Veterinary Drug Residue Testing in Meat & Milk
The presence of veterinary drug residues (VDRs) in meat and milk can have serious implications for human health. Regulatory bodies worldwide, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and national food safety agencies, enforce strict limits on the permissible levels of these residues to ensure public safety.
Our laboratory offers comprehensive veterinary drug residue testing services specifically tailored for meat and milk samples. Our team uses advanced analytical techniques such as Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to detect even trace amounts of prohibited substances, ensuring accurate results that meet international standards.
The process begins with sample collection from farms or processing plants. Proper sampling is critical; it should be representative and free from contamination. Once collected, samples are transported under controlled conditions to our laboratory for analysis. Our analysts follow stringent protocols outlined in ISO 17025:2017 to ensure the reliability of each test result.
Our testing encompasses a wide range of prohibited substances including antibiotics (e.g., penicillin derivatives), hormones, and other veterinary drugs that could pose risks if consumed. We adhere strictly to guidelines provided by organizations like the European Union Commission Regulation (EU) No 37/2010 for EU member states.
The analytical process involves several steps: extraction of active ingredients from the sample matrix, purification using solid-phase extraction cartridges, and finally, analysis via LC-MS/MS. This method allows us to identify both known and unknown contaminants with high sensitivity and specificity.
Our laboratory ensures compliance with all relevant standards including those specified by Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) guidelines for maximum residue levels in foodstuffs. Compliance is not only about meeting regulatory requirements but also safeguarding brand reputation and consumer trust.
We employ highly skilled and certified personnel who undergo continuous training to stay updated on the latest developments in analytical chemistry and regulatory changes affecting our industry. This ensures that we provide accurate, reliable results every time.
In addition to routine testing, our team can assist with customized protocols designed specifically for clients' needs. Whether you need pre-market clearance or ongoing quality control checks, we have the expertise to meet your requirements.
Our commitment to accuracy and reliability is reflected in our strict adherence to international standards such as ISO/IEC 17025:2017 which governs proficiency testing programs for laboratories. By participating actively in these programs, we demonstrate our unwavering dedication to maintaining the highest levels of quality assurance.
Choosing us means choosing a partner committed to protecting public health while upholding industry standards. Our services are backed by over 30 years of experience and a proven track record of delivering accurate results consistently across various sectors.
Applied Standards
In addition to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, our laboratory adheres strictly to several key international standards when conducting veterinary drug residue tests:
- European Union Commission Regulation (EU) No 37/2010: Provides detailed specifications regarding the maximum allowed concentrations of various prohibited substances in meat and milk.
- Codex Alimentarius Commission Guidelines: Sets out global standards for food safety, which includes guidelines on permissible levels of VDRs.
- ASTM E1623-09 Standard Practice for the Use of Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) in the Determination of Residues: Outlines best practices for using LC-MS technology in residue detection.
- EN 15874:2006: European standard covering analytical methods for determining veterinary drug residues in animal products, including meat and milk.
These standards provide a comprehensive framework ensuring that our testing procedures are consistent with best practices globally. They also help us stay current with any updates or changes to regulations affecting the agricultural sector.
Quality and Reliability Assurance
At our laboratory, quality assurance is integral to every aspect of our operations. We maintain strict adherence to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, which sets stringent requirements for technical competence and quality management systems in testing laboratories.
To further enhance reliability, we participate in proficiency testing programs organized by bodies such as the European Co-operation for Accreditation (EA) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). These programs provide an independent assessment of our analytical capabilities ensuring consistent high-quality results.
Our analysts undergo rigorous training to stay abreast of emerging trends and technological advancements in veterinary drug residue detection. This continuous professional development ensures that we employ cutting-edge methodologies and technologies, enhancing the accuracy and precision of our tests.
The use of advanced instrumentation like LC-MS/MS plays a crucial role in achieving these high standards. These instruments offer unparalleled sensitivity and specificity enabling us to detect even minute quantities of prohibited substances. This level of precision is essential given the strict regulatory limits imposed on VDRs by various authorities.
Moreover, our laboratory adheres strictly to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), ensuring that all aspects of sample handling, preparation, and analysis are conducted under controlled conditions. GLP compliance guarantees the integrity and reproducibility of test results, thereby fostering trust among clients and stakeholders.
We also maintain robust quality control measures throughout the entire testing process. This includes regular calibration of instruments, validation of methods, and implementation of strict data management protocols. All these efforts collectively contribute to our unwavering commitment to delivering reliable, accurate results that meet or exceed client expectations.
International Acceptance and Recognition
The international acceptance of our veterinary drug residue testing services is underpinned by our strict adherence to global standards. Our laboratory has been accredited by the European Co-operation for Accreditation (EA) and recognized by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), ensuring that our results are widely accepted across different jurisdictions.
Our participation in EA proficiency testing programs, particularly those conducted through organizations like EURACHEM, further enhances the credibility of our reports. These programs simulate real-world scenarios allowing us to demonstrate our capability to produce consistent and accurate results under diverse conditions.
The recognition we enjoy extends beyond Europe; our tests are accepted by regulatory bodies worldwide including the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Health Canada, and Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). This broad acceptance reflects our reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable testing services globally.
Our commitment to quality is reflected in our active involvement in international harmonization efforts aimed at aligning regulatory requirements across different countries. By participating in these initiatives, we contribute towards creating a more unified global approach to food safety and public health protection.
The acceptance of our results by major regulatory bodies underscores the importance placed on maintaining high standards within our laboratory operations. It also serves as testament to our ongoing efforts to uphold these rigorous criteria, ensuring that clients receive accurate, reliable data they can trust.
