CEN/TC 327/WG 1 - Minerals and Contaminants

This document specifies a method for the determination of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons (from C10 to C50) in feed. The method has been interlaboratory validated with on-line-HPLC-GC-FID – see [1], [2] and [3]. This method is not intended to be applied to other matrices.
The method can be used for the analysis of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and/or mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH).
The method is applicable for feed materials, in particular vegetable oils and other fat rich feed materials, compound feeds and pre-mixtures. It is not applicable to additives or deodistillates.
NOTE 1    The method was not designed for encapsulated matrices.
The method has been tested in an interlaboratory study via the analysis of both naturally contaminated and spiked samples (pre-mixture, soybean meal, sunflower seeds, chicken feed, pig feed, vegetable oil) ranging from 3 mg/kg to 286 mg/kg for MOSH and from 1 mg/kg to 16 mg/kg for MOAH.
According to the results of the interlaboratory study, the method has been proven suitable for MOSH and MOAH mass concentrations, each above 10 mg/kg. However, the method was not fully validated during the collaborative study for the premixture sample due to too low concentrations of MOSH and MOAH. The method was also not fully validated during the collaborative study for the sunflower seeds sample due to a too low concentration of MOAH.
NOTE 2   The conclusions regarding MOAH are based on 4 analyte / matrix combinations while the IUPAC protocol [4] expects this to be a minimum of 5.
In case of suspected interferences from natural sources, the fossil origin of the MOSH and MOAH fraction can be verified by examination of the pattern by GC-MS.
For the determination of MOSH and MOAH in edible fats and oils, another CEN standard is also available: EN 16995. For more information see [5].
Annex C proposes a manual alternative method to on-line HPLC-GC-FID analysis that can be used as a screening method for the determination of MOSH.

This document specifies a liquid chromatographic method with triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS/MS) detection for the determination of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in feed materials and animal feed.
The limit of quantitation (LOQ) for the PCP determination in guar gum, fatty acid distillates (FAD) and animal feed is 10 µg/kg. Individual laboratories are responsible for ensuring that the equipment that they use will achieve this limit of quantification.
The method is validated in an international collaborative trial for pentachlorophenol in compound feed, guar gum and fatty acid distillate in the range between 9 µg/kg and 22 µg/kg.
The results of the collaborative trial, in which 16 laboratories participated, have shown that the method is applicable for the determination of PCP in compound feed, guar gum and FAD at the desired limit of 10 µg/kg. Satisfactory results were obtained for one compound feed sample, guar gum and the two FAD samples (HorRat <2), while for the second compound feed sample a HorRat value of 2,2 was obtained.

This document specifies a gas chromatographic method with electron capture detection (ECD) for the determination of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in compound feeds and oil and fats.
The method is applicable to animal compound feed, oils and fats and fish meals with a water content up to about 20 % by weight and oil/fatty samples containing residues of one or more of the following OCPs, toxaphene and some of their isomers and degradation products:
—   aldrin;
—   dieldrin;
—   dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) (the isomers op'-DDT, pp'-DDT, pp'-TDE (pp'-DDD), and pp'-DDE);
—   endosulfan (as the sum of α-/β-isomers);
—   endrin;
—   hexachlorobenzene (HCB);
—   hexachlorocyclohexane isomers α-HCH (α-BHC), β-HCH (β-BHC), γ-HCH (γ-BHC or lindane);
For the following OCPs, the method is considered a screening method. Additional in-house validation is required for reporting validated data.
—   chlordane (as the sum of chlordane isomers and oxychlordane);
—   endosulfan-sulphate;
—   delta-keto-endrin;
—   heptachlor (as the sum of heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide);
—   photo-heptachlor;
—   cis
—   and trans-nonachlor.
A limit of quantification (LOQ) for the mentioned OCPs of 5 µg/kg is intended to be obtained. However, 10 µg/kg applies for heptachlor, aldrin, endrin, dieldrin, and endosulfan (α-/β– and sulphate). Individual laboratories are responsible for ensuring that the equipment that they use, achieves these limits of quantifications. The LOQs apply to the individual OCPs.

