ISO 61980 Macrolide Profiling in Dairy-Based Drinks
The ISO 61980 protocol is specifically designed to profile macrolides, a class of antibiotics commonly used in veterinary medicine. This service plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of dairy-based drinks by detecting trace levels of macrolide residues that may have entered the food chain through veterinary use.
The testing process involves several critical steps: sample collection from various dairy products, extraction of macrolides using advanced chromatographic techniques, and mass spectrometric analysis for accurate identification and quantification. The service ensures compliance with international standards such as ISO 61980-2, which specifies the methods for sampling, preparation, and analysis.
The importance of this testing cannot be overstated. In recent years, there have been increasing concerns about antibiotic resistance and the potential transfer of antibiotic residues to humans through consumption of dairy products. By adhering strictly to ISO 61980 guidelines, our laboratory ensures that dairy-based drinks meet stringent safety standards.
Our team of experts employs cutting-edge instrumentation, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), to provide accurate and reliable results. This allows us to identify even trace amounts of macrolides in complex matrices like milk-based beverages.
The process begins with the collection of samples from various dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and plant-based alternatives that contain dairy-derived ingredients. Each sample undergoes rigorous preprocessing, including homogenization, filtration, and extraction using solvent-based methods or solid-phase extraction cartridges. Once extracted, the macrolides are separated and identified through HPLC coupled with MS/MS for precise quantification.
Our laboratory adheres strictly to ISO 61980-2:2015 which outlines the procedures for sampling, preparing, extracting, and analyzing macrolide residues in dairy products. This ensures that all tests are conducted under controlled conditions, leading to consistent and reproducible results.
Our team of certified analysts uses advanced chromatographic techniques such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). These methods provide high sensitivity and selectivity, allowing for the detection of even minute amounts of macrolides. The results are then analyzed in accordance with ISO 61980 standards to ensure accuracy.
The service is particularly relevant for food safety professionals who need to verify compliance with regulatory requirements set by authorities like the European Commission (EC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). By offering this specialized testing, we contribute significantly to maintaining public health by preventing the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
| Sample Type | Preprocessing Steps | Extraction Method | Analytical Technique |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dairy Products (Milk, Cheese, Yogurt) | Homogenization, Filtration | Solvent-Based Extraction | HPLC-MS/MS |
| Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives | Homogenization, Filtration | Solid-Phase Extraction Cartridges | GCMS-MS |
Scope and Methodology
The scope of this service encompasses the analysis of macrolide residues in a wide range of dairy-based drinks. The methodology involves several key steps: sample collection, extraction, purification, and finally, analysis using advanced mass spectrometric techniques.
- Sample Collection: Samples are collected from various sources including farms, processing plants, and retail outlets.
- Extraction: Extracting macrolides requires careful handling to avoid contamination. Solvent-based methods or solid-phase extraction cartridges are used depending on the sample type.
- Purification: After extraction, the samples undergo purification processes to eliminate any interfering substances that might affect the results.
- Analysis: Finally, the purified extracts are subjected to chromatographic and mass spectrometric analysis for accurate identification and quantification of macrolides.
International Acceptance and Recognition
- The European Commission (EC) recognizes ISO 61980 standards as the benchmark for ensuring food safety in Europe.
- The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends compliance with these international guidelines to prevent contamination risks associated with antibiotic residues.
- ISO 61980 is also widely accepted by major regulatory bodies across Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
