EN 26047 Antibiotic Residue Profiling in Baby Foods
The European standard
Baby food manufacturers are under increasing scrutiny from regulatory bodies worldwide due to growing concerns over the presence of antibiotics, both as a result of accidental contamination or intentional use during production processes. The standard focuses on identifying and quantifying various antibiotic residues that could pose health risks if ingested by infants and young children. This service ensures compliance with international standards while providing critical data needed for product safety evaluation.
At Eurolab, our team specializes in this niche area, leveraging advanced analytical techniques such as Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to achieve high sensitivity and selectivity necessary for detecting trace levels of antibiotics. By adhering strictly to the requirements set forth by EN 26047, we deliver accurate results that are reliable and repeatable.
The process begins with meticulous sample preparation, which includes homogenizing samples according to specified methods outlined in the standard. Once prepared, the samples undergo extraction followed by clean-up steps designed to remove interfering compounds before analysis. Our analysts then use LC-MS/MS instrumentation equipped with optimized methods validated against EN 26047 standards.
Results are reported comprehensively, detailing all detected antibiotics along with their respective concentrations and comparison against established limits specified in the standard. This information is invaluable for manufacturers seeking to demonstrate compliance or troubleshoot potential issues within their supply chains.
- Sample Preparation: Homogenization of samples followed by extraction and clean-up procedures.
- Analytical Techniques: LC-MS/MS with validated methods per EN 26047 standards.
- Reporting: Detailed reports including detected antibiotics, concentrations, and comparisons against limits.
In summary, our service provides peace of mind for stakeholders involved in the production or distribution of baby foods by ensuring strict adherence to regulatory requirements through precise analytical methods. This not only protects public health but also enhances brand reputation among consumers who prioritize safety above all else.
Why It Matters
The presence of antibiotics in baby foods can have serious consequences for infant and young children's health. These residues may accumulate over time, leading to antibiotic resistance, which is a global health concern. Moreover, the developing immune systems of infants make them particularly vulnerable to adverse effects from even small amounts of these substances.
Compliance with EN 26047 ensures that manufacturers can confidently claim their products are safe and free from harmful levels of antibiotics. This standard helps build consumer trust in brands and supports retailers who want to offer high-quality, responsibly produced goods.
For research & development teams working on new formulations or process improvements, this service offers valuable insights into potential sources of contamination and areas for optimization. It also aids in understanding the impact of different raw materials or manufacturing processes on final product quality.
In addition to safeguarding public health, compliance with EN 26047 can help protect your business from legal actions and recalls due to non-compliance issues. By proactively addressing these concerns through rigorous testing protocols, you demonstrate a commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity and responsibility throughout the supply chain.
Eurolab Advantages
At Eurolab, we pride ourselves on offering unparalleled expertise in the field of food safety analysis. Our team comprises highly qualified professionals with extensive experience in performing complex tests like those required by EN 26047.
- State-of-the-art facilities: Equipped with cutting-edge LC-MS/MS instruments optimized for detecting even trace amounts of antibiotics.
- Experienced analysts: Skilled in interpreting results and providing actionable recommendations based on findings.
- Certified laboratories: Our facilities are accredited to international standards ensuring consistency and accuracy.
- Comprehensive reporting: Detailed reports that go beyond mere data points, offering valuable insights into potential issues within your supply chain or formulation processes.
We understand the importance of maintaining strict confidentiality around proprietary information. Therefore, all communications between us are conducted discreetly and securely, ensuring no sensitive details are disclosed inadvertently.
Partnering with Eurolab means gaining access to a network of industry leaders who share your commitment to excellence in food safety practices. Together, we can work towards creating safer products that instill confidence in consumers while meeting regulatory expectations.
Quality and Reliability Assurance
We employ stringent quality control measures throughout every stage of the testing process to ensure reliability and accuracy of results. Our laboratories are accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, which guarantees adherence to internationally recognized standards for competence in testing and calibration services.
- Sample Handling: Rigorous protocols for receiving, storing, and preparing samples.
- Analytical Methods: Validated procedures based on EN 26047 specifications.
- Data Analysis: Automated systems coupled with manual verification steps to catch any anomalies early.
- Result Reporting: Transparent and detailed reports that comply fully with EN 26047 requirements.
By integrating these robust quality assurance practices into our workflow, we minimize the risk of errors or discrepancies in test outcomes. This commitment to excellence is reflected not only in our technical capabilities but also in our unwavering dedication to delivering consistent and reliable results every time.
