EN 20788 Sulfonamide Detection in Herbal Infusions
The European Standard EN 20788 specifies methods for detecting sulfonamides in herbal infusions. This service is essential for ensuring that food and feed products comply with legal limits set by regulatory bodies such as the European Commission.
Sulfonamides are a class of antibiotics commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat bacterial infections in animals. Their presence in food and feed products can pose significant risks, particularly when consumed by humans or other animals. Regulatory authorities have established maximum residue levels (MRLs) for sulfonamides in various commodities to protect public health.
Our laboratory employs advanced analytical techniques such as Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to accurately detect even trace amounts of sulfonamides. This method offers high sensitivity and selectivity, ensuring reliable results that are crucial for maintaining product safety and regulatory compliance.
The detection process involves several critical steps: specimen preparation, extraction, clean-up, and analysis. Specimen preparation ensures the integrity of the sample while minimizing interference from other compounds. Extraction techniques remove sulfonamides from the herbal infusion matrix, facilitating accurate quantification. Clean-up procedures further purify the extract, reducing background noise in subsequent analyses.
The acceptance criteria for this test are stringent, aligning with international standards such as EN 20788 and ISO/IEC 17025. Compliance with these standards guarantees that our results are accurate, reproducible, and traceable to national standards.
Our laboratory adheres strictly to the procedural requirements outlined in EN 20788. This includes the use of certified reference materials for calibration and quality control checks throughout each analytical run. We also maintain a robust Quality Management System (QMS) that ensures consistent performance and traceability of our results.
Understanding the real-world implications of this test is crucial for maintaining product integrity and customer trust. For instance, failure to detect sulfonamides when they exceed MRLs could lead to recalls or legal action. Conversely, demonstrating compliance through accurate testing can enhance brand reputation and market access.
- Compliance with Regulatory Requirements: Ensures adherence to strict limits set by regulatory bodies.
- Risk Management: Identifies potential health risks early in the supply chain.
- Market Access: Facilitates entry into markets that have stringent MRLs for sulfonamides.
In summary, our EN 20788 Sulfonamide Detection service is vital for ensuring that herbal infusions meet the highest standards of safety and quality. By leveraging advanced technology and rigorous procedural protocols, we provide reliable results that support informed decision-making in food and feed industries.
Benefits
Implementing our EN 20788 Sulfonamide Detection service offers numerous benefits to stakeholders within the food and feed industry. Compliance with regulatory requirements is paramount, ensuring that products meet stringent MRLs for sulfonamides.
Risk management becomes more efficient through early identification of potential issues, minimizing the likelihood of costly recalls or legal disputes. Enhancing market access is another significant advantage, as many international markets impose strict limits on sulfonamide residues in food and feed commodities.
Brand reputation also benefits from accurate testing, fostering trust among consumers and regulatory authorities alike. Additionally, our service supports continuous improvement by providing data-driven insights that can inform product development strategies and operational processes.
Eurolab Advantages
At Eurolab, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional quality and reliability in all our services. Our EN 20788 Sulfonamide Detection service is no exception, offering several unique advantages:
- Expertise and Experience: Leveraging decades of experience in food and feed testing.
- Advanced Technology: Utilizing state-of-the-art LC-MS/MS technology for precise results.
- Comprehensive Support: Providing full-service solutions from sample preparation to final report.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring adherence to all relevant international standards and guidelines.
We employ a team of highly skilled professionals who are dedicated to delivering accurate, reliable results. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, which guarantees the highest level of proficiency and integrity.
Our customers benefit from streamlined processes that minimize turnaround times while maintaining accuracy. This efficiency not only saves time but also enhances operational effectiveness across various departments within food and feed companies.
Why Choose This Test
- Legal Compliance: Ensures adherence to strict MRLs set by regulatory authorities.
- Risk Minimization: Identifies potential health risks early in the supply chain.
- Market Access: Facilitates entry into international markets with stringent residue limits.
- Reputation Enhancement: Builds trust and confidence among consumers and stakeholders.
- Data-Driven Insights: Supports informed decision-making in product development and quality control.
- Efficient Processes: Streamlines operations by minimizing delays associated with non-compliance.
The importance of this test cannot be overstated. In an increasingly regulated environment, demonstrating compliance through accurate testing is essential for maintaining product integrity and customer trust.
