ISO 44013 Macrolide Residue Testing in Soy-Based Foods
The presence of veterinary drug residues in food products is a critical concern for the global food industry. This concern underscores the need for stringent testing and regulatory compliance to ensure consumer safety and trust.
ISO 44013 specifies procedures for the determination of macrolide residues, including erythromycin, in soy-based foods. This service is particularly important as soy products are widely consumed across various sectors, from infant formulas to pet food. The testing process aims to ensure that these products do not contain prohibited or unsafe levels of macrolides.
The methodology involves several key steps: sample preparation, extraction, and analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). These techniques are selected for their high sensitivity and specificity, enabling accurate detection even at trace levels. The testing process must adhere to rigorous standards set by regulatory bodies like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Our laboratory employs state-of-the-art LC-MS/MS instrumentation to ensure precision and reliability in our analyses. This equipment allows us to achieve a lower limit of detection that is compliant with international standards, ensuring accurate results even for very low levels of macrolides.
The importance of this testing cannot be overstated. Macrolides are a class of antibiotics commonly used in veterinary medicine and can pose health risks if present at unsafe levels in food products. Regulatory authorities worldwide enforce strict limits on the presence of these residues to protect public health. By providing accurate and reliable test results, we help ensure that soy-based foods meet or exceed these regulatory requirements.
Our service also includes detailed reporting, which provides a comprehensive overview of the testing process, results, and any actions required by our clients. This ensures transparency and facilitates informed decision-making for quality managers, compliance officers, R&D engineers, and procurement teams.
To further enhance the reliability of our tests, we adhere to strict quality control measures throughout the entire process. These include regular calibration of instruments, verification of reagents, and participation in proficiency testing programs recognized by international regulatory bodies.
Applied Standards
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| ISO 44013 | Procedure for the determination of macrolide residues in soy-based foods. |
| FDA 21 CFR Part 110 | Current good manufacturing practice for food. |
| EFSA Guidance on Veterinary Drug Residues | Guidelines for the presence of veterinary drug residues in foodstuffs. |
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) | Highly sensitive and specific method for detecting macrolide residues. |
| Sample Preparation | Involves homogenization, extraction, and clean-up steps to isolate the target analytes. |
Quality and Reliability Assurance
We uphold the highest standards of quality assurance in all our testing services. Our laboratory is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, ensuring that we meet the stringent requirements for competence and capability in calibration and testing laboratories.
Our commitment to reliability extends beyond accreditation; it includes continuous improvement through regular training programs for our staff and the adoption of advanced technologies. This ensures that our methods remain up-to-date with the latest scientific advancements.
We also participate in proficiency testing programs organized by recognized bodies such as the European Co-operation for Accreditation (EA) and the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). These programs provide an independent assessment of our analytical capabilities, ensuring that we consistently deliver accurate and reliable results.
Environmental and Sustainability Contributions
In addition to providing high-quality testing services, we are committed to minimizing the environmental impact of our operations. Our laboratory adheres to best practices in waste management and energy efficiency, ensuring that our processes are sustainable.
We also contribute to sustainability by promoting the responsible use of resources throughout the supply chain. By ensuring that soy-based foods meet regulatory standards for macrolide residues, we help reduce the risk of contamination and support a safer food system.
