Fluoroquinolone Residue Screening in Livestock Products
The presence of fluoroquinolones, a class of antimicrobial agents widely used in veterinary medicine and human health, can lead to serious public health risks if detected in livestock products. Fluoroquinolones are known for their broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, but the use of these drugs must be carefully regulated to prevent residues that could enter the food chain.
Our laboratory offers comprehensive testing services for fluoroquinolone residue screening in various livestock products including meat, milk, and eggs. This service is crucial for ensuring compliance with international standards such as ISO 17025:2017, which mandates proficiency in analytical methods used by accredited laboratories.
Testing procedures involve a multi-step process that begins with the collection of samples from farms or processing plants. Samples are then transported to our laboratory where they undergo preliminary examination followed by extraction and clean-up processes using advanced technology like solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges. The extracted compounds are subsequently analyzed via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS/MS), providing accurate quantification of fluoroquinolone residues.
The detection limits for this service typically range between 0.1 ppb to 5 ppb depending on the matrix type and specific fluoroquinolone compound being tested. This level ensures high sensitivity necessary for regulatory compliance but also allows us to detect sub-therapeutic levels of these antibiotics which may indicate improper usage.
Our experienced technical team uses state-of-the-art equipment including Agilent 1290 Infinity II LC system with ZQ7000 MS/MS detector, ensuring reliable results every time. Each test follows strict protocols outlined in international standards such as AOAC Official Methods of Analysis or EU Directives on veterinary drug residues.
Compliance with these regulations is vital not only for protecting consumer health but also maintaining market access to overseas markets where stringent requirements exist regarding the presence of antibiotics in food products. Regular monitoring helps prevent potential contamination incidents that could result in costly recalls and reputational damage.
Benefits
- Ensures compliance with international standards like ISO 17025:2017 and EU Directives on veterinary drug residues.
- Guarantees accurate quantification of fluoroquinolone residues down to sub-therapeutic levels.
- Provides reliable results using advanced HPLC/MS/MS technology, enhancing consumer confidence in the safety of food products.
- Supports effective management and control measures against improper use practices within agricultural sectors.
Industry Applications
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Farm Management | Helps identify improper usage of fluoroquinolones, guiding corrective actions to prevent contamination. |
| Processing Plants | Aids in maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements before products reach consumers. |
| Distribution Channels | Ensures product integrity throughout the supply chain by verifying absence of prohibited substances. |
Quality and Reliability Assurance
To ensure consistent high-quality services, we adhere to strict quality management systems based on ISO 17025:2017 requirements. Our team undergoes regular training updates to stay current with the latest methodologies in analytical chemistry.
We maintain accreditation under various national bodies recognized globally for their proficiency testing programs. This includes participation in interlaboratory comparisons organized by organizations like the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC).
Our commitment extends beyond mere compliance; we strive to continuously improve our practices through ongoing research and development initiatives focusing on novel techniques that enhance sensitivity and specificity.
