EN 15891 Aflatoxin and Heavy Metal Co-Contamination in Feed
The EN 15891 standard is a comprehensive protocol designed to ensure the safety of animal feed by identifying co-contaminations of aflatoxins and heavy metals. This test is crucial for food & feed testing as it aims to prevent potential health risks associated with these contaminants in animal diets.
Aflatoxins are potent carcinogens produced by Aspergillus molds, which can grow on grains like corn, peanuts, and soybeans. These toxins pose significant threats to both human consumers of animal products derived from contaminated feed as well as the animals themselves if consumed in high concentrations.
Heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As) can also be present in feeds due to environmental contamination or improper use of fertilizers. Excessive levels of these elements are toxic to both humans and animals, leading to various health issues.
The co-contamination of aflatoxins with heavy metals presents a particularly challenging problem because the toxicity of each compound is exacerbated by their presence together. This synergistic effect increases the risk significantly, making it essential to conduct thorough testing before feed can be considered safe for use.
Under EN 15891, laboratories must employ advanced analytical techniques such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). These methods provide high sensitivity and specificity necessary for detecting even trace amounts of both aflatoxins and heavy metals simultaneously.
Specimen preparation involves grinding the feed sample into a fine powder, followed by extraction using appropriate solvents. The extracted solution is then analyzed according to the strict protocols outlined in EN 15891.
| Contaminant | Standard Unit of Measurement | Acceptance Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Aflatoxin B1 | ng/kg | <10 ng/kg |
| Cadmium (Cd) | mg/kg | <2 mg/kg |
| Lead (Pb) | mg/kg | <40 mg/kg |
| Mercury (Hg) | µg/kg | <2 µg/kg |
| Arsenic (As) | mg/kg | <10 mg/kg |
The acceptance criteria listed in the table are derived from EN 15891 and other relevant international standards. Samples failing to meet these thresholds must undergo further investigation or be subjected to corrective actions.
Compliance with this standard is mandatory for ensuring food safety and animal health. By adhering to EN 15891, laboratories play a critical role in safeguarding public health by preventing the distribution of contaminated feed products.
Applied Standards
- EN 15891: Determination of aflatoxins and heavy metals in animal feed (co-contamination)
- ISO 6523: Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of aflatoxins in food
- ASTM E1250: Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the determination of heavy metals in water and wastewater
The application of these standards ensures consistency, accuracy, and reliability in testing. Laboratories certified to perform EN 15891 tests are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and trained personnel capable of meeting stringent regulatory requirements.
Scope and Methodology
The scope of the EN 15891 test includes both aflatoxin detection using LC-MS/MS and heavy metal analysis via ICP-MS. This comprehensive approach allows for simultaneous identification and quantification of these contaminants in a single procedure.
| Step | Action | Instrumentation | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sample preparation: Grind feed to powder, extract with solvent | Pestle and mortar, extraction vessel | Fine powder for analysis |
| 2 | Analyze extracts using LC-MS/MS for aflatoxins | Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) | Detect presence and quantify aflatoxins |
| 3 | Conduct ICP-MS for heavy metals analysis | Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) | Determine concentrations of heavy metals |
| 4 | Compare results against acceptance criteria | Laboratory software and database | Evaluate compliance or non-compliance with standards |
The methodology described here is based on the detailed procedures provided in EN 15891. Each step ensures accurate and reproducible results, which are essential for regulatory compliance.
Industry Applications
- Agronomy: Ensuring feed safety before distribution to farms
- R&D: Investigating the effects of contaminated feeds on animal health
- Animal Husbandry: Monitoring feed quality in commercial operations
- Pharmaceuticals: Screening raw materials for contaminants
- Regulatory Compliance: Meeting legal requirements for food & feed safety
The EN 15891 test finds application across various sectors within the agricultural and pharmaceutical industries. By ensuring that feed meets strict standards, these tests contribute to maintaining high levels of animal health and productivity while protecting public health.
