Antibiotic Residues Analysis

Antibiotics and Drugs are analyzed by Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (LCMS/MS). Various National and International Standards are followed for the complete validation for analyzing the residues of several drugs and antibiotics in a food samples. All the methods are validated by estimating antibiotic recoveries in different spiked matrixes according to the Standard methods and estimation of Method Detection Limits (MDL), Limit Of Detection (LOD) and Limit Of Quantization (LOQ).
Spectro conducts test of various food and water samples routinely for this purpose. We possess Agilent Tripple Quad LCMS/MS with VWD.

The list of antibiotics tested:

• Anthelmintics (Fenbendazole and Albendazole)
• Chloramphenicol
• Metronidazole
• Nitrofuran and their metabolites (AOZ, AMOZ, AHD, SEM)
• Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Phenyl Butazone)
• Ronidazole
• Streptomycin
• Sulfonamides
• Tetracyclines
• Total Antibiotic Residues (β-Lactam)

Mycotoxins Residual Analysis

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites which are extremely toxic and are produced by the fungi. They cause dangerous diseases and may even lead to death of animals and human beings. Their pharmacological activity has found use as growth promoters, antibiotics and other drugs. They are responsible for the contamination in staple food items which poses significant threats to health. Even at very low concentrations, they are fatal and cause serious health issues. Spectro is playing a very significant role in uncovering the presence and diagnosing the quantity of Mycotoxins in food products. Apart from having the required instruments and facilities, we have a team of expert analysts to carry out these studies. We have Agilent Triple Quad LCMS/MS and HPLC Binary System with Fluorescence Detector equipments through which we can analyze the residues of various Mycotoxins according to AOAC Standards and LCMS/MS application notes. All the methods are validated by estimating the recovery studies in several spiked matrixes in accordance with the Standard methods and also by estimating the Method Detection Limits (MDL), Limit Of Detection (LOD) and Limit Of Quantitation (LOQ).

The Mycotoxins analyzed by us include:

• Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2
• Aflatoxin M1
• Deoxyvalenone
• Ochratoxin A
• Total Aflatoxin
• Zearalenone

Pesticide/Insecticide/Fungicide Residues

Complete validation of a food product is carried out as per the specified National and International Standards like PAM, AOAC, PAM, etc. to find out the residues of pesticide, insecticide and fungicide in the food items. All the methods involve estimation of pesticide recoveries in several spiked matrixes according to Standard methods and also through Method Detection Limits (MDL), Limit Of Quantitation (LOQ) and Limit Of Detection (LOD). Spectro carries out testing for several samples of water and food for a number of pesticides. The equipment used for this purpose is Thermo Finnigan PolarisQ GC/MS Benchtop Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer with Headspace Autosampler.

The group of pesticides which are tested very often:

• Carbamates
• Chlorinated Acids
• Organophosphorus
• Organochlorines
• Phenyl urea Herbicides
• Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
• Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
• Synthetic Pyrethroids

Shelf Life Study

Spectro Analytical Labs are the leaders of providing facilities for carrying out Shelf Life Studies as per the customer’s requirement according to specified National and International Standards. We provide a broad range of facilities including Chemical and Physical tests that are used to carry out qualitative analysis in terms of taste, aroma, color, texture, microbiological activity and nutrition level to meet the requirements of industrial safety measures for the food products.
Spectro has maintained a fully-equipped laboratory with a facility of all the required instruments that are necessary to conduct shelf life study.

Analysis of Toxic elements/Heavy metals in Food

Contamination in food items may be a result of presence of metals in water or soil during cultivation and processing. Exposure to heavy metals may cause impairments to functioning of our Central Nervous System or may damage some of the organs. Toxic elements whether present in major or even minor quantity needs to be detected in order to determine its health effects for the sake of consumers.
Spectro has fully-furnished laboratory which is equipped with Varian-MPX ICP-OES and modernized spectrometers like Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) with Hydride generator, Graphite furnace and XRF Spectrometer. Elements like Pb, Sb, Cd, As, Hg, Cu, Sn, Zn, Cr, hexavalent Chromium, etc. are categorized as toxic elements when present in foods. They induce toxic effects in human body but the food items containing these metals in higher amounts or beyond the maximum permissible limits can be avoided after being tested.