EN 24390 Fungicide Profiling in Spices
The European Standard EN 24390 is a comprehensive guide for the quantitative determination of fungicides in spices. This standard ensures that food and feed products are safe by identifying potential residues of fungicides, which can have significant health implications when consumed in excess.
Fungicides are commonly used to protect crops from fungal diseases, but their presence in spices can be a concern due to the high surface-to-volume ratio of these products. The presence of even trace amounts of certain fungicides may pose risks to human and animal health. This standard provides detailed procedures for sampling, extraction, and analysis that ensure accurate and reliable results.
Our laboratory adheres strictly to the requirements laid out in EN 24390, ensuring that all tests are conducted under controlled conditions to avoid contamination or cross-contamination between samples. The testing process involves multiple stages:
- Sample preparation
- Extraction using appropriate solvents
- Determination of fungicide residues by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- Data interpretation and reporting
The accuracy and precision of the results are crucial for ensuring compliance with international regulations. Our state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, equipped with advanced LC-MS/MS instruments, guarantee reliable and repeatable test outcomes.
Compliance with EN 24390 is essential for companies involved in the production, distribution, or sale of spices. Non-compliance can result in product recalls, legal action, and reputational damage. Our laboratory provides a service that helps clients avoid these risks by offering accurate and reliable test results.
| Sample Type | Testing Method | Target Fungicides | Result Reporting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshly harvested spices | LC-MS/MS | Aflatoxins, Benomyl, Propiconazole | Quantitative and qualitative results with confidence intervals |
| Dried or processed spices | LC-MS/MS | Cyproconazole, Iprovalicarb, Pyraclonil | Compliance certificates and detailed reports |
The European Standard EN 24390 is widely recognized across the EU and internationally. Compliance with this standard not only ensures product safety but also enhances brand reputation and consumer trust.
Benefits
- Compliance Assurance: Ensures that your products meet international standards for food safety.
- Risk Management: Identifies potential health risks early, allowing you to take corrective actions promptly.
- Brand Protection: Maintains the integrity and reputation of your brand in the market.
- Customer Satisfaction: Provides peace of mind to consumers who value product safety.
- Competitive Edge: Demonstrates commitment to quality, which can attract more customers and improve market share.
International Acceptance and Recognition
The European Standard EN 24390 is recognized by numerous countries and international organizations. It has been adopted by the EU, the United States, Canada, Australia, and many other global bodies as a benchmark for fungicide residue testing in spices.
By adhering to this standard, laboratories like ours ensure that their test results are accepted worldwide, facilitating trade and cooperation between countries with different regulatory frameworks. This recognition also enhances the credibility of your test results, making them more valuable in international markets.
Use Cases and Application Examples
| Case Study | Description | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Brazilian Spice Exporter: | A major exporter of black pepper sought to ensure compliance with EN 24390 before exporting to the EU market. | The laboratory conducted tests on a batch of freshly harvested black pepper. The results showed no detectable residues of any fungicides, ensuring that the product met the required standards and could be exported without delay. |
| Indian Spice Manufacturer: | A manufacturer was concerned about potential contamination from fungicide use during the drying process. | The laboratory tested samples of dried turmeric. The results indicated a trace amount of a specific fungicide, prompting the manufacturer to review and adjust their processing procedures. |
| US Spice Importer: | An importer wanted to verify that spices were free from harmful fungicide residues before offering them for sale in the US market. | The laboratory tested a batch of coriander seeds. The results confirmed the absence of any fungicides, allowing the product to be sold legally and safely. |
These examples highlight how EN 24390 plays a crucial role in ensuring that spices are safe for consumption and meet international regulatory requirements.
