ISO 21422 Hormone Residue Testing by Chromatography

Comprehensive Guide to ISO 21422 Hormone Residue Testing by Chromatography

Standard-Related Information

ISO 21422 is an international standard for hormone residue testing by chromatography, published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This standard provides guidelines and requirements for laboratories to conduct accurate and reliable testing of hormone residues in food and feed products.

The legal and regulatory framework surrounding this testing service is governed by various national and international standards. In Europe, for example, the European Commissions Regulation (EC) No 2002/2003 sets out the maximum residue levels (MRLs) for hormones in animal-derived foods. Similarly, in the United States, the US FDA regulates hormone residues in food products under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDC Act).

Internationally, ISO 21422 is recognized as a global standard for hormone residue testing by chromatography. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) also recognize this standard as a reference point for testing and calibration.

Standard development organizations such as the ISO/TC 34 (Animal and vegetable fats and oils) and the ASTM International Committee on Food Safety (F02) contribute to the evolution of standards related to hormone residue testing. These organizations work together with regulatory bodies, industry experts, and other stakeholders to ensure that standards are up-to-date and relevant.

Standard Numbers and Scope

The following standard numbers and scope apply to ISO 21422 Hormone Residue Testing by Chromatography:

Each of these standards provides specific requirements and guidelines for hormone residue testing, including sampling, sample preparation, chromatography conditions, and data interpretation.

Standard Compliance Requirements

Compliance with ISO 21422 is mandatory in various industries, including:

Regulatory bodies such as the FDA, USDA, and European Commission require compliance with this standard for hormone residue testing. Non-compliance can result in penalties, fines, or even product recalls.

Standard Requirements and Needs

ISO 21422 Hormone Residue Testing by Chromatography is required to ensure food safety and quality. The business and technical reasons for conducting this test include:

Consequences of not performing this test can be severe, including:

Test Conditions and Methodology

ISO 21422 Hormone Residue Testing by Chromatography involves the following steps:

1. Sampling: Collecting representative samples from food products or animal feed.

2. Sample Preparation: Preparing the samples for chromatography analysis, including homogenization, extraction, and purification.

3. Chromatography Conditions: Conducting high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to separate and detect hormone residues.

4. Data Interpretation: Analyzing data from the chromatography results to determine the presence and concentration of hormone residues.

Testing equipment and instruments used in this process include:

Test Reporting and Documentation

Test results are documented and reported according to the following guidelines:

1. Report Format: Reports should follow a standardized format, including information on sampling, sample preparation, chromatography conditions, data interpretation, and conclusions.

2. Interpretation of Test Results: Test results should be interpreted in accordance with standard guidelines, taking into account the presence and concentration of hormone residues.

3. Certification and Accreditation: Laboratories conducting this test must hold relevant certifications (e.g., ISO 17025) and accreditations (e.g., NIST).

4. Traceability and Documentation Requirements: All data and documentation should be kept traceable to the original samples.

Why This Test Should Be Performed

Performing ISO 21422 Hormone Residue Testing by Chromatography offers numerous benefits, including:

Why Eurolab Should Provide This Service

Eurolab is uniquely qualified to provide ISO 21422 Hormone Residue Testing by Chromatography due to its:

By choosing Eurolab for hormone residue testing, clients can ensure accurate and reliable results that meet the highest standards of quality and safety.

Conclusion

ISO 21422 Hormone Residue Testing by Chromatography is a critical component of ensuring food safety and quality. By following this standard, laboratories and industry professionals can prevent harm to human health, maintain consumer confidence in the food supply chain, and enhance product quality and safety. Eurolabs expertise and commitment to quality make it an ideal partner for hormone residue testing services.