EN 15763 Determination of Heavy Metals in Food: Laboratory Testing Services Provided by Eurolab
The EN 15763 standard, titled Determination of heavy metals in food, is a European Standard that outlines the requirements for testing food samples for the presence of heavy metals. This standard is developed and maintained by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and is based on international standards such as ISO/IEC 17025:2018 and ASTM E1723-14.
The EN 15763 standard applies to all types of food, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy products, cereals, and processed foods. The standard specifies the analytical methods and procedures for determining the concentrations of heavy metals in food samples, including lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni).
Legal and Regulatory Framework
The presence of heavy metals in food is a significant concern from a regulatory perspective. In the European Union, the maximum permissible levels for certain heavy metals in food are specified in Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006, which sets limits for lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, and nickel.
Similarly, in other regions such as North America, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets tolerance levels for heavy metals in foods under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDC Act). In Canada, the maximum permissible levels for certain heavy metals in food are specified in the Food and Drugs Regulations.
International and National Standards
The EN 15763 standard is based on international standards such as:
In addition to these international standards, national standards may apply depending on the country or region where the laboratory is located. For example, in Germany, the maximum permissible levels for certain heavy metals in food are specified in the Foodstuffs Act (Lebensmittelgesetz).
Standard Development Organizations and Their Role
The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) is responsible for developing and maintaining standards related to testing and calibration laboratories in Europe. CEN works closely with other standard development organizations such as:
These organizations play a critical role in ensuring that standards are developed and maintained to ensure the safety of food products.
How Standards Evolve and Get Updated
Standards evolve over time due to advances in technology, changes in regulatory requirements, or new scientific evidence. The standard development process typically involves:
Standards are reviewed and updated periodically to reflect changes in technology, science, or regulations.
Standard Numbers and Their Scope
The EN 15763 standard has been published with several national annexes that provide additional requirements for specific countries. Some examples include:
Standard Compliance Requirements for Different Industries
Compliance with the EN 15763 standard is mandatory for all laboratories that perform testing for heavy metals in food. This includes:
The standard applies to all types of food, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy products, cereals, and processed foods.
Why This Specific Test is Needed and Required
The presence of heavy metals in food poses significant risks to human health. Exposure to high levels of heavy metals has been linked to various health problems, including neurological damage, cancer, and reproductive issues.
Food manufacturers, processors, and distributors are required by law to ensure that their products meet the maximum permissible limits for heavy metals set by regulatory authorities. The EN 15763 standard provides a framework for laboratories to test food samples for the presence of heavy metals.
Business and Technical Reasons for Conducting EN 15763 Determination of Heavy Metals in Food Testing
The business and technical reasons for conducting EN 15763 determination of heavy metals in food testing include:
Maximum Permissible Limits for Heavy Metals in Food
The maximum permissible limits for certain heavy metals in food are specified in Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006. These limits vary depending on the type of food, including:
Sampling and Analysis by Standard Methods
The EN 15763 standard specifies the sampling and analysis methods for determining heavy metals in food samples. These methods include:
These analytical methods provide accurate and precise results for determining the concentrations of heavy metals in food samples.
Conclusion
The EN 15763 standard provides a framework for laboratories to test food samples for the presence of heavy metals. The standard is based on international standards such as ISO/IEC 17025:2018 and ASTM E1723-14, and applies to all types of food, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy products, cereals, and processed foods.
Compliance with the EN 15763 standard is mandatory for all laboratories that perform testing for heavy metals in food. This includes:
The maximum permissible limits for certain heavy metals in food are specified in Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006, and vary depending on the type of food.
The EN 15763 standard provides a framework for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, maintaining product safety and quality, protecting consumer health, building customer trust and confidence, and competitiveness in the market.
