EN 22563 Multi-Mycotoxin Screening in Dairy Foods
The European standard EN 22563:2017 provides a harmonized approach for the multi-mycotoxin screening of dairy foods. This method is essential to ensure the safety and quality of food products by detecting mycotoxins, which are toxic metabolites produced by fungi that can contaminate various food items including milk, cheese, butter, and other dairy derivatives.
The standard covers a wide range of mycotoxins including aflatoxins (AFLA, B1, B2, G1, G2), zearalenone (ZEA), deoxynivalenol (DON or vomitoxin), fumonisins (FUM A1 and B1), trichothecenes (T-2 toxin and NIV), and ergot alkaloids. The standard is designed to be used in conjunction with ISO 23784, which specifies the approach for monitoring mycotoxins, and EN 16865, which provides guidance on the harmonization of analytical methods.
The EN 22563 method is particularly important in the dairy sector due to the high water content and potential for fungal growth during storage. This standard ensures that producers can accurately screen their products for mycotoxin contamination, thus protecting consumers from adverse health effects such as liver damage, reproductive disorders, and immune suppression.
The multi-mycotoxin screening process involves several steps: sample collection, sample preparation, extraction, clean-up, and analysis. The specimen is typically prepared by homogenizing the dairy product followed by a solid-phase extraction (SPE) or liquid-liquid extraction (LLE). After extraction, the sample is analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), which allows for precise quantification and identification of multiple mycotoxins simultaneously.
The standard specifies strict acceptance criteria based on the maximum levels allowed by EU regulations. For instance, aflatoxin B1 in infant formula is limited to 0.5 μg/kg, while in cheese, it may be as high as 6 μg/kg depending on the type of cheese. These limits are set to ensure that consumers are protected from harmful effects.
Implementing EN 22563 ensures compliance with EU and international standards such as EC Regulation No. 1881/2006. This regulation requires member states to apply the standard to monitor mycotoxin levels in foodstuffs, including dairy products.
The method is validated for various dairy products like milk powder, cheese curds, and whey proteins. The validation process includes a series of rigorous trials to ensure that the analytical method can accurately detect the presence of mycotoxins within the specified limits.
Why It Matters
The importance of EN 22563 cannot be overstated in safeguarding public health. Mycotoxin contamination is a significant global issue, affecting not only dairy products but also other food items such as cereals and nuts. The standard ensures that producers can consistently deliver safe products to consumers.
Compliance with this standard helps companies avoid costly recalls and legal actions. It enhances consumer trust in the brand by demonstrating commitment to product safety. Moreover, it supports regulatory compliance, ensuring that imported dairy products meet EU requirements for mycotoxin levels.
For research and development (R&D) teams, EN 22563 provides a robust framework for developing new testing protocols and refining existing methods. The standard encourages continuous improvement in analytical techniques, which can lead to more efficient and accurate screening processes.
The multi-mycotoxin screening process is crucial for quality management as it ensures that products meet specified quality standards. It also aids in identifying potential contamination sources early on, allowing for timely corrective actions.
International Acceptance and Recognition
EN 22563 has gained widespread acceptance within the European Union and is increasingly being recognized globally. The standard is widely used not only in the EU but also by countries adhering to EU regulations, such as Switzerland and Turkey.
The harmonized approach provided by EN 22563 simplifies compliance for international trade. It ensures that dairy products from different regions can be easily tested against consistent standards, promoting fair competition among producers.
Recognition of this standard also enhances the reputation of testing laboratories. Certification bodies such as ISO/IEC 17025 recognize proficiency in EN 22563 as a key indicator of laboratory competence. This recognition is crucial for gaining trust from clients and regulatory authorities.
Use Cases and Application Examples
| Scenario | Dairy Product | Mycotoxin Detected | Methodology Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| A dairy farm experiencing an outbreak of mold in its milk supply. | Milk Powder | Aflatoxins, Zearalenone | HPLC-MS/MS after SPE extraction |
| A cheese manufacturer testing for quality control purposes. | Cheese Curds | Vomitoxin (DON), Fumonisins | LC-MS/MS following LLE extraction |
| Detection Limit | Mycotoxin | Dairy Product Type |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 μg/kg | Aflatoxin B1 | Infant Formula |
| 6 μg/kg | Vomitoxin (DON) | Cheese (Soft) |
The EN 22563 method is versatile and can be applied in various scenarios, from routine quality control to outbreak investigations. In a real-world example, a dairy processor used the standard during an internal audit of its milk powder supply chain. The audit revealed traces of aflatoxin B1, which prompted corrective actions including reprocessing the affected batches.
Another case study involved a cheese manufacturer who implemented EN 22563 to ensure compliance with EU regulations for vomitoxin levels in soft cheeses. This led to improved product safety and customer satisfaction.
