EN 25862 Tetracycline Residue Analysis in Herbal Teas
The analysis of tetracycline residues in herbal teas is crucial to ensure compliance with international food safety standards and to protect consumer health. This service adheres strictly to the European standard EN 25862: Determination of tetracyclines in foodstuffs intended for human consumption. Compliance with this standard ensures that imported and domestically produced herbal teas meet stringent regulatory requirements, thereby safeguarding public health.
The demand for natural products has surged, leading to increased scrutiny on the use of veterinary drugs in foods intended for human consumption. Tetracyclines are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics used widely in animal husbandry to treat bacterial infections. However, their presence in herbal teas can pose significant risks if not controlled properly. This service leverages advanced chromatographic techniques to detect even minute traces of tetracycline residues.
Our laboratory employs state-of-the-art equipment and methodologies to ensure accurate and reliable results. We use high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with ultraviolet detection for precise quantification. The process involves several critical steps, including sample preparation, where herbal tea samples are extracted using appropriate solvents, followed by filtration and injection into the HPLC system.
The methodology outlined in EN 25862 specifies the use of isocratic elution with a mobile phase composed primarily of acetonitrile and water. The temperature range for analysis typically spans between 30°C to 40°C, with the column oven maintained at this temperature during the entire run. This ensures optimal separation of tetracycline compounds from other interfering components.
Once the sample passes through the HPLC system, it is detected using a UV detector set at a wavelength that optimizes sensitivity for tetracycline identification. The retention times and peak areas are compared against calibration standards prepared under identical conditions to ensure accuracy. This approach minimizes matrix effects that could otherwise interfere with accurate quantification.
The acceptance criteria specified in EN 25862 mandate the establishment of a limit for tetracycline residues based on the intended use and consumption level of the herbal tea product. Our laboratory rigorously adheres to these limits, ensuring that any detected residue levels fall well below the permissible thresholds set by regulatory bodies such as EU Regulation 396/2014.
This service is designed for quality managers, compliance officers, R&D engineers, and procurement professionals who require assurance of product safety. By adhering to this standard, they can rest assured that their products meet the highest standards of food safety and regulatory compliance.
| Applied Standards | Description |
|---|---|
| EN 25862: Determination of tetracyclines in foodstuffs intended for human consumption | This standard specifies the methodology for determining tetracycline residues in herbal teas. |
| EU Regulation 396/2014 | Regulates maximum residue levels of veterinary drugs in foods intended for human consumption. |
Applied Standards
| Applied Standards | Description |
|---|---|
| EN 25862: Determination of tetracyclines in foodstuffs intended for human consumption | This standard specifies the methodology for determining tetracycline residues in herbal teas. |
| EU Regulation 396/2014 | Regulates maximum residue levels of veterinary drugs in foods intended for human consumption. |
Scope and Methodology
The scope of this service is to ensure that herbal teas do not contain unacceptable levels of tetracycline residues. The methodology involves several key steps: sample collection, preparation, analysis using HPLC coupled with UV detection, and interpretation of results against the standard's acceptance criteria.
- Sample Collection: Samples are collected from various sources to ensure a representative batch is analyzed.
- Sample Preparation: Extraction solvents are chosen based on their ability to dissolve tetracycline compounds effectively without affecting other components in the sample.
- Analytical Techniques: HPLC with UV detection provides high sensitivity and selectivity necessary for detecting minute traces of tetracyclines.
The acceptance criteria specified by EN 25862 ensure that any detected residues are below the permissible levels set forth by EU regulations. This service is essential for maintaining the integrity of herbal tea products and ensuring they meet regulatory standards.
Benefits
- Achieves compliance with EU Regulations 396/2014 ensuring safe consumption of herbal teas.
- Reduces the risk of legal penalties and reputational damage associated with non-compliance.
- Provides peace of mind to quality managers, compliance officers, R&D engineers, and procurement professionals by ensuring product safety.
- Enhances consumer trust in the brand through consistent adherence to regulatory standards.
