EN 17621 Ochratoxin A Profiling in Coffee By-Product Feed
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EN 17621 Ochratoxin A Profiling in Coffee By-Product Feed

EN 17621 Ochratoxin A Profiling in Coffee By-Product Feed

EN 17621 Ochratoxin A Profiling in Coffee By-Product Feed

The European standard EN 17621 provides a method for the profiling of Ochratoxin A (OTA), a mycotoxin known to cause severe health issues, including acute toxicity and chronic effects such as nephrotoxicity. This service is particularly relevant in the food and feed sector where coffee by-product feed plays an essential role.

The testing of OTA levels in coffee by-product feed ensures compliance with international standards and regulations aimed at safeguarding public and animal health. The standard offers a comprehensive approach to identifying OTA presence, concentration, and distribution across various coffee by-products. This profiling is crucial for quality managers and compliance officers involved in the production and distribution of animal feeds.

The methodology described in EN 17621 involves multiple steps including sample preparation, extraction, cleanup, quantification using HPLC-FLD (High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence Detection), and reporting. The standard outlines a sensitive and specific approach to detecting OTA at concentrations as low as 3 µg/kg.

The test is applicable in several scenarios:

  • When sourcing raw materials from different suppliers
  • To ensure consistency of OTA levels across production batches
  • In response to regulatory requirements or customer specifications
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of processing and purification methods used during feed manufacturing.

The testing process begins with the collection of representative samples from coffee by-product feed. Samples are then prepared according to the standard’s detailed procedures, which include homogenization and extraction using appropriate solvents. The extracted OTA is purified before being quantified via HPLC-FLD.

The results obtained through this profiling provide valuable insights into the safety of feed materials for livestock. They also help in making informed decisions regarding quality control measures and process optimization within manufacturing facilities.

Understanding OTA levels helps prevent potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated products, thereby enhancing consumer confidence. It supports responsible sourcing practices by ensuring only safe and reliable ingredients are used in animal feeds.

The accurate identification and quantification of OTA according to EN 17621 contribute significantly towards maintaining high standards of food safety and quality assurance across industries dealing with agricultural commodities like coffee beans and their by-products.

Applied Standards

Standard NumberDescription
EN 17621-3Method for the Determination of Ochratoxin A in Coffee By-product Feed by Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence Detection (HPLC-FLD)
ISO 20584Animal feedingstuffs - Sampling and preparation of samples for the determination of mycotoxins using liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (LC–FLD)
ASTM E1693-11Standard Practice for Determining Mycotoxin Content in Feed Ingredients by Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence Detection (LC-FLD)

The application of these standards ensures accurate and reliable results, which are essential for compliance with EU regulations governing agricultural products. By adhering to this international standard, laboratories can provide data that meet the stringent requirements set forth by regulatory bodies.

These standards emphasize proper sample handling techniques from initial collection through final analysis to ensure consistent accuracy across all tests conducted under EN 17621-3. Compliance with these guidelines helps maintain trustworthiness and credibility within both domestic markets as well as export destinations.

Why Choose This Test

Selecting the EN 17621 Ochratoxin A Profiling service offers several advantages for businesses operating in the food & feed industry. Firstly, it ensures strict adherence to international standards recognized globally, thereby facilitating smoother compliance with local regulations.

For quality managers and R&D engineers involved in developing new formulas or improving existing ones, this test provides critical data needed to optimize processes and ingredients. The detailed profiling offered by EN 17621 gives insights into OTA distribution within different types of coffee by-products used in feed manufacturing.

The service also supports procurement teams by providing assurance that purchased materials meet required quality thresholds. By identifying potential risks early on, decision-makers can take proactive measures to mitigate adverse impacts on animal health and welfare.

Moreover, choosing this test demonstrates commitment to maintaining high standards of food safety, fostering trust among consumers who rely heavily on safe and nutritious feed products for their livestock.

Customer Impact and Satisfaction

The implementation of EN 17621 Ochratoxin A Profiling contributes positively towards customer satisfaction by ensuring product quality meets or exceeds expectations. Regular testing helps maintain consistent OTA levels across all batches produced, which is vital for maintaining brand reputation.

Customers can trust that the feed they receive adheres to strict safety standards set forth by relevant authorities. This not only enhances consumer confidence but also supports sustainable business practices aligned with ethical sourcing principles.

The service fosters long-term relationships between suppliers and buyers through transparent communication regarding test results and quality assurance measures implemented during production processes. Such openness promotes mutual understanding and cooperation, leading to more efficient supply chains and better outcomes for all parties involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ochratoxin A?
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a potent mycotoxin produced by certain molds, primarily Aspergillus species. It poses significant health risks when consumed in food or feed products.
Why is profiling important?
Profiling provides detailed information about OTA presence and distribution within coffee by-product feeds, allowing for targeted interventions to reduce contamination levels where necessary.
What instruments are used in this test?
The primary instrument utilized is HPLC-FLD, which allows for precise measurement of OTA concentrations down to 3 µg/kg.
How long does the profiling process take?
Typically, it takes around 5 days from sample receipt until final report generation. However, this timeline may vary depending on workload and complexity of samples.
Is this test suitable for all types of coffee by-products?
Yes, the EN 17621 standard is applicable to various forms of coffee by-products commonly used in feed manufacturing.
Can you provide custom reports?
Absolutely. We can tailor our reports to meet specific customer requirements, ensuring all relevant data points are included.
What happens if OTA levels exceed acceptable limits?
Exceeding limits triggers immediate corrective actions such as reprocessing or adjusting sourcing strategies to ensure subsequent batches comply with regulatory standards.
How frequently should this test be conducted?
Frequency depends on individual business needs and risk assessments. Regular monitoring, especially during peak production periods or after changes in supplier networks, is recommended.

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