EN 15662 Pesticide Residue Screening in Fruits and Vegetables by LC-MS\/MS
The European standard EN 15662 provides a robust method for screening pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS\/MS). This service is critical for ensuring compliance with international regulations aimed at protecting public health by reducing exposure to harmful pesticides. The test focuses on detecting the presence of over 400 different pesticides, including organophosphates, pyrethroids, carbamates, and fungicides.
The EN 15662 procedure involves several key steps: sample preparation, extraction, clean-up, and analysis via LC-MS\/MS. During sample preparation, the fruits or vegetables are finely ground to ensure uniform distribution of residues across the sample. Extraction is then performed using a solvent capable of dissolving pesticide residues without affecting the matrix components. The extracted solution undergoes cleanup steps such as solid-phase extraction (SPE) or liquid-liquid partitioning to remove interfering substances.
The LC-MS\/MS system used in this test employs a high-performance liquid chromatography column optimized for separating complex mixtures of pesticides. Chromatographic separation is followed by mass spectrometry detection, where each pesticide produces a characteristic ion fragmentation pattern that allows for precise identification and quantification. The method can detect residues at extremely low concentrations (parts per billion), making it highly sensitive.
The acceptance criteria for this test are stringent, with limits of quantitation set to ensure that only detectable residues above the regulatory threshold are reported. This ensures that the data generated is reliable and actionable for quality control and compliance purposes.
Real-World Application
This service is widely used in food safety laboratories, research institutions, and government agencies responsible for monitoring pesticide use in agriculture. It helps ensure that produce sold on domestic markets or imported from other countries meets stringent international standards for pesticide residues.
| Use Cases | Description |
|---|---|
| Quality Control | Ensuring compliance with local and international regulations, such as the Codex Alimentarius and European Union Directives. |
| R&D | Supporting new product development by identifying potential issues early in the process. |
| Compliance Monitoring | Verifying adherence to pesticide application guidelines set forth by regulatory bodies. |
Customer Impact and Satisfaction
Enhanced food safety: Detecting harmful residues before they reach consumers.
Improved reputation: Demonstrating commitment to quality and consumer trust through compliance.
Cost savings: Avoiding costly recalls and potential legal actions.
Use Cases and Application Examples
Fruit producers can use this service to monitor pesticide levels in their crops before harvest, ensuring they meet regulatory requirements.
Importers may rely on these results to verify compliance with international standards when sourcing produce from overseas suppliers.
Retailers can use the findings to maintain confidence among their customers by providing transparent information about product safety.
