ISO 17372:2008/Amd 1:2013

Overview

ISO 17372:2008/Amd 1:2013 is an important international standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) focusing on the determination of zearalenone in animal feeding stuffs. Zearalenone is a mycotoxin commonly found in animal feed that poses health risks to livestock and may affect food safety. This standard outlines the use of immunoaffinity column chromatography combined with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as the analytical methods to accurately detect and quantify zearalenone contamination.

The 2013 Amendment 1 specifically limits the scope by excluding silage fortified with molasses from the application of this method due to complications arising from its high sugar content.

Key Topics

• Zearalenone Detection Techniques: The document specifies immunoaffinity column chromatography for sample clean-up and HPLC for separation and quantification, ensuring precise and reproducible results.
• Scope Limitation: It clarifies that this standard does not apply to silage fortified with molasses, as high sugar content interferes with the analysis, emphasizing the need for alternative testing approaches for such feed types.
• Sample Types: Applies broadly to many animal feeding stuffs except those restricted by the amendment.
• Analytical Accuracy: Use of immunoaffinity columns allows selective extraction of zearalenone, minimizing matrix effects and enhancing detection sensitivity.
• Standardization and Reliability: Following ISO guidelines ensures consistency in testing across laboratories internationally.

Applications

• Animal Feed Safety Monitoring: Laboratories utilize this method to control and monitor zearalenone contamination, safeguarding animal health and productivity.
• Regulatory Compliance: Feed producers and regulatory bodies rely on the standardized technique to meet safety standards and legislative requirements related to mycotoxin contamination.
• Research and Development: Scientific studies assessing the prevalence and effects of zearalenone in feed products often adopt this method for reliable data acquisition.
• Quality Assurance: Feed manufacturers implement this testing to certify raw materials and finished products are within safe limits for mycotoxins.

Related Standards

• ISO 13395 - Determination of mycotoxins in food using immunoaffinity columns and HPLC methods.
• ISO 22000 - Food safety management systems – requirements for organizations in the food chain, relevant for feed safety.
• European Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 – Sets maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs including mycotoxins.
• AOAC Official Methods – Various methods for mycotoxin analysis that complement ISO testing standards.

By adhering to ISO 17372:2008/Amd 1:2013, animal feed laboratories and producers benefit from a standardized, validated method to detect zearalenone, enhancing food safety, protecting livestock, and complying with international regulations-except for silage fortified with molasses, where special considerations apply. This contributes to global efforts in maintaining animal and public health through reliable feed analysis.