Gravimetric quantitative validation of botanic impurities in feed

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Food Safety
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Botanical impurities in animal feed pose risks to animal and human health, and the environment.
• Current regulations mandate rigorous official controls for feed and raw materials.
• Accredited laboratories require validated analytical methods for detecting contaminants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop rapid and sensitive methods for detecting specific botanical impurities (Datura stramonium, Ricinus communis, Crotaliaria spp., Ambrosia spp.) in animal feed and raw materials.
• To include detection of Claviceps sclerotia in cereals due to analytical similarities.
• To ensure methods comply with EU official control legislation.

Main Methods:

• Development and validation of analytical methods for quantitative analysis.
• Focus on parameters including specificity, precision, recovery, and measurement uncertainty.
• Application in routine official controls within assessed and accredited laboratories.

Main Results:

• The developed methods proved effective in detecting targeted botanical impurities.
• Claviceps sclerotia were successfully identified in cereal samples.
• All tested methods demonstrated suitability for official quantitative analyses.

Conclusions:

• The validated methods are appropriate for official quantitative analyses as per EU legislation.
• These methods support regulatory compliance and enhance feed safety assurance.
• The study provides reliable tools for routine monitoring of botanical contaminants in the feed industry.