ISO 27205 Multi-Residue Profiling in Breakfast Cereals
The ISO 27205 standard provides a comprehensive approach to the analysis of multiple pesticide residues in food and feed samples. This service focuses on breakfast cereals, which are a key component of many diets worldwide. The primary goal is to ensure that these products meet regulatory requirements for safety and quality.
Breakfast cereals can be contaminated with various pesticides during cultivation, processing, or storage. Pesticides used in agriculture include insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and plant growth regulators. These chemicals are designed to control pests, diseases, and weeds that affect crop yield and quality. However, excessive pesticide residues on food products may pose health risks to consumers.
ISO 27205 specifies a multi-residue profiling approach using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). This analytical technique allows for the simultaneous detection and quantification of multiple pesticide residues in a single sample. The method is sensitive, specific, and robust, making it suitable for complex matrices like breakfast cereals.
The service involves several steps: sample preparation, extraction, clean-up, and analysis. Samples are typically ground to ensure homogeneity before extraction with an appropriate solvent. Common solvents used include methanol, acetonitrile, or water-acetonitrile mixtures. The extracted residues undergo cleanup using solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges or centrifugation.
After sample preparation, the residues are introduced into the LC-MS/MS system. Chromatographic separation is followed by mass spectrometric detection and identification based on retention time, ionization behavior, and fragmentation patterns. The system generates a detailed profile of pesticide residues present in the sample.
The analysis results provide quantitative data for each detected residue along with their limits of quantification (LOQ) and limits of detection (LOD). Reporting includes compliance status against relevant regulatory thresholds such as those set by Codex Alimentarius, European Commission regulations, or other national standards. Compliance ensures that products meet legal requirements and protect public health.
This service is critical for ensuring the safety and quality of breakfast cereals in the global food supply chain. By adhering to ISO 27205 guidelines, laboratories can provide reliable data supporting regulatory compliance, product development, and consumer confidence.
Industry Applications
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that pesticide residues do not exceed maximum residue limits (MRLs).
- R&D Support: Identifying potential issues early in the development process to enhance product safety.
- Supplier Audits: Evaluating suppliers' adherence to good agricultural practices and quality standards.
- Customer Assurance: Providing evidence of pesticide-free products for informed consumer choices.
Why Choose This Test
- Sensitivity: Detects even trace amounts of pesticides, ensuring minimal residue levels.
- Specificity: Differentiates between similar compounds to avoid false positives or negatives.
- Rapid Turnaround Time: Efficiently processes multiple samples with standardized protocols.
- Comprehensive Data: Provides a detailed profile of all detected residues for comprehensive analysis.
The ISO 27205 multi-residue profiling service is essential for maintaining the integrity and safety of breakfast cereals. It supports manufacturers in meeting stringent regulatory requirements while enhancing consumer trust through transparent product information.
