EN 23947 Multi-Class Drug Profiling in Dairy-Based Products
The EN 23947 standard provides a comprehensive approach for the multi-class drug profiling of dairy-based products. This service is critical for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and maintaining product safety, especially in sectors where milk and dairy derivatives are processed or distributed.
In the food & feed sector, dairy products form a significant part of the diet across global populations. Ensuring that these products do not contain prohibited veterinary drugs is paramount to protect consumer health and maintain trust in the industry. The standard addresses this need by offering a robust framework for detecting various classes of drugs including beta-lactams, macrolides, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, and others.
The EN 23947 protocol involves several key steps that ensure accuracy and reliability. Specimen preparation is critical; it begins with the collection of raw milk samples or processed dairy products. These are then processed through a series of extraction methods tailored to isolate potential drug residues. Post-extraction, the samples undergo chromatographic analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS).
The methodology is designed to be sensitive and specific, ensuring that even trace amounts of prohibited drugs are detected. This sensitivity is crucial in preventing contamination from reaching consumers. The standard also includes a quality control framework that ensures consistency and reliability across laboratories.
The importance of this service cannot be overstated. Regulatory bodies worldwide have stringent rules against the presence of certain veterinary drugs in dairy products. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties, including product recalls and reputational damage for companies involved. By adhering to EN 23947, food & feed manufacturers demonstrate their commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
The service also offers significant competitive advantages. Firstly, it ensures that products are consistently safe, which can enhance brand reputation among consumers. Secondly, compliance with such a standard can open up new markets, especially in countries with strict import regulations. Lastly, it provides peace of mind to stakeholders, knowing that the supply chain is free from prohibited substances.
A list summarizing key competitive advantages includes:
- Enhanced product safety and quality
- Compliance with international standards
- Access to new market opportunities
- Strengthened brand reputation
The EN 23947 standard has a profound impact on the industry. By ensuring that dairy products are free from prohibited veterinary drugs, it protects public health and fosters trust in the food & feed sector. This service is an essential tool for quality managers, compliance officers, R&D engineers, and procurement teams looking to maintain high standards of product safety.
Applied Standards
The EN 23947 standard is part of a broader framework for food & feed testing that includes other international standards such as ISO, ASTM, and IEC. These standards are crucial in ensuring that the methodologies used are consistent across different regions and laboratories. The standard itself is based on well-established techniques like HPLC-MS/MS, which are recognized globally for their accuracy and reliability.
The application of EN 23947 involves a series of steps starting with sample collection. Raw milk or processed dairy products must be collected in accordance with the standard’s guidelines to ensure that they represent an accurate reflection of the product being tested. Post-collection, these samples undergo extraction processes designed to isolate any potential drug residues.
The extracted samples are then analyzed using HPLC-MS/MS, a technique known for its high sensitivity and specificity. This ensures that even trace amounts of prohibited drugs can be detected. The standard provides detailed protocols for sample preparation, chromatographic conditions, and data interpretation to ensure uniformity in results across different laboratories.
Quality control is an integral part of the EN 23947 process. It involves regular calibration of equipment, standardization of procedures, and verification of results using certified reference materials. This ensures that the test results are accurate and reliable, providing confidence to stakeholders.
Scope and Methodology
The scope of EN 23947 is broad and comprehensive. It covers a wide range of dairy-based products including milk, cheese, yogurt, and other processed derivatives. The methodology involves several key steps from sample collection to final analysis.
- Sample Collection: Raw milk or processed dairy products are collected in accordance with the standard’s guidelines.
- Extraction: Extracted samples undergo a series of processes designed to isolate potential drug residues.
- HPLC-MS/MS Analysis: The extracted samples are analyzed using HPLC-MS/MS for accurate detection of prohibited drugs.
- Data Interpretation: Results are interpreted in accordance with the standard’s guidelines, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
The methodology is designed to be sensitive and specific, ensuring that even trace amounts of prohibited drugs can be detected. This sensitivity is crucial in preventing contamination from reaching consumers. The standard also includes a quality control framework that ensures consistency and reliability across laboratories.
Quality control involves regular calibration of equipment, standardization of procedures, and verification of results using certified reference materials. This ensures that the test results are accurate and reliable, providing confidence to stakeholders.
