EN 24765 Nitroimidazole Screening in Confectionery
The European Standard EN 24765 specifies a method for screening nitroimidazoles, which are important classes of antibiotics and antiprotozoal agents. In the confectionery sector, residues from these compounds can pose significant risks to public health if not properly controlled. This service ensures that residual levels do not exceed safe limits as defined by regulatory bodies such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
The process involves several critical steps starting with sample preparation where raw materials and finished products are analyzed for their nitroimidazole content. A key challenge in this testing is ensuring minimal cross-contamination between samples, which can lead to inaccurate results.
Our laboratory employs state-of-the-art equipment including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS/MS), allowing for precise detection and quantification of nitroimidazole residues. This sophisticated instrumentation ensures that even trace amounts are detected, aligning with the stringent requirements outlined in EN 24765.
Sample preparation is a crucial step where the sample undergoes extraction procedures designed to liberate the target compounds from the matrix while minimizing loss or degradation of the analytes. This process typically involves acidification and subsequent solvent extraction followed by clean-up steps like solid-phase extraction (SPE).
The analytical method used in this testing is based on a multi-residue approach, which simultaneously screens for multiple nitroimidazole compounds. This comprehensive approach helps ensure that no single compound escapes detection, thereby providing a more holistic view of the potential contamination levels.
Our laboratory adheres strictly to the standard's acceptance criteria, ensuring that all results are accurate and reliable. The use of validated methods and rigorous quality control measures ensures compliance with international standards such as EN 24765. Our service is designed not only to meet regulatory requirements but also to provide actionable insights for continuous improvement in product safety.
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Sample contamination during extraction | Implementing a thorough clean-up step using SPE cartridges. |
| Matrix effects affecting HPLC-MS/MS performance | Incorporating matrix-matched calibration standards to account for these effects. |
| Interference from co-eluting compounds | Using selective reaction monitoring (SRM) in MS/MS detection mode. |
| Limited recovery of nitroimidazoles | Increasing extraction efficiency through optimized conditions and solvents. |
Applied Standards
The primary standard used in this testing is EN 24765, which specifies the methodology for screening nitroimidazoles in food and feed. This standard is crucial as it provides a harmonized approach to ensure that products are safe for consumption.
Additional relevant standards include ISO/TS 18309, which covers the analysis of several classes of veterinary drugs including nitroimidazoles. The US FDA also has guidance documents that align with these European and international standards.
The use of these standards ensures uniformity in testing methodologies across different regions, facilitating easier compliance for manufacturers operating globally.
International Acceptance and Recognition
- EN 24765 is widely accepted in Europe and has been adopted by several countries as a national standard.
- The United States recognizes this method through its own regulatory frameworks, ensuring that results from our laboratory are recognized internationally.
- Brazil and Argentina have incorporated similar methodologies into their food safety regulations based on EN 24765 principles.
- India's Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) also accepts this method for ensuring the safety of veterinary drug residues in confectionery products.
