EN 18569 Zearalenone Analysis in Soy Protein Feed
The analysis of zearalenone (ZEA) in soy protein feed is critical to ensure food and feed safety, particularly for livestock. Zearalenone is a mycotoxin produced by certain fungi that can contaminate grain crops such as soybeans during growth, harvest, or storage. This contaminant poses significant risks to human health through the consumption of contaminated animal products (e.g., meat, milk) and can also affect the reproductive systems of animals.
According to EN 18569:2019 Zearalenone in Feed—Determination by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, this method is designed to detect zearalenone at very low levels, often below the detection limits of older methods. The standard specifies the use of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for accurate quantification and identification of ZEA in complex matrices like soy protein concentrates.
The EN 18569 protocol involves several key steps: sample preparation, extraction, clean-up, and finally analysis by LC-MS. Sample preparation may include homogenization followed by a solid-phase extraction (SPE) cleanup procedure to remove interfering compounds. Once purified, the extract is injected into an LC system equipped with a mass-selective detector.
The use of this method ensures compliance with international standards such as those set forth in Codex Alimentarius and the European Union's Commission Regulation 2018/765. This regulation mandates the maximum permissible levels of zearalenone in animal feed to protect both human health and livestock welfare.
Our laboratory utilizes state-of-the-art instrumentation, including Agilent 1290 Infinity II LC systems coupled with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (6460B) for precise quantification. Our team of experts is experienced in handling complex feed matrices and can provide accurate results down to the lowest limits specified by EN 18569.
Understanding the importance of this analysis, we have seen increasing demand from quality managers, compliance officers, R&D engineers, and procurement specialists who are responsible for ensuring that their products meet stringent safety standards. By offering this service, our laboratory supports these professionals in maintaining high-quality feed products that contribute to a safer food chain.
Benefits
- Precise quantification of zearalenone down to regulatory limits
- Compliance with international standards such as EN 18569 and Codex Alimentarius
- Reduction in risk for both animal health and human consumption through contaminated food products
- Supports R&D efforts by providing accurate data on feed contamination levels
- Enhances reputation and trust among stakeholders, including customers and regulatory bodies
- Achieves faster turnaround times with advanced LC-MS technology
- Reduces costs associated with potential recalls or lawsuits due to non-compliance issues
International Acceptance and Recognition
The analysis of zearalenone in soy protein feed using EN 18569 is widely accepted across the globe, especially within Europe where it forms part of official control programs. This standard has been recognized by numerous countries as a reliable method for ensuring food safety.
European Union regulations mandate that all member states implement measures to prevent and control zearalenone contamination in feedstuffs. By adopting EN 18569, countries align themselves with global best practices while also fulfilling their obligations under international agreements such as the WTO TBT (Technical Barriers to Trade) Agreement.
The use of this method is not limited to Europe; it is increasingly being adopted worldwide due to its high precision and reliability. Many feed manufacturers and processors outside Europe are adopting EN 18569 because it provides consistent results across different laboratories, thereby enhancing confidence in the accuracy of test outcomes.
Use Cases and Application Examples
| Scenario | Description |
|---|---|
| Pre-production Testing | Detecting zearalenone in raw materials before processing to prevent contamination of final products. |
| Post-production Monitoring | Monitoring the quality of processed feed after production to ensure compliance with regulatory limits. |
| Supply Chain Audits | Determining zearalenone levels in feeds at various stages of supply chains, from farm to processor, ensuring continuous compliance. |
| R&D Studies | Evaluating the effectiveness of different purification methods and their impact on reducing zearalenone residues. |
| Legal Compliance Checks | Performing spot checks during inspections to ensure feed complies with national and international regulations. |
| Customer Requests | Offering specialized tests requested by customers who need detailed information about zearalenone contamination levels in their feeds. |
| New Product Development | Determining the initial baseline of zearalenone contamination before introducing new formulations into production. |
