Articles
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Monitoring Data from UK Food Industry 2000 |
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European Union Harmonized MRLs |
Links
- Regulatory Authorities Worldwide in relation to pesticides
- Codex - regulations and information
- Other regulations and information
- Information on UK regulations and pesticide issues
- Information on USA guidelines concerning pesticide regulations and usage
We also....
Details matter. To make life easier for our customers, we also provide the following features and services:
- Courier sample collection
- On site sampling
- Sample bottles
- Labels and tracking forms
- Custom labels
- Cool boxes, pre-chilled
- Traps and tubes for hire (pre-prepare and spike option)
In fact, we pride ourselves on being approachable, flexible and helpful to our customers
and we will endeavor to make sure that any additional needs are met with the least difficulty
     
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Pesticide Analysis Service
SAL offer a comprehensive pesticide testing service to a wide range of clients thoughout the UK and Europe. The clients include
- Growers
- Packers
- Importers
- Food Manufacturers
- Fresh Produce Suppliers
- Supermarkets
- Animal Feed Manufacturers
The pesticide residue analysis service is accredited by UKAS to the 17025 standard for the majority of the commonly encountered pesticides and fungicides. The multiresidue pesticide screen is performed routinely on a wide variety of foodstuffs. For example:
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Citrus Fruits
- Oranges
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Vegetables
- Lettuce
- Courgettes
- Onions
Multi-residue pesticide screens
We offer the following pesticide screens
- A limited screen of about 100 compounds but analysing in scanning mode, which will detect and accurately identify pesticide residues that are compatible with the method.
- A comprehensive screen of over 140 compounds consisting of organochlorines, organophosphorus, organonitrogens, pyrethroids and dicarboximide pesticides.
- Screens defined by clients (compatible with the analytical procedures used).
Dithiocarbarmates
These compounds are determined as carbon disulphide, to give total residue of dimethyldithiocarbamates (e.g. Ferbam, thiram and ziram) and ethylenebisdithiocarbamates (e.g. Mancozeb, maneb, zineb and propineb).
Carbendazims
Benomyl and Thiophanate Methyl determined as Carbendazim
Post Harvest Treatment Pesticides
An example of a post harvest treatement screen is a typical potato screen - maleic hydrazide, thiabendazole, chlorpropham, imazalil and Tecnazene.
Other testing which is often associated with pesticide testing
- Nitrates
- Inorganic Bromide
- Sulphur Dioxide
- Glycoalkaloids
- Metals
Testing/Analysis
Using fully validated procedures all analytical work is carried out in accordance with the Fresh Produce Consortium and Codex Guidelines.
Analytical techniques at SAL for pesticide testing are based on validated and published CODEX and USA FDA methods.
Our laboratories for residue testing are furnished with modern, automated equipment which include a range of GC's and HPLC's with a range of detection systems. SAL are unique amongst the general testing laboratories in that all pesticide residue analysis is carried out using high resolution GC/MS. The use of the highly sophisticated technique offers many advantages over the conventional GC-MS, these include:
- most definitive confirmation of the presence of a residue - Codex Guidelines (Section 3.2)
- analyses in the scanning mode enables pesticides/components other than those sought to be identified.
The use of high resolution GC/MS provides clients with a greater confidence in the analytical data as ambiguity arising from interfering components is removed. The power of this technique enables full screening of semi-volatile organic components in a range of matrices and is ideal for verifying organically grown produce.
SAL are continously working to reduce the limits of detection to keep up with the challenges presented by specific industries, such as the infant foods and changing legislation.
Reporting
Standard turnaround is available at 5 or 10 working days. In emergency situations we can negotiate rapid turnaround times from same day to 48 hours.
Our analytical reports conforms to UKAS/GLP/FPC guidelines and incorporates all the relevant data submitted with the samples, date received/tested, analysis carried out, method references, findings, relevant UK/Codex MRL's (Maximum Residue Level) and any additional comments where appropriate.
Reports can be issued electronically and also in hard copy. All positive results exceeding MRL's will be communicated immediately.
Our flexible approach enables us (SAL) to provide pesticide reports which are tailored to your specific requirements.
Quality Control
SAL laboratories are UKAS accredited for a wide range of pesticide analysis in a range of matrices and the Manchester laboratory is GLP compliant.
All compounds in the multi-residue screen are detected to at least half MRL (unless the MRL is set at the LOD). Sensitivity of our analytical procedures is enhanced by the use of high resolution GC/MS. Recovery efficiencies, analysis of standards and quality control checks are performed with each batch.
SAL participates in the FAPAS scheme for pesticide testing and result are available on request.
SAL are commited to providing a rapid,accurate and cost effective pesticide analysis service. We are constantly reviewing our analytical procedures and keep abreast of the latest regulatory requirements, as part of our quality assurance for trace organic analyses we participate routinely in a range of international round robin schemes.
A Customer Focussed Service
SAL assures all clients the highest level of customer service. This is achieved by the appointment of a project manager for each client/assignment carried out. The project manager becomes the single point of contact and will ensure that samples are correctly registered and co-ordinate the analysis to completion ensuring agreed turnaround times are achieved and reporting is carried out to client specifications.
Arrangements for sample collection can be made by our organisation or using a reputable courier. We will make all the arrangements on your behalf.
Consultancy
Our qualified technical staff are available to discuss your specific requirements and advise the favoured testing protocol. These can be based on interpretaion of spray programmes, current pesticide issues or past DEFRA surveillance findings.
Our network of contacts enable us to quickly find the solutions to our problems or concerns.
Emergency Testing
SAL have an excellent reputation of responding to specific customer needs. During emergencies or crisis situation where analysis turnaround is critical, SAL have a proven track record of achieving very tight deadlines by working seven days a week.
Further Information
SAL's wide capability in trace organic analysis enables us to tackle unusual analyses and problematic sample matrices. At SAL we have the facilities to carry out method development and validation as required.
Our qualified staff are available to discuss your requirements and assist with the design of testing protocols and regimes.