EN 24517 Hormone Residue Testing in Dairy-Based Drinks
The European Standard EN 24517 is specifically designed to ensure the safety and quality of dairy-based drinks by regulating the presence of certain hormones that may be introduced through veterinary drug usage. This standard plays a crucial role for food and feed testing laboratories like Eurolab, which offers comprehensive services ensuring compliance with international standards.
Understanding hormone residues in dairy products is essential because they can have significant implications on public health if not controlled properly. The use of hormones in cattle to promote growth or milk production has been widely practiced; however, excessive levels could lead to adverse effects when consumed by humans. Therefore, stringent testing protocols are necessary to maintain the integrity and safety of these food items.
EN 24517 focuses on detecting hormonally active substances such as estradiol-17β (E2), progesterone (P4), testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and their metabolites. These hormones can be present in dairy-based drinks due to improper veterinary drug administration practices or environmental contamination. To accurately measure these residues, sophisticated analytical techniques are employed by Eurolab's experts.
Our laboratory adheres strictly to the guidelines outlined in EN 24517 during every step of sample preparation and analysis. This ensures accurate results that can be relied upon for regulatory purposes. By providing reliable data on hormone levels within dairy-based drinks, we help our clients meet stringent legal requirements set forth by governing bodies.
It is also important to note that proper interpretation of test outcomes requires knowledge about acceptable limits according to the standard. For instance, while very low concentrations might not pose immediate risks, higher amounts could signal potential issues related to animal welfare or consumer safety. Thus, accurate quantification followed by clear reporting becomes critical.
In summary, EN 24517 Hormone Residue Testing in Dairy-Based Drinks is a vital service offered by Eurolab aimed at safeguarding public health and upholding industry standards. Through rigorous testing procedures based on this standard, we ensure the accuracy and reliability of results provided to our clients.
Why It Matters
The presence of hormone residues in dairy-based drinks can have serious implications for both human health and animal welfare. Excessive intake of these hormones through consumption could lead to various health problems including reproductive disorders, early puberty onset, and even cancer development over time.
For livestock farmers, ensuring proper veterinary drug usage practices is not only ethically responsible but also legally mandated by regulatory authorities worldwide. Misuse of antibiotics or growth promoters without adequate monitoring can result in antibiotic resistance among bacterial populations. Additionally, it may cause imbalances in animal metabolism leading to reduced productivity and increased mortality rates.
From a broader perspective, maintaining high standards in food safety contributes significantly towards building consumer trust in the dairy sector. Consumers increasingly demand transparent information regarding how their food is produced and processed. Compliance with international standards like EN 24517 helps build this confidence while simultaneously protecting consumers from potentially harmful substances.
Moreover, adherence to such stringent testing protocols sets Eurolab apart as a trusted partner for companies operating within the dairy industry. By partnering with us, businesses can ensure that their products meet all necessary regulatory requirements and contribute positively towards sustainable development goals.
Scope and Methodology
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Sample Collection | Randomly selected samples from various sources including farms, processing plants, and retail stores. |
| Sample Preparation | Careful handling to prevent contamination; homogenization followed by filtration if necessary. |
| Detection Techniques | High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled with Mass Spectrometry (MS). |
| Standard Additives | Methanol, acetonitrile, formic acid used as solvents. |
| Data Analysis | Peak areas and retention times compared against calibration curves to calculate concentrations. |
| Acceptance Criteria | All detected residues must fall below specified limits defined by EN 24517. |
The methodology described above ensures precise quantification of hormonally active substances in dairy-based drinks. Our team follows these steps meticulously to deliver accurate and reliable results, providing peace of mind for our clients.
Eurolab Advantages
At Eurolab, we pride ourselves on offering state-of-the-art facilities equipped with advanced technology that allows us to provide top-notch services. Our experienced team of scientists and technicians ensures accurate and consistent results every time.
- Accreditation: We are fully accredited ISO/IEC 17025:2017, ensuring our methods meet international standards.
- Expertise: Our experts have extensive experience in food and feed testing, allowing them to provide accurate interpretations of test outcomes.
- Speed: Timely delivery of reports enables swift decision-making for our clients.
- Compliance: We stay updated with all relevant regulations and guidelines, helping our clients maintain compliance effortlessly.
- Confidentiality: Client information remains strictly confidential; we respect privacy at every stage of the process.
Partnering with Eurolab means partnering with a reliable, efficient, and trustworthy organization dedicated to excellence in laboratory testing.
