ISO 100473 Aflatoxin Detection in Pet Food Products
The detection of aflatoxins in pet food products is a critical component of ensuring the safety and quality of these foods, especially given their potential to cause serious health issues in pets. ISO 10047-3 specifies a method for the determination of aflatoxin M1 in milk and dairy products; however, its application can be extended to pet food products with appropriate adjustments.
Aflatoxins are potent toxins produced by certain molds (Aspergillus species) that can contaminate various agricultural commodities during growth, harvest, or storage. While the primary concern for aflatoxin contamination is in animal feeds and human foods of plant origin, pets consuming contaminated pet food products face significant health risks.
ISO 10047-3 provides a quantitative method using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to determine aflatoxin M1. This method is chosen for its high sensitivity and specificity, making it suitable for detecting even trace levels of aflatoxins. The procedure involves sample preparation, extraction, clean-up, and analysis.
The primary objective of this service is not only to identify the presence of aflatoxin M1 but also to ensure that pet food products meet international safety standards for human consumption. This service supports quality managers, compliance officers, R&D engineers, and procurement teams in maintaining the integrity and safety of their product offerings.
The process begins with the collection of samples from various pet food batches or specific lots known to be at risk of contamination. Samples are then prepared according to ISO 10047-3 guidelines, which involve thorough homogenization followed by extraction using a suitable solvent like methanol-acetonitrile.
After extraction, the sample undergoes clean-up steps such as solid-phase extraction (SPE) or liquid-liquid partitioning to remove interfering compounds. The purified extract is then injected into an LC-MS/MS system for analysis. This sophisticated instrumentation ensures accurate quantification of aflatoxin M1, providing reliable results.
The service delivers detailed reports that include the concentration levels of aflatoxin M1 found in each sample, alongside compliance with relevant international standards such as ISO 23594 and EU Directive 2018/857. These reports are essential for decision-making processes regarding product release or recall.
The method’s specificity allows differentiation between different types of aflatoxins, which is crucial given that some aflatoxin variants may be more toxic than others. This level of detail ensures that pet owners can trust the safety of their pets’ food, thereby enhancing brand reputation and consumer confidence.
Scope and Methodology
| Sample Preparation | Extraction Techniques | Cleanup Methods | Analytical Instrumentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homogenization of samples followed by solvent extraction. | Methanol-acetonitrile mixture used as the extraction solvent. | Solid-phase extraction (SPE) or liquid-liquid partitioning. | LC-MS/MS system for analysis. |
The methodology adheres strictly to ISO 10047-3, ensuring that all steps are performed under controlled conditions to minimize contamination and maximize accuracy. The use of LC-MS/MS guarantees the detection limits required by regulatory bodies, making this a robust and reliable service for pet food manufacturers.
Quality and Reliability Assurance
- Dedicated laboratory space with state-of-the-art equipment.
- Trained personnel following international best practices.
- Regular calibration and maintenance of instruments to ensure precision.
- Strict adherence to ISO 10047-3 guidelines throughout the process.
The quality assurance framework is designed to eliminate any doubt regarding the accuracy and reliability of the test results. We employ rigorous controls at every stage, from sample collection to final reporting, ensuring that each result can be trusted completely.
Use Cases and Application Examples
- Monitoring pet food products for compliance with national and international standards.
- Investigating instances of suspected contamination in batches or specific lots.
- Supporting R&D efforts to develop safer, more reliable pet food formulations.
- Assisting procurement teams in selecting suppliers who adhere to strict quality controls.
By leveraging this service, our clients can ensure that their products meet the highest safety standards, thereby protecting both pets and consumers. This proactive approach not only enhances product safety but also fosters trust among customers and stakeholders.
