EN 23695 Hormone Residue Profiling in Dairy Desserts
The European standard EN 23695 provides a comprehensive approach for the analysis of hormone residues, specifically focusing on dairy desserts. This method is critical for ensuring food safety and compliance with international regulations. Hormones like estradiol-17β (E2) have been known to be used in livestock for enhancing milk production; however, their presence in dairy products can pose health risks if not properly controlled.
The standard specifies the use of Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which is a highly sensitive and selective analytical technique. This method involves several stages: sample preparation, extraction, purification, and finally, analysis by LC-MS/MS to identify and quantify hormone residues.
Sample preparation for this test requires precise handling of dairy desserts such as ice cream or yogurt. The samples are first homogenized to ensure uniform distribution of the hormones across the sample matrix. Extraction typically involves liquid–liquid extraction followed by solid-phase clean-up steps to remove matrix interferences and achieve a clean extract suitable for LC-MS/MS analysis.
The chromatographic separation is carried out on a reversed-phase column using appropriate mobile phases, and mass spectrometric detection occurs in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. This ensures that only specific transitions related to the target hormones are detected, providing high specificity and selectivity.
For accurate quantification, calibration curves are prepared with known concentrations of estradiol-17β standards. The limits of detection (LOD) for this method are typically very low, often in the picogram range, ensuring that even trace amounts of hormones can be detected.
The results from this test are reported in terms of ng/mL or pg/mL depending on the concentration levels found. Reporting also includes a detailed description of the sample preparation and chromatographic conditions used, along with any necessary quality control measures such as spiked recoveries or matrix-matched calibration standards.
Compliance with EN 23695 is essential for manufacturers to ensure that their products meet regulatory requirements set by agencies like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). This standard helps in maintaining consumer confidence and protecting public health by ensuring that hormone residues do not exceed safe limits as determined by scientific evidence.
Implementing this test can help companies avoid legal issues, product recalls, and damage to their brand reputation. It is especially crucial for those involved in the food supply chain who need to ensure regulatory compliance and maintain ethical standards.
- Why Choose This Test:
- To ensure compliance with international regulations on hormone residues in dairy desserts.
- To protect public health by identifying and quantifying potentially harmful hormone levels.
Benefits
The adoption of EN 23695 brings numerous benefits to stakeholders involved in the dairy industry:
- Consumer Trust: Ensures that consumers are provided with safe and reliable products, enhancing trust.
- Compliance Assurance: Helps manufacturers comply with international standards and regulations.
- Risk Management: Identifies potential risks early on, enabling timely corrective actions.
- Innovation: Supports the development of safer and more efficient production processes.
By implementing this test, companies can demonstrate their commitment to quality and safety, which is crucial for long-term success in a competitive market.
Why Choose This Test
This test is chosen by many stakeholders due to several compelling reasons:
- Precision: The high sensitivity of the LC-MS/MS method allows for precise detection and quantification of hormone residues.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensures that products meet stringent regulatory requirements set by EFSA and other relevant bodies.
- Consumer Safety: Protects public health by ensuring that hormone levels in dairy desserts do not exceed safe limits.
- Brand Reputation: Maintains a positive brand image, which is vital for consumer loyalty and market share.
The combination of precision, regulatory compliance, consumer safety, and brand reputation makes this test an invaluable tool for the food & feed testing sector.
International Acceptance and Recognition
EN 23695 is widely recognized and accepted internationally due to its robust methodology and stringent quality assurance standards:
- Global Adaptability: The standard is adaptable to various types of dairy desserts, making it suitable for different market demands.
- Credibility: Being aligned with international regulations enhances the credibility of test results.
- Market Access: Compliance with this standard facilitates easier access to foreign markets and export opportunities.
The widespread acceptance of EN 23695 underscores its importance in maintaining food safety standards across borders.
