ISO 10382 Heavy Metal Detection in Fruit and Vegetable Samples
The ISO 10382 standard is a crucial benchmark for ensuring the safety of fruit and vegetable products by detecting heavy metal residues. This service is essential for quality managers, compliance officers, R&D engineers, and procurement teams who need to ensure their supply chains comply with stringent international standards.
Heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As) can accumulate in soil, water, and air due to environmental pollution. These contaminants can then be transferred to crops through the food chain, posing significant health risks if consumed in high concentrations. ISO 10382 provides a standardized method for determining heavy metal content in fruit and vegetable samples, ensuring that these products meet strict quality and safety standards.
The testing process involves several critical steps: sample preparation, digestion of the sample to release the metals into solution, and subsequent analysis using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). These techniques offer high sensitivity and accuracy necessary for detecting trace amounts of heavy metals.
The importance of this test cannot be overstated. It helps protect public health by ensuring that the produce sold to consumers does not contain unacceptable levels of harmful elements. Additionally, compliance with ISO 10382 can safeguard a company's reputation and mitigate legal risks associated with non-compliance.
Our laboratory adheres strictly to ISO 10382 guidelines, employing experienced technicians equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation to deliver precise results. This ensures that our clients receive reliable data that they can trust for making informed decisions regarding their product safety programs.
Applied Standards
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| ISO 10382:2004 | Determination of heavy metals in foodstuffs by atomic absorption spectrometry or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. |
| ASTM E1526-17a | Suggested practices for the design, construction and installation of laboratory facilities used to conduct environmental analyses. |
Scope and Methodology
The scope of this service includes analyzing various types of fruit and vegetable samples from different geographical locations, including imported products. The methodology follows the detailed procedures outlined in ISO 10382:2004, which specifies the steps for sample preparation, digestion, and analysis.
- Sample Preparation: Fresh or frozen fruit and vegetable samples are first cleaned to remove visible soil particles. They are then homogenized and dried before being ground into a fine powder.
- Digestion: The powdered sample is digested using concentrated nitric acid, which dissolves the matrix components and releases the heavy metals into solution.
The digested samples are then analyzed using either atomic absorption spectrophotometry or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. These methods provide accurate quantification of lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic at parts-per-billion levels.
Why Choose This Test
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherence to international standards like ISO 10382:2004, which is mandatory for food safety and quality.
- Risk Management: Identifies potential contamination issues early in the supply chain, allowing corrective actions to be taken promptly.
- Precision Instruments: Utilize high-precision equipment such as atomic absorption spectrophotometers and ICP-MS for accurate measurements.
- Experienced Technicians: Employ skilled analysts who are trained in the latest techniques and methodologies to ensure reliable results.
This service not only meets regulatory requirements but also provides valuable insights into product quality, helping businesses maintain a competitive edge by offering safer and more trusted produce to consumers.
