EN 16211 Herbicide Profiling in Dairy Products
The European Standard EN 16211 provides a harmonized methodology for the determination of herbicides and their degradation products in dairy products. This service is particularly critical for ensuring that food safety standards are met, especially given the increasing scrutiny on agricultural practices and residues in foodstuffs.
Dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter provide essential nutrients and form a cornerstone of dietary recommendations across the globe. However, when herbicides are detected at even trace levels, they can pose significant health risks to consumers, particularly infants and children who consume larger amounts per body weight compared to adults.
Herbicide residues in dairy products may arise from contaminated feed or direct application on pastures, leading to potential transfer into the milk supply chain. Consequently, stringent testing is necessary for regulatory compliance and consumer trust. EN 16211 outlines a comprehensive approach that ensures accurate detection of herbicides and their metabolites in dairy products.
The methodology described in EN 16211 involves several key steps:
- Sample preparation: This includes the collection, preservation, and processing of milk samples to ensure integrity during analysis.
- Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS): This advanced analytical technique is used for high sensitivity and selectivity in detecting herbicides. The method ensures that even trace amounts are accurately identified and quantified.
- Validation: Results from the testing must be validated against international standards to ensure reliability and consistency across different laboratories.
The use of LC-MS/MS allows for the simultaneous analysis of multiple herbicides, providing a holistic view of potential contamination. This multi-residue capability is crucial for comprehensive quality assurance in dairy products.
Compliance with EN 16211 ensures that food safety standards are met and can help prevent recalls or legal issues that arise from non-compliant products. It also demonstrates a commitment to consumer health and well-being, which is increasingly important as regulatory bodies and consumers demand higher levels of transparency in the food supply chain.
Our laboratory follows strict quality control procedures to ensure accurate results every time, using state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained personnel. By adhering to EN 16211 standards, we provide reliable data that can be used for regulatory submissions or internal quality assurance programs.
Industry Applications
- Dairy Processing Companies: Ensure compliance with international food safety regulations by identifying and quantifying herbicide residues in raw materials and final products.
- Agricultural Suppliers: Monitor the potential transfer of herbicides to dairy products through feed and pasture contamination, helping to maintain product quality.
- Regulatory Bodies: Use our services for enforcement purposes, ensuring that all stakeholders comply with strict regulations regarding pesticide residues in foodstuffs.
- R&D Departments: Conduct research on the impact of herbicides on dairy products and develop mitigation strategies to reduce contamination risk.
Customer Impact and Satisfaction
The implementation of EN 16211 in our laboratory has significantly enhanced the reliability and accuracy of pesticide residue testing for dairy products. Our customers benefit from:
- Enhanced confidence in food safety, contributing to a better reputation.
- Reduced risk of product recalls or legal challenges due to non-compliance with regulations.
- A commitment to consumer health and well-being, which is crucial in maintaining trust within the market.
- Access to accurate data that can be used for regulatory submissions or internal quality assurance programs.
We strive to exceed expectations by providing precise results and timely reports. Our dedicated team ensures that all samples are handled with care and processed according to strict protocols, leading to high levels of customer satisfaction.
International Acceptance and Recognition
The EN 16211 standard is widely recognized and accepted across Europe and globally. Its harmonized approach ensures consistency in testing methodologies, which is essential for international trade and regulatory compliance.
Dairy products are traded internationally, and ensuring that they meet the standards of importing countries is critical. By adhering to EN 16211, our clients can confidently export their products without risking non-compliance issues. This standardization also facilitates smoother communication between domestic and international stakeholders, simplifying regulatory processes.
Our laboratory’s expertise in this area has earned us a reputation for reliability and accuracy, ensuring that we are at the forefront of food safety testing. Compliance with EN 16211 is not just a technical requirement but an essential step towards maintaining high standards of quality and integrity in the dairy industry.
