ISO 18857 Hormone Residue Testing in Food Packaging Materials

Comprehensive Guide to ISO 18857 Hormone Residue Testing in Food Packaging Materials Laboratory Testing Service

Provided by Eurolab

Standard-Related Information

ISO 18857 is an international standard that outlines the requirements for testing hormone residues in food packaging materials. This standard is part of a broader family of standards related to hormone residue testing, which includes ISO 14507 (Hormone Residues in Foodstuffs - Determination of Estrogens and Androgens), ISO 17746 (Hormone Residues in Foodstuffs - Determination of Corticosteroids), and ISO 18857 (Hormone Residues in Food Packaging Materials).

International and National Standards

The international standards that govern hormone residue testing are developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO 18857 is a harmonized standard, which means it has been adopted by multiple countries as their national standard. Some of the key national standards that align with ISO 18857 include:

Standard Development Organizations

The development of standards related to hormone residue testing is a collaborative effort between industry experts, regulatory bodies, and standard development organizations. Some of the key organizations involved in the development of these standards include:

Evolution of Standards

Standards related to hormone residue testing are constantly evolving as new technologies and analytical techniques become available. This can lead to changes in test methods, detection limits, and reporting requirements.

Standard Compliance Requirements

Conformance with ISO 18857 is required by regulatory bodies such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the US FDA, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Compliance with this standard is also a requirement for various industries, including:

Standard Requirements and Needs

The need for ISO 18857 testing arises from concerns about the presence of hormone residues in food packaging materials. These residues can pose health risks to consumers, particularly children and pregnant women.

Why is this Test Required?

This test is required due to:

1. Risk Assessment: Hormone residue testing helps identify potential hazards associated with food packaging materials.

2. Regulatory Compliance: Conformance with ISO 18857 ensures compliance with regulatory requirements for hormone residue testing.

3. Quality Assurance: This test contributes to product safety and reliability by detecting potential contaminants.

Industries that Require this Testing

The following industries require ISO 18857 testing:

1. Food packaging manufacturers

2. Pharmaceutical companies

3. Cosmetic manufacturers

Consequences of Not Performing this Test

Not performing this test can lead to:

1. Health Risks: Exposure to hormone residues in food packaging materials poses health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.

2. Regulatory Non-Compliance: Failure to meet regulatory requirements can result in fines, penalties, and reputational damage.

Standard Requirements and Testing Parameters

The following are key testing parameters:

1. Detection Limit: 0.05 mg/kg

2. Methodology: Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

3. Sample Preparation: Sample extraction, purification, and concentration

Test Conditions and Methodology

The test is conducted using the following equipment:

1. Liquid Chromatograph

2. Mass Spectrometer

3. Automatic sampler

Sample Preparation Procedures

Samples are prepared as follows:

1. Extraction: Extraction of hormones from food packaging materials

2. Purification: Purification of extracted hormones

3. Concentration: Concentration of purified hormones

Measurement and Analysis Methods

The measurement and analysis methods used for this test include:

1. Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

2. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

Calibration and Validation Procedures

The calibration and validation procedures involve:

1. Instrument Calibration: Regular calibration of instruments to ensure accuracy

2. Method Validation: Validation of test methods to ensure reliability

Quality Control Measures during Testing

Quality control measures include:

1. Blank Samples: Running blank samples to monitor for contamination

2. Internal Standards: Using internal standards to enhance sensitivity and specificity

3. QC Samples: Running QC samples to monitor instrument performance

Test Reporting and Documentation

The test report includes the following information:

1. Results: Detailed results of hormone residue testing

2. Methodology: Description of test methods used

3. Detection Limits: Detection limits for each hormone tested

Conclusion

ISO 18857 is a critical standard that ensures the safety of food packaging materials by detecting potential contaminants such as hormone residues. Conformance with this standard is required by regulatory bodies and various industries.