ISO 42913 Zearalenone Profiling in Soybean Meal Feed
The European standard ISO 42913 outlines a comprehensive methodology for the quantification and profiling of zearalenone, a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium fungi. This service is particularly relevant to the food & feed sector where contamination with mycotoxins can pose serious health risks, especially in soybean meal feeds.
Zearalenone affects livestock and poultry by mimicking estrogenic compounds, leading to reproductive issues such as infertility and reduced fertility rates. For quality managers and compliance officers, this proficiency test is essential for ensuring feed safety and regulatory compliance. R&D engineers can use it to monitor the efficacy of decontamination methods or breeding strategies aimed at minimizing mycotoxin accumulation.
The testing protocol involves several critical steps: sample preparation, extraction, clean-up, derivatization, and ultimately, quantification using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This method ensures accurate detection down to the limit of 5 μg/kg, which is crucial for maintaining feed safety standards.
Our service uses state-of-the-art LC-MS/MS instrumentation that can differentiate between zearalenone and its metabolites, providing a detailed profile. This information is invaluable for understanding the extent of contamination and identifying potential sources. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive report detailing the test results along with recommendations for mitigation strategies.
The standard ISO 42913 ensures consistency and reliability in testing across different laboratories. Compliance officers can rely on this service to meet EU regulatory requirements such as Directive 2017/625 on feed contaminants.
| Sample Type | Test Method | Limit of Detection (LOD) |
|---|---|---|
| Soybean Meal Feed | Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry | 5 μg/kg |
| Sample Preparation Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Sieving and Grinding | The sample is sieved to remove large particles, then ground to a fine powder for uniform extraction. |
| Extraction | Extracted using an appropriate solvent followed by clean-up steps to ensure purity of the extract. |
For procurement teams, this service ensures that only safe and compliant feed is sourced. The detailed profiling provides insights into potential contamination hotspots within supply chains, enabling proactive sourcing decisions. Understanding how zearalenone impacts livestock health and productivity is critical for maintaining high standards of animal welfare.
The methodology described in ISO 42913 is not just a compliance tool but also a key component of sustainable food & feed production practices. By adhering to this standard, laboratories can contribute significantly to reducing the prevalence of mycotoxins in agricultural products and ensuring global food safety standards are met.
Why It Matters
The importance of ISO 42913 cannot be overstated for those involved in the food & feed industry. Zearalenone, a potent mycotoxin, can have severe implications for livestock health and productivity. Its estrogenic effects can lead to reproductive disorders such as infertility, reduced fertility rates, and other hormonal imbalances.
For quality managers, ensuring compliance with this standard is crucial in maintaining the integrity of their product lines. The risk of contamination must be mitigated at every stage of production, from sourcing raw materials to final packaging.
- Health Risks: Zearalenone exposure can lead to reproductive disorders and hormonal imbalances in both animals and humans consuming contaminated feeds.
- Economic Impact: Contamination incidents can result in significant financial losses due to reduced productivity, increased healthcare costs, and potential legal liabilities.
Compliance officers must stay ahead of regulatory changes and ensure that their operations meet the highest safety standards. By leveraging ISO 42913, they can demonstrate their commitment to responsible sourcing and production practices.
R&D engineers benefit from this service by gaining insights into contamination patterns and potential mitigation strategies. This knowledge is instrumental in developing innovative solutions for reducing mycotoxin levels in feeds.
Industry Applications
- Soybean Meal Feed Testing: Profiling zearalenone ensures that the feed meets safety and quality standards, protecting livestock health.
- Risk Assessment: Identifying contamination hotspots in supply chains helps in making informed sourcing decisions.
- Product Development: Understanding the impact of mycotoxins on animal health aids in developing safer and more productive feed formulations.
| Risk Factors for Zearalenone Contamination | Description |
|---|---|
| Environmental Conditions | Favorable conditions for Fusarium growth, such as high humidity and temperature, increase the risk of contamination. |
| Storage Practices | Poor storage practices can lead to mold growth, increasing the likelihood of mycotoxin accumulation in feeds. |
The application of ISO 42913 is not limited to feed testing alone. The insights gained from this service can be extended to other areas of food & feed production, such as grain and cereal testing, further enhancing overall safety standards.
Eurolab Advantages
At Eurolab, we offer unparalleled expertise in mycotoxin analysis. Our proficiency testing service for ISO 42913 is conducted using advanced LC-MS/MS instrumentation, ensuring accuracy and reliability of results.
- Accreditation: We are accredited to perform this test according to the latest international standards.
- Expertise: Our team of experts has extensive experience in mycotoxin analysis, providing accurate interpretations of results.
- Comprehensive Reporting: In addition to quantitative data, we provide a detailed report with recommendations for mitigation strategies.
- Customer Support
Our commitment to excellence ensures that our clients receive the highest quality service. By partnering with Eurolab, organizations can rest assured that their feed safety and compliance needs are met effectively and efficiently.
