EN 19906 Chloramphenicol Residue Analysis in Herbal Products
EN 19906:2018 specifies the methodology for determining chloramphenicol residues in food and feed products, including herbal ingredients. This standard is crucial for ensuring compliance with international food safety regulations, protecting public health from potential risks associated with the presence of veterinary drug residues.
The test procedure outlined by EN 19906 employs liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to achieve high sensitivity and specificity. This approach ensures accurate quantification even at very low levels, which is essential given that chloramphenicol can have harmful effects on human health when ingested through food or feed.
The scope of this method includes the analysis of chloramphenicol residues in various types of herbal products such as teas, tinctures, and extracts. It covers raw materials intended for processing into finished goods, ensuring that all stages of production are subject to stringent quality control measures.
Specimen preparation involves several steps tailored specifically towards preserving the integrity of the chloramphenicol compound throughout extraction processes. Aqueous solutions containing methanol or acetone serve as solvents used during sample pretreatment before analysis by LC-MS/MS. The choice of solvent depends on factors like polarity and volatility, optimizing efficiency for different matrix types.
Instrumentation required includes advanced LC-MS/MS equipment capable of detecting trace amounts of chloramphenicol down to the ppb level. Calibration standards prepared according to ISO 17043 should be employed ensuring accurate calibration and precision in quantification results.
The acceptance criteria stipulated by EN 19906 dictate that any detected concentration exceeding maximum residue limits (MRLs), as specified in relevant guidelines like WHO or local regulatory bodies, must trigger immediate corrective actions. Compliance with these standards is mandatory for manufacturers exporting products internationally.
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