EN 21072 Macrolide Profiling in Dairy-Based Drinks
The European standard EN 21072 provides a detailed procedure for the determination of macrolides, which include drugs like erythromycin and clarithromycin. This service focuses specifically on profiling these macrolide residues in dairy-based drinks using this standard.
This testing is crucial for ensuring food safety and compliance with regulatory requirements. The presence of veterinary drug residues can pose significant health risks if ingested by humans, particularly infants and vulnerable populations. Therefore, it's essential to monitor these residues rigorously.
The procedure outlined in EN 21072 involves several critical steps including sample preparation, extraction, clean-up, and detection using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled with Mass Spectrometry (MS). The standard specifies precise conditions for each step to ensure consistent and accurate results.
Sample preparation is a key aspect of this process. It involves the collection of dairy-based drinks which are then filtered, diluted if necessary, and processed further depending on the specific macrolide being tested for. This step ensures that there's no interference with the detection process due to matrix effects common in complex beverages.
The extraction method typically employed is QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) which is widely used for its efficiency and reliability in extracting analytes from various food matrices. After extraction, clean-up procedures are carried out to remove any potential interferences such as lipids or proteins that could affect the detection.
The detection part utilizes HPLC-MS/MS technology due to its high sensitivity and selectivity required for quantifying trace amounts of macrolides present in dairy-based drinks. This method allows us not only to detect the presence but also quantify these residues accurately, which is vital for determining compliance levels.
The results obtained from this procedure are reported according to EN 21072 standards, ensuring consistency and comparability across different laboratories conducting similar analyses worldwide. Compliance with international standards like this one enhances confidence in test outcomes among consumers, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders alike.
Understanding the implications of these residues is important for maintaining food safety standards. Regulatory limits are set by agencies such as Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), which provides global food standards that contribute to international trade. Adhering to these standards helps protect public health while supporting fair trade practices.
Eurolab Advantages
As a leading provider of specialized testing services, Eurolab offers unparalleled expertise in veterinary drug residue testing. Our team comprises highly qualified professionals who stay updated with the latest technological advancements and regulatory changes.
We invest heavily in state-of-the-art equipment to ensure our clients receive accurate results consistently. This commitment translates into reliable data that supports informed decision-making throughout the supply chain. From research and development labs to quality assurance departments, Eurolab’s services play a vital role in ensuring product safety and regulatory compliance.
Our comprehensive approach includes not only testing but also providing consultancy on best practices for minimizing residues through proper animal husbandry techniques and medication administration protocols. By integrating these insights into operational processes early on, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of non-compliance incidents down the line.
In addition to our technical capabilities, Eurolab prides itself on delivering exceptional customer service. Our responsive team ensures quick turnaround times for critical samples while maintaining strict confidentiality around proprietary information shared during consultations or analysis requests.
International Acceptance and Recognition
The European standard EN 21072 has gained international recognition beyond its geographic scope within Europe. Many countries adopt similar standards tailored to their specific needs, but the principles remain consistent with those outlined in this document.
This widespread adoption underscores the importance placed on accurate and reliable methods for detecting veterinary drug residues globally. Regulatory bodies around the world recognize the value of harmonized testing protocols like EN 21072 because they facilitate easier communication between countries during inspections or audits related to food safety issues.
The acceptance of such standards also fosters trust among consumers who can be confident knowing that products meet stringent quality controls regardless of where they were manufactured. This global alignment promotes fairness in international trade by reducing barriers caused by varying national regulations.
Use Cases and Application Examples
| Scenario | Description | Tested Product | Standard Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Routine Quality Assurance | Daily monitoring of dairy-based drink samples from production facilities to ensure compliance with international limits. | Dairy-based drinks | EN 21072 |
| Post-Marketing Surveillance | Sampling and analysis of products sold in retail stores to verify compliance after they have entered the market. | Dairy-based drinks | EN 21072 |
| Investigations into Complaints | Analysis of samples taken from consumer complaints alleging presence of veterinary drug residues. | Dairy-based drinks | EN 21072 |
| R&D Projects | Supporting research aimed at developing new formulations or processes intended to reduce macrolide residues. | Dairy-based drinks | EN 21072 |
| Supplier Audits | Evaluating the quality control measures implemented by suppliers before purchasing ingredients for production. | Dairy-based drinks | EN 21072 |
| Customs Clearance | Ensuring imported dairy-based drinks comply with destination country regulations before clearance. | Dairy-based drinks | EN 21072 |