This document specifies a gas chromatographic mass spectrometric (GC/MS) method for the determination of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in animal feeding stuffs and oil.
The method is applicable to animal feeding stuffs consisting of less than 20 % by mass and oil/fatty samples containing residues of one or more of the following OCPs and PCBs and some of their isomers and degradation products:
   aldrin;
   dieldrin;
   chlordane, as the sum of chlordane isomers and oxychlordane;
   dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), as the sum of isomers op'-DDT, pp'-DDT, pp'-TDE (pp'-DDD), and pp'-DDE;
   endosulfan, as the sum of α-/β-isomers and endosulfan-sulphate;
   endrin, as the sum of endrin and delta-keto-endrin;
   heptachlor, as the sum of heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide;
   hexachlorobenzene (HCB);
   hexachlorocyclohexane isomers α-HCH (α-BHC), β-HCH (β-BHC), γ-HCH (γ-BHC or lindane);
   photo heptachlor;
   cis- and trans-nonachlor;
   non dioxin-like PCBs (ndl-PCBs), as the sum of PCB 28, 52, 101, 138, 153 and 180.
The method has been fully validated by a collaborative trial for the substances and corresponding ranges (ng/g) noted in Table 1.
The method has not been fully validated for oxychlordane, endrin ketone, cis- and trans-nonachlor and photo heptachlor in all matrices.
The method is not applicable to chlorocamphene (toxaphene), a complex mixture of polychlorinated camphenes. Chlorocamphene has a very distinctive chromatographic profile and is easily recognisable by GC/ECD. Positive identification of the toxaphene isomers can be performed by negative chemical ionisation mass spectrometry (NCI-MS), electron impact tandem mass spectrometry (EI MS × MS) or electron impact high resolution mass spectrometry (EI-HRMS), which is not within the scope of this method.
A limit of quantification (LOQ) for the mentioned organochlorine pesticides of 5 ng/g should normally be obtained. However, 10 ng/g applies for heptachlor aldrin, endrin, dieldrin, and endosulfan (α-, β- and sulphate). For the ndl-PCBs an LOQ of 0,5 to 1,0 ng/g should be obtained. The LOQs mentioned apply to the individual compounds (i.e. not the sum of two or more compounds). Individual laboratories are responsible for ensuring that the equipment that they used will achieve these LOQs. On customers' demand the standard may be applied to solely the analysis of PCBs or OCPs.

This document is applicable to the determination of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), (together termed ‘dioxins’ (PCDD/Fs)) and dioxin-like PCBs and non-dioxin-like PCBs (dl-PCBs and ndl-PCBs) in animal feeding stuffs. Collaborative studies have been carried out. The method is suitable for the determination of dioxins, dl-PCBs and ndl-PCBs at the appropriate MRL in compound feed and ingredients e.g. oil, mineral clay. The method is applicable to samples containing trace level amounts of one or more dioxins, dioxin-like PCBs and non-dioxin-likePCBs. The limit of quantification (LOQ) is
-   0,05 pg/g (OCDD/F = 0,1 pg/g) for the relevant individual congeners of dioxins/furans,
-   0,05 pg/g for non-ortho PCBs,
-   10 pg/g for mono-ortho PCBs, and
-   100 pg/g for non-dioxin-like-PCBs.
For determination of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs, the procedure can be used as confirmatory method as defined by Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009 for dioxins and dl-PCB in feed [1]. Confirmatory methods as described in this standard are high-resolution gas chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS) methods. If only the analysis of non-dioxin-like PCBs is required, a GC-LRMS method can be used (e.g. EN 15741 [2]) provided that appropriate analytical performance criteria are met in the relevant range for the matrix of interest.
This document is split into four modules. Each module describes a part of the whole procedure (see Figure 1 and Figure 2) to be followed:
a)   Module A:   Description of standards which might be used;
b)   Module B:   Description of extraction procedures;
c)   Module C:   Description of clean-up procedures;
d)   Module D:    GC/HRMS determination.
Each module describes a part of the whole method as well as, when applicable, alternatives which should be equivalent. Each module has to be regarded as an example. Combining modules and/or alternatives gives a highly flexible, "performance based" procedure. It is permitted to modify the method if all performance criteria laid down in Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009 [1] are met.
Any deviation of the described method, combination of modules needs to be recorded as part of the QA/QC procedures of accredited laboratories and should be available on request.
Figure 1 - Flow scheme for the determination of dioxins, dl-PCBs and non-dioxin-like-PCBs in feed
Figure 2 - Flow scheme for the determination of dioxins, dl-PCBs and non-dioxin-like-PCBs in oil and fat

