food manufacturers and suppliers who need to ensure their products meet regulatory requirements. For instance, a large-scale producer of vegetable oils might use our EN 13192 service regularly to monitor compliance with EU regulations on pesticide residues. Similarly, smaller businesses can benefit from this service as part of their quality assurance programs.
Our team of experts is well-versed in the intricacies of EN 13192 and can provide valuable insights into best practices for sample preparation and interpretation of results. By partnering with us, you gain access to comprehensive support tailored to your specific needs.
| Applied Standards | Description |
|---|---|
| ISO 18047 | International standard for the determination of pesticide residues in oils and fats by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. |
| EN 12697 | European standard detailing the methodology for residue analysis in food products, including oils and margarines. |
- Precise sample preparation ensures accurate results.
- Advanced instrumentation provides reliable data.
- Compliance with international standards enhances credibility.
- Regular monitoring helps maintain product safety.
Applied Standards
The European standard EN 13192 is part of a broader set of guidelines designed to ensure accurate and consistent pesticide residue testing. This includes the use of ISO 18047, which provides additional insights into the analytical methods employed, and EN 12697, which outlines general principles for residue analysis in food products.
The methodology described in EN 13192 is critical because it ensures that all samples are processed uniformly, leading to comparable results across different laboratories. This standardization is essential for maintaining confidence in the testing process and ensuring compliance with international regulations.
| Applied Standards | Description |
|---|---|
| ISO 18047 | International standard that specifies a procedure for determining pesticide residues in oils and fats using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. |
| EN 12697 | European standard providing guidelines on the analysis of pesticide residues in various food products, including oils and margarines. |
Quality and Reliability Assurance
We maintain a robust quality assurance system to ensure that every test conducted meets the highest standards. Our process begins with rigorous calibration of our instruments using certified reference materials, ensuring accurate measurements throughout the testing cycle.
To further enhance reliability, we implement strict protocols for sample handling and storage, minimizing any risk of contamination or degradation. Our team of highly trained analysts follows detailed procedures to ensure consistency in test results.
We also regularly participate in proficiency testing programs organized by recognized bodies like the European Co-operation for Accreditation (EA) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). These programs provide independent validation of our analytical capabilities, further reinforcing our commitment to excellence.
- Rigorous calibration of instruments with certified reference materials.
- Strict protocols for sample handling and storage.
- Detailed procedures followed by trained analysts.
- Participation in proficiency testing programs organized by EA and ILAC.
Customer Impact and Satisfaction
By providing accurate pesticide residue analysis according to EN 13192, we help our customers meet stringent regulatory requirements. This ensures that their products are safe for consumption and free from harmful contaminants. Our comprehensive quality assurance measures also contribute positively to the reputation of our clients, fostering trust among consumers.
Our reliable results enable businesses to make informed decisions regarding product development and sourcing, ultimately leading to improved market performance. Customer satisfaction is paramount, and we strive to exceed expectations by delivering timely reports that are easy to understand and act upon.
- Ensures products meet stringent regulatory requirements.
- Fosters trust among consumers with reliable results.
- Contributes positively to the reputation of clients.
- Delivers timely, easily understood reports for informed decision-making.
