ISO 6468 Organochlorine Pesticide Testing in Trade Products
The ISO 6468 standard is widely recognized as a crucial tool for ensuring the safety and quality of trade products, particularly those containing or potentially contaminated with organochlorine pesticides. These pesticides have been used historically to control pests on agricultural produce; however, their use has largely been phased out due to concerns over environmental and human health impacts.
Organochlorines are a class of persistent organic pollutants that can persist in the environment for long periods, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification. They pose significant risks when detected in trade products intended for consumption or further processing. Compliance with ISO 6468 ensures that such contamination is minimized, thereby protecting both consumers and the environment.
The testing process outlined by ISO 6468 involves several critical steps:
- Sample collection: This must be done under strict conditions to ensure the integrity of the sample. Samples are typically taken from bulk shipments or individual packages as per the specifications provided in the standard.
- Precise extraction methods: Depending on the type and form of organochlorine present, different extraction techniques may be employed. Commonly used methods include solvent extraction with hexane or dichloromethane.
- Quantitative analysis using HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography): This method is essential for detecting even trace amounts of organochlorines in the sample. The chromatographic separation allows for accurate identification and quantification of specific pesticides.
The acceptance criteria defined by ISO 6468 are stringent, ensuring that any detectable levels of organochlorine residues fall well below safety thresholds set by international standards like FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius. This ensures that traded products meet the highest safety standards and are fit for consumption or processing.
Our laboratory adheres strictly to ISO 6468 guidelines, employing state-of-the-art equipment and trained personnel to deliver reliable test results within agreed timelines. Compliance with this standard is not only a legal requirement but also enhances the reputation of your trading partners by ensuring product safety and quality.
Industry Applications
| Application Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Agricultural Produce Exporters | This includes exporters of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Compliance with ISO 6468 helps ensure that these products are free from harmful organochlorine residues. |
| Food Processing Industries | For companies involved in the processing or packaging of agricultural produce for export, this test ensures that processed foods meet international safety standards. |
| Pharmaceutical Companies | If agricultural products are used as raw materials in pharmaceutical formulations, ensuring they are free from organochlorine residues is critical. |
| Logistics and Warehousing Services | Laboratories providing testing services to these sectors ensure that the products stored or transported meet safety standards before reaching their final destination. |
Quality and Reliability Assurance
- Precision: Our laboratory uses high-precision instruments to ensure accurate quantification of organochlorine residues.
- Accuracy: Rigorous calibration procedures are followed to maintain the accuracy of results across all tests.
- Traceability: All test results are traceable back to internationally recognized standards like ISO 6468 and FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius.
- Durability: Our testing methods are designed to withstand the rigors of real-world conditions, ensuring reliable results.
Use Cases and Application Examples
Case Study 1: Exporting Fruits: A major fruit exporter sought our services to ensure their shipments met strict import regulations in Europe. Our ISO 6468-compliant testing identified trace amounts of organochlorine residues that could have compromised the shipment's clearance.
Case Study 2: Pharmaceutical Raw Materials: A pharmaceutical company required assurance that a batch of grain used as raw material for drug production was free from harmful contaminants. Our tests confirmed compliance, allowing them to proceed with confidence.