This document specifies a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) mass spectrometric (MS) method for screening and quantification of melamine and cyanuric acid in the concentration range between 1 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg feed.
The method is validated in an international collaborative trial for melamine in complete feed, complementary feed, feed material, milk replacer and pet food including canned pet food in the range between 1 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg with particular regard to the maximum level of 2,5 mg/kg as established by the European Commission.
Laboratory experiences have shown that the method is also applicable for cyanuric acid in the same concentration range in complete feed (n = 7), complementary feed (n = 6), feed material (n = 7, resp. 9), milk replacer (n = 7) and pet food (n = 7) including canned pet food.
Since the LC-MS/MS sensitivity for cyanuric acid is lower than for melamine, it has to be ensured that the LC-MS/MS system is in excellent working order. The method is applicable to feeding stuffs but not tested for pre-mixtures and feed additives.
Quantification of concentrations above 100 mg/kg is possible, but the method has to be validated by the operator.

This European Standard is applicable to the quantitative analysis of (bound and free) hydrocyanic acid (HCN) in feed materials of plant origin and compound feed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
The method is validated from 10 mg HCN/kg to 350 mg HCN/kg. When the method is used outside this range it should be validated at least within the laboratory. A limit of quantification of 2 mg HCN/kg should normally be obtained.

This European Standard specifies a method for the determination of Ochratoxin A (OTA) in cereal based animal feed using immunoaffinity for clean-up followed by liquid-chromatography with fluorescence detection.
NOTE   The validated mass fraction range was 39 µg/kg to 338 µg/kg OTA.

This European Standard is applicable to the determination of Fumonisin B1 & B2 (FB1 & FB2) in compound animal feed at levels starting from 3 mg/kg up to 16 mg/kg.

This International Standard is applicable to the determination of zearalenone in animal feed at concentrations from 30 µg/kg to 3 000 µg/kg.

This Standard is applicable to the determination of deoxynivalenol (DON) in animal compound feed at concentrations of 150 μg/kg up to at least 4 000 μg/kg.

This European Standard specifies a gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric method for the determination of organochlorine pesticides (OC’s) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in animal feeding stuffs and oil.
The method is applicable to animal feeding stuffs with a water content up to about 20 wt% and oil/fatty samples containing residues of one or more of the following OC’s and PCBs and some of their isomers and degradation products:
   Aldrin;
   Dieldrin;
   Chlordane (= sum of Chlordane isomers and Oxychlordane);
   DDT (= sum of isomers op'-DDT, pp'-DDT, pp'-TDE (pp'-DDD), and pp'-DDE);
   Endosulfan (sum of -/-isomers and Endosulphanesulphate);
   Endrin;
   Heptachlor (= sum of Heptachlor and -Heptachlorepoxide);
   Hexachlorobenzene (HCB);
   Hexachlorocyclohexane isomers -HCH (-BHC), -HCH (-BHC), -HCH (-BHC or lindane);
   PCB 28, 52, 101, 138, 153 and 180 (“Indicator PCBs”) and PCB-198, 209.
The method is not yet applicable to Chlorocamphene (Toxaphene), a complex mixture of polychlorinated camphenes. Chlorocamphene has a very distinctive chromatographic profile and is easily recognisable by GC/ECD. Positive identification of the toxaphene isomers can be performed by negative chemical ionisation mass spectrometry (NCI-MS), electron impact tandem mass spectrometry (EI-MSxMS) or electron impact high resolution mass spectrometry (EI-HRMS) [1], which is not within the scope of this method.
The limit of quantification for the mentioned organochlorine pesticides and PCBs is 5 ng/g in general. However, 10 ng/g applies for Heptachlor Aldrin, Endrin, Dieldrin, and Endosulfan (-, - and sulphate). Individual laboratories are responsible to ensure that the equipment they used will achieve these limits of quantifications.

