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Pesticide & Veterinary Drug Residues/
ISO 22855 Determination of pesticide degradation products in foodComprehensive Guide to ISO 22855 Determination of Pesticide Degradation Products in Food Testing Services Provided by Eurolab
ISO 22855 is an international standard that outlines the requirements for determining pesticide degradation products in food. This standard is developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and is widely adopted by laboratories worldwide.
The standard provides a framework for laboratories to follow when conducting this type of testing, ensuring consistency and accuracy across different countries and regions. ISO 22855 applies to all types of food samples, including raw materials, processed foods, and packaged goods.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
The legal and regulatory framework surrounding ISO 22855 is complex and varied depending on the country or region. In general, laboratories must comply with national regulations and standards, which may differ from those outlined in ISO 22855.
In the European Union (EU), for example, the testing of pesticide degradation products in food is regulated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Commission. The EU has established maximum residue limits (MRLs) for various pesticides in different types of foods, which laboratories must adhere to when conducting this type of testing.
International and National Standards
ISO 22855 is a harmonized standard, meaning it is aligned with other international standards developed by organizations such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), and the Turkish Standards Institution (TSE).
In addition to ISO 22855, laboratories may need to comply with national standards specific to their country or region. For example, in the United States, laboratories must comply with ASTM E2585-13, which outlines the requirements for determining pesticide degradation products in food.
Standard Development Organizations
ISO 22855 is developed and maintained by ISO Technical Committee (TC) 34, Food Products, through a collaborative effort between experts from around the world. This committee ensures that the standard remains up-to-date with emerging technologies and methodologies.
The development process involves several stages, including:
1. Proposal: A new work item proposal is submitted to the TC 34 Secretariat.
2. Drafting: Experts draft the standard, which is then reviewed by other members of the committee.
3. Approval: The draft standard is approved by the TC 34 Plenary and sent for publication.
Evolution and Updates
Standards evolve over time as new technologies and methodologies emerge. ISO 22855 has undergone several revisions since its initial publication in 2006, with the latest version (2019) incorporating updated methodologies and testing requirements.
The standard development process involves regular reviews and updates to ensure that it remains relevant and effective. Laboratories must stay informed about changes to the standard to maintain compliance.
Standard Numbers and Scope
ISO 22855 is a single standard that outlines the requirements for determining pesticide degradation products in food. However, laboratories may need to comply with additional standards specific to their country or region.
Here are some examples of relevant standard numbers and their scope:
Standard Compliance Requirements
Compliance with ISO 22855 is mandatory for laboratories that conduct this type of testing. Failure to comply can result in penalties, fines, and loss of accreditation.
The standard requires laboratories to:
1. Follow the approved methodology.
2. Use calibrated equipment and instruments.
3. Maintain accurate records and documentation.
4. Ensure the competence of personnel conducting the test.
Industries and Sectors
ISO 22855 is relevant to various industries and sectors, including:
1. Food processing
2. Agriculture
3. Pharmaceuticals
4. Cosmetics
5. Environmental testing
The standard applies to all types of food samples, including raw materials, processed foods, and packaged goods.
Risk Factors and Safety Implications
Pesticide degradation products can pose health risks to consumers if not properly monitored and controlled. Laboratories that conduct this type of testing must be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions to ensure safe working practices.
The standard requires laboratories to:
1. Follow safety protocols when handling samples.
2. Use personal protective equipment (PPE).
3. Ensure proper disposal of waste materials.
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
ISO 22855 emphasizes the importance of quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) in laboratory testing. Laboratories must implement robust QA/QC procedures to ensure accurate results and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
The standard requires laboratories to:
1. Develop and implement a QA/QC plan.
2. Conduct regular audits and assessments.
3. Maintain accurate records and documentation.
This section provides a detailed explanation of the test conditions and methodology outlined in ISO 22855.
Sampling
The standard requires laboratories to follow established sampling procedures to ensure representative samples are collected for testing.
1. Sampling strategy: Laboratories must develop a sampling strategy that ensures representative samples are collected.
2. Sample handling: Samples must be handled according to established protocols to prevent contamination or degradation.
Preparation of Test Solutions
Laboratories must prepare test solutions in accordance with the standards requirements.
1. Extraction: The standard outlines specific extraction procedures for different types of pesticides and matrices.
2. Clean-up: Laboratories must follow established clean-up procedures to remove impurities from the extract.
Instrumental Analysis
The standard requires laboratories to use calibrated equipment and instruments for instrumental analysis.
1. Mass spectrometry (MS): Laboratories may use MS to detect and quantify pesticide degradation products.
2. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS): This technique is used for simultaneous detection and quantification of multiple analytes.
Data Analysis
Laboratories must analyze data according to established protocols.
1. Statistical analysis: The standard requires laboratories to use statistical methods to evaluate results.
2. Reporting: Laboratories must provide clear and accurate reports, including results, uncertainties, and limitations.
Quality Control
The standard emphasizes the importance of quality control in laboratory testing.
1. Internal standards: Laboratories must use internal standards to ensure accuracy and precision.
2. Calibration: Equipment and instruments must be calibrated regularly to maintain accuracy.
Personnel Competence
Laboratories must ensure that personnel conducting this type of testing are competent and trained.
1. Training: Personnel must receive regular training on the standards requirements and laboratory procedures.
2. Certification: Laboratories may require personnel to hold relevant certifications or qualifications.
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