ISO 46395 Multi-Residue Profiling in Dairy-Based Foods
The ISO 46395 standard outlines a comprehensive approach to multi-residue profiling for pesticides and other contaminants in dairy-based foods. This service ensures the safety of dairy products by detecting trace amounts of prohibited substances, including pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and other chemicals that could pose health risks if ingested.
Our laboratory adheres strictly to ISO 46395 guidelines, which mandate the use of advanced analytical techniques such as Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for accurate detection. The standard specifies strict limits on pesticide residues and requires that all results be reported in parts per billion or nanograms per gram, depending on the substance.
The process begins with sample collection, which is critical to ensure the integrity of the test. Samples are typically collected from farms or processing facilities where dairy products originate. Once collected, samples undergo rigorous preparation steps, including extraction and clean-up processes designed to separate target analytes from matrix components without introducing any artifacts.
Our laboratory uses state-of-the-art instrumentation to conduct these analyses. LC-MS/MS systems are chosen for their high sensitivity and selectivity, capable of identifying even minute quantities of contaminants. The analytical methods defined by ISO 46395 ensure that no single method can detect all residues; instead, a combination of techniques is used to cover as wide a range of potential contaminants as possible.
The standard also emphasizes the importance of quality control throughout the process, from sample collection through final analysis and reporting. This includes rigorous calibration procedures, internal and external quality assurance checks, and strict adherence to Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs).
- Calibration of instruments using certified reference materials.
- Conducting replicate analyses on a subset of samples to verify consistency and accuracy.
- Incorporating blank runs into the testing protocol to account for potential matrix effects or carry-over contamination.
Applied Standards
The ISO 46395 standard is widely recognized and adopted by governments, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders worldwide. It provides a robust framework for ensuring the safety of dairy products by detecting pesticide residues at levels that could impact human health.
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO): ISO 46395 is part of the broader family of standards designed to enhance food safety and quality. It aligns with other international guidelines, such as those from Codex Alimentarius Commission.
- Codex Alimentarius Commission: The Codex standard for pesticides in dairy products (CODEX STAN 159-2003) provides complementary guidance to ISO 46395, emphasizing the need for harmonized international standards.
The adoption of these standards ensures consistency and reliability across different regions, facilitating trade between countries and fostering confidence in the global dairy market. Compliance with ISO 46395 demonstrates a commitment to maintaining high-quality and safe products that meet international safety standards.
Quality and Reliability Assurance
The quality of our testing services is paramount, and we employ several measures to ensure reliability and accuracy. Our laboratory personnel undergo continuous training in the latest techniques and methodologies, ensuring they are up-to-date with industry best practices.
- Training: Regular workshops and seminars on new technologies and regulatory changes.
- Certification: All analysts hold relevant certifications from recognized bodies such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
- Quality Control: Daily checks of equipment performance, regular calibration, and maintenance schedules.
We also maintain strict adherence to Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), which are internationally recognized standards that govern the quality assurance in laboratory testing. GLPs ensure that all tests are conducted under controlled conditions, with detailed documentation maintained at every stage of the process.
Use Cases and Application Examples
The ISO 46395 standard finds extensive application in various sectors. One critical use case is in compliance monitoring for dairy farms and processing facilities, ensuring that they adhere to strict regulatory requirements regarding pesticide residues.
- Farm Monitoring: Regular testing of raw milk samples collected from farms helps identify any unauthorized pesticide usage or contamination issues early on.
- Processing Facility Testing: Ensures that processed dairy products, such as cheese and yogurt, meet international safety standards before they reach the market.
In addition to compliance monitoring, this service is invaluable for research and development (R&D) in the food industry. Companies can use it to explore new formulations or processes without inadvertently introducing prohibited substances into their products.
