EN 12396-3:2000

Overview

EN 12396-3:2000 is a European Standard developed by CEN that defines a precise UV spectrometric xanthogenate method for the determination of residues from dithiocarbamate and thiuram disulfide fungicides in non-fatty foods. These fungicides, including commonly used compounds such as mancozeb, maneb, propineb, thiram, and zineb, release carbon disulfide under controlled conditions, which can then be measured accurately. This method is especially critical for plant-origin foodstuffs where stringent maximum residue levels (MRLs) are imposed to ensure food safety and regulatory compliance.

Key Topics

• Dithiocarbamate and Thiuram Disulfide Fungicides
  These fungicides are widely used in agriculture to protect crops from fungal diseases. Monitoring their residues is vital for consumer protection and maintaining food quality.

• Xanthogenate Formation and UV Spectrometry
  The method relies on converting residues into xanthogenates, which can be quantified by ultraviolet (UV) spectrometric techniques. This allows sensitive detection of low-level fungicide residues.

• Residue Detection in Non-Fatty Food Matrices
  The standard specifically addresses foods low in fat content, ensuring accurate analysis without interference from fatty substances.

• Compliance with Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs)
  The procedure supports monitoring against regulatory limits, aiding producers, regulators, and laboratories in meeting legal requirements.

Applications

• Food Safety Testing Laboratories
  Laboratories performing routine pesticide residue analysis in fruits, vegetables, and other plant-derived foods benefit from the reliable UV spectrometric xanthogenate method described in EN 12396-3:2000.

• Regulatory Compliance and Monitoring
  Food control authorities use this standard to enforce pesticide regulations and protect consumer health by verifying that dithiocarbamate and thiuram disulfide residues remain below established MRLs.

• Agricultural Product Quality Control
  Producers and exporters employ this testing method to certify that their products meet international safety standards for export and domestic sale.

• Research and Development in Agrochemical Analysis
  Researchers studying fungicide residue behavior and degradation can utilize this validated analytical technique for accurate residue quantification.

Related Standards

• EN 12396 Series
  Part 1 and Part 2 methods may cover alternative analytical techniques or fatty food matrices, complementing the Part 3 xanthogenate UV spectrometric method.

• General Food Testing Standards (ICS 67.050)
  This standard aligns with other general methods of tests and analysis for food products, harmonizing approaches across European food safety laboratories.

• International Pesticide Residue Analysis Standards
  EN 12396-3:2000 works alongside Codex Alimentarius and ISO standards addressing pesticide residue determination to facilitate global trade and compliance.

Keywords: EN 12396-3, UV spectrometric xanthogenate method, dithiocarbamate residues, thiuram disulfide residues, non-fatty foods, fungicide residue analysis, food safety testing, pesticide maximum residue levels, plant-origin food analysis, European food standards, CEN pesticide testing standard.