ISO 13196 Determination of Mercury in Food: Eurolabs Laboratory Testing Service
The determination of mercury in food is a critical aspect of food safety, as excessive mercury consumption can have severe health implications. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published ISO 13196, which outlines the requirements for determining mercury in food. This standard is widely recognized and adopted globally, providing a framework for laboratories to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
The legal and regulatory framework surrounding ISO 13196 Determination of Mercury in Food testing is complex and multifaceted. At the international level, the Codex Alimentarius Commission has established guidelines for the detection of mercury in food. These guidelines are incorporated into national regulations, such as the European Unions Food Safety Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002.
International and National Standards
ISO 13196 is part of a broader suite of standards governing the determination of trace elements in food. Other relevant standards include:
Standard Development Organizations
The development and maintenance of standards are the responsibility of standard development organizations (SDOs). In this case, ISO is responsible for ISO 13196, while the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) is responsible for EN 14211.
Standard Evolution and Update
Standards evolve over time as new technologies emerge or existing methods are improved. For example, the introduction of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has led to more accurate and sensitive detection of mercury in food.
Specific Standard Numbers and Scope
ISO 13196:2014 specifies a method for determining mercury in foodstuffs using atomic absorption spectrometry. The scope includes the analysis of various types of food, including meat, fish, dairy products, and cereals.
Standard Compliance Requirements
Compliance with ISO 13196 is mandatory for laboratories performing mercury determination in food. This standard ensures that results are accurate, reliable, and comparable across different laboratories.
The determination of mercury in food is essential for ensuring product safety and compliance with regulatory requirements. The need for this testing arises from several factors:
Risk Factors and Safety Implications
Mercury contamination poses significant health risks to consumers. Prolonged exposure to mercury can lead to neurological damage, kidney damage, and other adverse health effects.
Quality Assurance and Quality Control Aspects
Eurolab ensures that all testing is conducted in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management Systems) and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories).
The determination of mercury in food using ISO 13196 involves several steps:
Eurolabs test reporting and documentation procedures are designed to ensure transparency, accuracy, and compliance with regulatory requirements:
The determination of mercury in food is essential for ensuring product safety and compliance with regulatory requirements. Eurolabs laboratory testing service ensures accurate and reliable results, enabling customers to:
Conclusion
The determination of mercury in food is a critical aspect of food safety, requiring accurate and reliable results. Eurolabs laboratory testing service ensures compliance with ISO 13196:2014 and other relevant standards, providing customers with confidence in their product safety and regulatory compliance.
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This comprehensive guide provides an overview of the standard-related information, standard requirements and needs, test conditions and methodology, and test reporting and documentation procedures for the determination of mercury in food. Eurolabs laboratory testing service ensures accurate and reliable results, enabling customers to maintain brand reputation, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and detect contamination.
Appendices
A. ISO 13196:2014 Standard Document
B. European Unions Food Safety Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002
C. Industry-Specific Examples and Case Studies
D. Statistical Data and Reports
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