This European Standard is applicable to the determination of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), (together termed ‘dioxins’ (PCDD/Fs)) and dioxin-like PCBs and non dioxin-like PCBs (dl-PCBs and ndl-PCBs) in animal feeding stuffs. Collaborative studies have been carried out. The method is suitable for the determination of dioxins, dl-PCBs and ndl-PCBs at the appropriate MRL in compound feed and ingredients e.g. oil, mineral clay. The method is applicable to samples containing residues of one or more of the following dioxins, dioxin-like PCBs and indicator PCBs. The limit of quantification (LOQ) for the relevant individual congeners of dioxins/furans is 0,05 pg/g (OCDD/F = 0,1 pg/g), of non-ortho PCBs 0,05 pg/g, of mono-ortho PCBs 10 pg/g and of indicator PCBs 100 pg/g.
For determination of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs, the procedure can be used as confirmatory method as defined by Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009 for dioxins and dl-PCB in feed [1]. Confirmatory methods are high-resolution gas chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS) methods. If only the analysis of indicator PCBs is required, a GC-LRMS method can be used (e.g. EN 15741 Animal feeding stuffs - Determination of OC-pesticides and PCBs by GC/MS [7] and EN 15742 Animal feeding stuffs - Determination of OC-pesticides and PCBs by GC/ECD [8]) provided that appropriate analytical performance criteria are met in the relevant range for the matrix of interest.
This European Standard is split into four modules each describing a part of the whole procedure (see Figure 1 and Figure 2) to be followed:
a)   Module A:   Description of standards which might be used;
b)   Module B:   Description of extraction procedures;
c)   Module C:   Description of clean up procedures;
d)   Module D:    GC/HRMS determination.
Each module describes a part of the whole method as well as, when applicable, alternatives which should be equivalent. Each module has to be regarded as an example. Combining modules and/or alternatives gives a highly flexible procedure which is "performance based". It is permitted to modify the method if all performance criteria laid down in Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009 [1] are met.
Any deviation of the described method, combination of modules needs to be recorded as part of the QA/QC procedures of accredited laboratories and should be available on request.

This European Standard specifies a method for the determination of the elements cadmium and lead in animal feeding stuffs by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AAS) after pressure digestion.
The method limit of quantification for each element is dependent on the sample matrix as well as the instrument. For cadmium a limit of quantification of 0,05 mg/kg should normally be obtained while for lead, a limit of quantification of 0,5 mg/kg.

This European Standard specifies inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) method for the determination of:
-   minerals calcium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium and the elements iron, zinc, copper, manganese, cobalt, molybdenum in animal feeding stuffs,
-   elements arsenic, lead and cadmium in minerals on their own, in pre-mixtures or mixtures for use in animal nutrition.
The method detection limit for each element is dependent on the sample matrix as well as of the instrument. The method is not applicable for determination of low concentrations of elements. The limit of quantification should be 3 mg/kg or lower.
NOTE   This method can also be used for the determination of minerals in products with high mineral content (> 5%), yet for this purpose, other more precise analytical techniques are available.

This Technical Specification specifies a method for the determination of the minerals calcium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and sulphur and the elements iron, zinc, copper, manganese, cobalt, molybdenum in animal feeding stuffs by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) after pressure digestion.
The method limit of quantification for each element is dependent on the sample matrix as well as of the instrument. The method is not applicable for determination of low concentrations of elements. A limit of quantification of 1 mg/kg should normally be obtained.