ISO 6468 Organochlorine Pesticide Residue Analysis in Water and Food
The ISO 6468 standard is widely recognized for its stringent guidelines on the analysis of organochlorine pesticides in water and food. These compounds, including DDT, chlordane, hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), and others, are known to be highly persistent and toxic. Their presence in environmental samples can pose significant risks to human health and ecosystems.
The analysis of organochlorine pesticides is critical for ensuring compliance with regulatory standards such as the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) set by international bodies like Codex Alimentarius, and national regulations enforced by countries worldwide. Organochlorines are often used in agriculture to protect crops from pests; however, their long-term environmental persistence and bioaccumulation can lead to significant health concerns.
The ISO 6468 method is designed to detect these pesticides at very low concentrations, ensuring the safety of food products and water sources. The test is particularly important for sectors like agriculture, food processing, and public utilities that are directly involved in handling or distributing agricultural produce and potable water.
Our laboratory adheres strictly to ISO 6468 guidelines using state-of-the-art instrumentation such as Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). These instruments provide high sensitivity and selectivity, allowing for accurate detection of even trace amounts of organochlorine residues.
The process begins with the collection and preparation of samples. For water samples, this involves filtration to remove particulate matter, followed by appropriate dilution if necessary. Food samples undergo thorough cleaning and homogenization before extraction using organic solvents like dichloromethane or ethyl acetate. After extraction, clean-up steps such as solid-phase extraction (SPE) are performed to concentrate the analytes.
Once the extracts are prepared, they are injected into the GC-MS or LC-MS/MS system for analysis. Chromatographic separation is followed by mass spectral identification of the compounds present. The results are then compared against reference standards and validated using spiked samples to ensure accuracy.
The final report includes detailed information about the detected residues, including their identity, concentration levels, and whether they exceed regulatory limits. Compliance officers can use these data points to make informed decisions regarding product safety and quality control measures.
Our team of experts ensures that every step of the process adheres strictly to ISO 6468 requirements, providing reliable and accurate results. This service is particularly valuable for companies operating in high-risk agricultural areas or those exporting food products internationally where stringent testing protocols are required.
Scope and Methodology
| Pesticide Group | Target Analytes | Detection Limits (µg/L) | Sample Preparation | Instrumentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organochlorine Pesticides | DDT, Chlordane, HCHs | <0.1 µg/L | Filtration and dilution for water; homogenization and extraction for food | GC-MS, LC-MS/MS |
| Sample Cleanup | SPE (Solid Phase Extraction) | - | - | - |
The scope of ISO 6468 organochlorine pesticide residue analysis covers a wide range of water and food samples. The method targets specific groups of pesticides known to be highly persistent in the environment, such as DDT, chlordane, and HCHs. Detection limits are set at extremely low concentrations (<0.1 µg/L), ensuring that even minute traces can be detected.
The sample preparation process involves several key steps tailored for different types of samples:
- Water Samples: Filtration to remove particulate matter, followed by dilution if necessary.
- Food Samples: Thorough cleaning and homogenization before extraction using organic solvents like dichloromethane or ethyl acetate.
The extracted samples undergo cleanup through solid-phase extraction (SPE) to concentrate the analytes. This step is crucial for ensuring that only relevant compounds are analyzed, minimizing interference from other components in the sample.
For analysis, we use advanced instrumentation such as Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). These instruments provide high sensitivity and selectivity, allowing for accurate detection of even trace amounts of organochlorine residues.
Why Choose This Test
The ISO 6468 organochlorine pesticide residue analysis is essential for maintaining the safety and quality of food products and water sources. Organochlorines, though effective in pest control, can persist in the environment for decades and accumulate in living organisms, leading to potential health risks.
Compliance with ISO 6468 ensures that food producers meet stringent regulatory standards set by international bodies like Codex Alimentarius. This compliance is crucial for protecting public health and maintaining consumer confidence in the safety of agricultural products.
The test provides detailed information about pesticide residues, including their identity, concentration levels, and whether they exceed established limits. This data can be used by quality managers to implement corrective actions if necessary, ensuring that products meet regulatory requirements.
For procurement teams, this service offers peace of mind knowing that the food products and water sources being sourced are free from harmful organochlorine residues. It also supports R&D engineers in developing safer agricultural practices and formulations.
The ISO 6468 method is particularly beneficial for companies operating in high-risk agricultural areas or those exporting food internationally, where stringent testing protocols are required. By adhering to this standard, businesses can enhance their reputation as responsible stewards of public health and the environment.
Customer Impact and Satisfaction
The ISO 6468 organochlorine pesticide residue analysis has a direct impact on customer satisfaction by ensuring that food products and water sources are free from harmful residues. This service provides critical data that can be used to make informed decisions regarding product safety and quality control.
For quality managers, this test offers valuable insights into the presence of organochlorine pesticides in their products. By identifying any potential issues early on, they can take corrective actions to prevent non-compliance with regulations. This not only protects public health but also enhances customer trust and loyalty.
Compliance officers find this service particularly useful as it helps them ensure that all products meet the stringent regulatory standards set by international bodies like Codex Alimentarius. This ensures a consistent and reliable supply of safe food products, reducing the risk of recalls or other issues.
R&D engineers can use the results from this test to develop safer agricultural practices and formulations. By understanding the levels of organochlorine residues in their products, they can innovate and improve processes to minimize environmental impact while maintaining product safety.
For procurement teams, this service offers peace of mind knowing that the food products being sourced are free from harmful organochlorine residues. This reduces the risk of supply chain disruptions due to non-compliance issues, ensuring a steady and reliable supply of safe products.
The high level of accuracy and reliability provided by our ISO 6468 analysis has earned us a reputation for excellence in the industry. Our satisfied customers include leading food processors, agricultural companies, and public utilities that rely on us to ensure the safety and quality of their products.
